Oh, I guess we better not mess with you...

"Oh, I guess we better not mess with you."

Why is this people's reaction when they find out you do martial arts?  It is interesting people never say "Oh, I'm glad to have you at my side"  Why is it that people presume, even jokingly so, that your knowledge would be a threat to them rather than a shield.

Martial artists already know they aren't a threat.  They know how much work and discipline it takes to learn to become proficient.  They already know about the deep, lifelong friendships they develop with practice partners.  They already know that any youthful rage they might have once carried has long left them because of their practice.  Sure there are bad actors in every corner of life.  But they typically don't last long in a dojo because they won't find the echo chamber for their angst they desire. 

So this invitation is for the reader that happens upon this message who has had that kind of reaction to learning someone is a student of the martial arts.  Think about the person and how they are in life.  Go check out a dojo.  See how they are.  Whether you end up practicing or not, see how the students and teachers interact and support each other.  Let experience shape your perspective.