One time I punched a kid in the nose when I was like 6. Does that count?

I did this stuff actively for a long time and enjoyed the focus parts and skill parts of it. Am fairly competitive so did a few competitions as well and enjoyed it. It was also good for my physical self-esteem, but that I feel could have come from any sport I like. The actual physical stuff can be pretty fun and challenging. I think it’s a bit of a neurospicy catnip that kept me humming pretty well in everyday life.

But, the people doing these sports were often not the best people, at least not where I am from. Cops, violent men, misogony and just all that. I participated in these sports as a woman and it always took me twice as much effort to get the belts or whatever “the boys” got very easily. I was also ostriciced a lot due to my gender.

There was lots of stanning for Japan and a lot of the sort of weird male hierarchy that felt very uncomfortable. Eventually I quit and just instructed fitness boxing for others, just as a sport for all kinds of people, genders and bodies.

I sometimes miss the actual sports, but not the clubs and people. I still practice at home and do some online martial arts combat classes sometimes, but just for covid alone I would not go back to doing this face to face anymore.

i have a passing interest but i haven’t really gotten into it yet because of depression and life stuff. it’s definitely something I would encourage as a leftist if you have the capacity. if you’re lucky and there’s a left wing fighting gym in your area that’s the best bet, at the “regular” ones you’re fairly likely to run into right wing nutjobs/bigots unfortunately. wrt which one to choose, BJJ seems very practical and unlikely to give you a head injury just from sparring etc. if you do something like boxing you will sustain head injuries from sparring which is a concern. there is no avoiding it in a striking sport. obviously being able to throw a punch is still very appealing but i would personally stick to the heavy bag in that department to save what’s left of my brain cells.

I took boxing for three years, it’s loads of fun. Stick out the first two weeks and you’ll be addicted, and have a lifelong confidence boost.

I’ve had a lot of experience. I used to like to scrap a little consensually though. I’d end up with a fat lip and a lot of laughs. Any striking art will be good. The better ones are boxing, muay Thai, and wing chun. As far as grappling, you’re going to be suggested bjj. That’s a mistake. Bjj is really good at fighting one guy on the ground. You mentioned that you want it for self defense. If you’re fighting someone on the ground what are the chances chuds friend is jumping in? What you really want is something that will give you good defense against takedowns. Wrestling and judo are good choices. If I had to focus on one, I’d go muay Thai. If I wanted to go for fun, judo or boxing. Finding a few friends that want to throw each other around in a park, is a blast. Likewise, beating each other up in a gym is tons of fun too. If you find a really good school, you’ll realize how much a street fight is about luck, but you’ll be in better shape, and at some point you’ll start to feel like a shark. It’s a cool feeling. Good luck