My son had a karate class today. It's pretty impressive to watch a five year old do half moons and run through his blocks while screaming, "KIYA!" Hi sensei is a phenomenal teacher. A very patient guy named Mr. Davis who to my son's amazement, lets the kids hit him in the stomach with no pads. (I don't think the kids realize that they are only five). I was watching my son get his yellow belt last week and thought to myself that I better start taking some self defense classes. I have since started taking Krav Maga. It is Israeli self defense and it is the best workout I have had since high school wrestling. I don't really think I need to get a black belt in self defense or have any real particular zeal for the art form...I just dont want to ever get beat up in front of my son. Especially now that he is on pace to be a black belt by junior high. I dont want my son to ever have to cover my back at a strip club brawl. 
 Imagine getting beat up in front of your child! What if that is his first real big memory? How would you disipline him after he saw that beat down? The boy would be around 12 years old and you would tell him, "HEY! Clean your room or I am going to whup your but!". The kid just looks at you and says, "Oh, TODAY you're a man?!!?" 
"Remember when I was 6 and you got beat down like a punk by the neighbors kid?!"