Freestyler

http://www.myvag.net/ has lots of good information.

Books from Geoff Thompson's website, https://www.geoffthompson.com

Edit : misread sorry.

Hi, just remember it's all mental. You have to be preapred to endanger someone else's life for your own. Your fear will always be there, the difference is whether you let it get to you or not. As soon as you let fear control you, you are worried about getting hurt, or something bad happening, it most likely does. Have confidence in yourself and your training.

Hi, if you let fear get to you in a situation that wasn't dangerous; how are you going to be in a dangerious situation ? Will you freeze up with fear ?

I graded once and I haven't graded since.

What happened ? The 3 drunks were abusing you, or just walking in your general direction ?

Cross-training is definitely the way to go.

I only know about BJJ, so I won't comment on any of the others. BJJ is based on the theory that all fights end up on the ground, or all fights are won on the ground. It emphasises taking your attacker down to the ground, controlling them and finishing them. I really think you should do a search to determine which style is best for you, as most people here seem to be biased towards their art. Try google.com

Hi, I don't really think the belts should me your major concern. What's more important your learning, or getting a new pretty coloured belt ? Your training has NOT been delayed at all. The only thing delaying your training IMO is your lack of attendance and your mentality. When you encounter set backs, make sure you're heading in the right direction, change your direction if necessary and work harder! Stephen Covey has a nice analogy when he says it's no good having a map of of Detroit labelled Chicago, 'cause the harder you work, the quicker you'll end up frustrated; which highlights the importance of having the right direction.

I don't tell people I train.

G95champ: sticks and stones only break the bones, words may shatter the soul.

To learn how to fight. Nothing else.

I don't really like this question. If I could be any martial artist, I'd be me. Sure, I'd love to be as good as Rickson Gracie or Bruce Lee, but it's the challenge of overcoming obsacles and making myself better which is the fun part, not being good! If I was good, I would find it boring. I'm sure you have reached many short-term goals you have set yourself, such as to get your yellow belt, or perform this technique, etc. Are you happy because you're good ? Keep in mind good is relative, so you are good compared to what you were before. Or are you happy because you've overcome a difficulty ? <--- That there is the fun part. It is not being at a supreme level that is rewarding and satisfying.