[UpperMan]

Not sure. I would feel more comfortable if I knew my kid knew how to fight, preferably mixed martial arts as well. However, it depends on the kid, I mean if he/she is a total idiot, this might launch them into fights they wouldn't have otherwise gotten into.

So it's a double thingie, yes, learn how to fight but more importantly learn how to stay away from them.

But it's like Ben says, there are two types of people when it comes to fighting. Most are scared and think all the horrible ways they'll get beaten. And the rest are scared but think about what to do to the other one. And that's the big difference. The rest is all heart. It is to function in a situation of danger and not freeze up and immobilize yourself. If you have to fight, it is better to fight hard and well. THis means, if you're going to get it, it's better to not get beaten too badly.

As long as it's not a thing where the kid learns to fight well, and then because of that becomes a bully. That's the biggest no no in my books. Then you just created a new ******* to the world to torment others.

THere are bigger things to learn. Like for example, that you can defend yourself. And you should defend yourself, don't let others dictate how you should live, walk or what clothes you should wear. Don't let them get to you. If they threaten, then defend yourself. Win or lose, you stood up for yourself and that's what really counts later in life. To acknowledge certain level of fear, to accept it, and to keep appreciating yourself and be strong headed, to go for the things you want to go, to go for the dreams you have and not let others pressure or threaten you with violence. To feel comfortable in that zone is the lesson I want my kids to learn. Not necessarily to fight per se, but to be able to walk their own line, and not back down from their dreams, not give bullies any more ammunition, but to stand up for yourself and handle fear.