If Only I Were A Blackbelt

[BrandiOK]

I think guys do weird things and not for any particular reason other than impulse.  Testosterone is a mighty beast and depending on the individuals ability to control it things can go from bad to worse in a split second. 
  I have known men who were so quick to fight that they didn't even need a reason just a trigger.  I have also known men who would fight for a reason but also because they enjoyed it. I've known men who wouldn't fight at all unless you pushed them into a corner and some that wouldn't fight if thier life depended on it.
  This guy you describe probably saw you as a threat...someone who didn't deserve the "prize".  Most men are conditioned through society to despise or even hate anyone other male who shows weakness.  This is also a trait that may be left over from our 'wilder' ancestry.
  I used to think a lot of this "testosterone makes you crazy" stuff was bunk but in all honesty, at least to a certain degree, it's true.  Testosterone doesn't change personality but it most certainly does affect it.  My therapist once asked me what changes I've noticed since starting HRT as they regard to the differences between male and female.  I couldn't really think of anything other than being more emotional.  She started listing things and asking me to consider each specific catagory.  Such as music...I had always liked both male and female singers but sure enough my tastes had changed to an almost all female preference.  Violence....once I thought about it I realized that I would never want to attack someone unless it was unavoidable now but before HRT that wasn't the case.  Sensitivity...I was always more sensitive than most guys (shocker huh?) but after starting HRT and living as a female that sensitivity increase exponentially.
  The same arguements can be used for the effects of estrogen but that's another topic. Most women (and some other men) want a man who is strong and will protect them.  In todays society though things have changed a little.  It's no longer the sabertooth tiger we have to be afraid of (generally speaking), it's the creditors and sleazy car salesman or the mechanic who is looking to make an easy buck off of someone who may not know the score.
  You're gonna run into a lot of guys like you described earlier in this post.  You're gonna question your masculinity as it compares to them.  You're gonna want so bad to be the tough guy.  Instead, think about being smarter than them and you'll come out ahead.
  Don't worry so much about being Mr. Macho...instead, certainly learn to protect yourself, but be Mr. I'm  There For You No Matter What The Circumstances, that will take you a lot farther in life.

This is simply my opinion as someone who is finally seeing both sides of the fence.  Someone who has done every stereotypical male job that I could.  I've done it all....firefighter, police officer, bouncer, bounty hunter and even U.S. army infantry.

[cindianna_jones]

start now and by the time your 65 you might get a black belt...hehehehehe
so probly a faster method would be advisable !
<grin>

Bob.......

My faster way is to run!  Like the wind!  Get away! I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a whimp. I know when I will stand; for everything else, I'm outta here.

Cindi

[DawnL]

Marco, I am a black belt and there is no guarantee the outcome would have been any different if you had a black belt.  Frankly, it sounds like you handled yourself very well in a bad situation.  Unless you go regularly and maintain a high level of skill and fitness, a black belt is simply a piece of paper.  Pepper spray is probably equally effective and much easier to maintain.  Even something like that, unless you have it with you when you need it and practice using it regularly, it could be more of a liability than anything.

Dawn

[Bob]

Very True Dawn
but its like Rideing a bicycle.... you never forget completely
Self defence can becone a liability there is no doubt of that... when you loose !
when you loose the battle the liability is imediate and complete...
but we are talking about lessening the chances of becomeing a victom
you are a blackbelt and You know ways to down a assailant in a few moves and he won't be getting back up very fast...  if not, you should !
you never forgit that sort of thing ... because you become part of it, thats part of being a black belt.  you can be old and rusty and havn't worked out in years and STILL be a force to be reconed with... that is what makes it so great. no you may not be able to do what you used to do .... but when it comes down to it you can still survive !   that is far better than pepper spray that may just make your assailant mad.... or a 45 auto that will perminantly put you in jail
....its a tough world out there and you need to be able to handle it !...in ALL its nasty forms !

Bob........

[unicorn]

wow that is a hard lesson, Marco..

I've always wanted to be a blackbelt, and my dad who had years of karate training (no black belt though) started to teach me when i was a kid. I'm not sure why I never actually got into a class when i was young. From all that has happened since, I think it's more than likely that my mom vetoed my dad's idea to get me into martial arts. Too boyish.

Well, now I have finally started karate. just started so a long way to go, but i plan to stick with it and achieve that black belt.
One of my best FtM pals here is a black belt, and his dedication is inspiring, plus we can practice together .

I do Shuri Ryu karate, a style that includes classical karate and also teaches practical street fighting techniques.

Currently I am actually training in a womenonly dojo but these are chicks with balls, and a lot of openminded and queer women. My sensei has an approach to training that really works for me, so I'll stay there for now. My mate trains there and he recommended them. There are mixed dojos I can go to (travel a bit more) when i start transition.