I have never been in a fight. Looking back on what an idiot I was through my late-20s, this is absolutely shocking. I think back, and I desperately could have used an ass kicking to set me straight. I was in desperate need of some humility. One of the best things that I ever did was train in mixed martial arts, because those repeated beatings humbled me and helped me evolve into a halfway decent person.
And with that training, I increased my abilities if I were able to find myself in a skirmish, but let's face it, I'm in my mid-30s, and it's going to take some truly insane circumstances to find myself squaring off against a local street tough at this point in my life. Still, I like to think that I would be able to hold my own if I find myself in a hairy situation since I'm fairly competent in mixed martial arts.
But of all people, my child has made me realize how susceptible I am to a sucker punch. In my head, I always thought that my reflexes would let me get out of the way from a sucker punch if I got in an intense situation, but he has thrown that right out the window. This man constantly hits me with punches, kicks, knees, and headbutts. I NEVER see it coming. It's embarrassing. I mean, obviously I could use my brute strength and dominate him in a fight, but I thought I could also use my reflexes and agility to neutralize any attacks.
So now I know that if things escalate on the mean streets of Clearwater, Florida, it may not end up how I'd like it. Now I know instead of me hitting a beautiful double leg takedown and quickly moving to the person's back to choke them unconscious, any fight I find myself in probably ends with them taking the first punch and knocking my old ass out.
I mean, I know it's still unlikely for me to get in a fight, but I'll be avoiding any local street toughs just to be on the safe side.