although i don't yet know much about it, there are many reasons why i want to get started learning a martial art: the physical challenge, the joy of competition, personal development, and general curiosity. but my primary reason is practical self-defense. i suppose that martial arts training makes one tend more successful in self-defense situation, all other things being equal. but how much more? what kind of potential for self-defense can martial arts training offer to one? (and i gather that there are many different styles of martial arts.) i know that there are many variables. we all have different natural ability. some of us work harder, practice more, are smarter, are stronger, are faster, etc. but what i am curious about are your stories and knowledge, from experience, from your own eyes, on one's potential for self defense. for example, i suppose it is true that with martial arts training i could come to defend myself against someone who is stronger than i am. but how much stronger? again i know everyone and every situation is different. but i want an idea. i also suppose that with training i could come to defend myself against multiple attackers, or attackers with weapons, etc. but again, how much? i hope this doesn't seem too simplistic to demand an intelligent answer. but i have been, am, and will continue to be a quite docile person. i have never been in a physical fight. i have to this point been able to avoid that sort of thing. but the time may come when there is no way out. be prepared. so in short, what potential for self-defense does martial arts training offer?
