Will getting into an MMA/boxing gym cure a fear of confrontation?

[GobBluth]

When I was younger, I was all for a good scrap in the back yard. I used to box with friends for fun, wrestle with the boys, got beat up a few times, beat up some dudes a few times, etc. Now, in my early 30s, I've realized the stupidity of fighting and that in the adult world it often ends with criminal repercussions or medical bills, or both. That said, I had a weird experience a couple of years ago where a confrontation happened and flight kicked in instead of fight. This was both internally humiliating and made me feel like a total p****y. So, will getting into combat sparring or something along those lines help? I'd hate to be in a situation that truly requires violence (i.e. protecting the castle or family) and feel that "flight" feeling again.

Anyone out there experience something similar?

 

[TallBill]

Sure, or it could make you even more scared. Takes several years of fighting experience before you get into a real mma program.. Start with BJJ, Boxing, or another martial art.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Move to Chicago, you will be ready in 3 days.

 

[Miramonti]

Absolutely, yes. In addition to learning self-defense and the confidence that will come with that, you'll also learn to stay calm in adverse situations, and be able to de-escalate situations better with your confidence and calmness. On a side note, I've found a lot of respect among people in mma classes I've had and met some really good people, particularly in bjj.

 

[rommelrommel]

Yes, but if flight works it's almost always preferable. Why take a chance that the other party is a shithead willing to stab or shoot you?

 

[Howard]

A lot of problems can be avoided by eliminating the fear of feeling like a pussy.

 

[Clemenza]

Avoiding the fight is always preferable. One thing BJJ and MMA has taught me is how easily destructible the human body is. That being said, it will give you a sense of confidence that you may not have had before. I've found that doing BJJ consistently has helped me handle stress better by constantly putting me in bad and uncomfortable positions. Why not go try it? Most gyms I know (BJJ in particular) will let you try out a few classes for free. There are also a lot of really great people that you'll meet.

 

[cbrunny]

lol OP.. just go buy a truck. Gotta fight to feel like a man.. bahahaha

Real men don't fight ever. Real men navigate life.

 

[tynopik]

That said, I had a weird experience a couple of years ago where a confrontation happened and flight kicked in instead of fight. This was both internally humiliating and made me feel like a total p****y.

That's called being an adult and having good sense. In situations where it doesn't matter, avoid the confrontation. It's not worth it.

I'd hate to be in a situation that truly requires violence (i.e. protecting the castle or family) and feel that "flight" feeling again.

Don't worry, if it's truly important (which is extremely unlikely) you'll do the needful

 

[GobBluth]

Thanks for the support guys. I'm 100% in agreement that fighting is very stupid for almost all reasons other than a sanctioned sport or in extreme cases. I think I'm just looking for the confidence boost and, as someone pointed out above, being able to remain calm in a stressful situation (be it confrontational or just general). That was a weird feeling to have had when my brain just said "no, we're walking away from this". In hindsight, that was a great move on my part but i was physically rattled after I walked away. That feeling was awful.

I've been wanting to get into a gym for a long time. I think I'll just take the leap and go. Hopefully it has the effect I'm looking for.

Cheers

 

[Platypus]

Move to Chicago, you will be ready in 3 days.

no he won't.

but he's free to come 'wrestle with the boys' if he wants

op: fighting is fucking stupid 99% of the time. I don't think the confidence you seek will be found in a gym personally. It's great for a lot of other reasons, but I don't think the one you're looking for.

 

[cbrunny]

^ plus 1.