[Paradox]

The whole "Martial Arts is supposed to be used only as the last resort" thing is such a myth. I know thats what they TEACH you in MA classes, but the truth is, those skills are used by jerks much more often than they are used as a last resort.

We've mystified the (Asian) Martial Arts so much in the west, its pathetic, which is why I was such a huge fan of Mixed Martial Arts, when it showed that hey, its just another way to fight.

This kid needs to be shown how he can be quiet, confident, and avoid confrontation when he can. But when he can't, he needs to be able to defend himself with whatever means neccessary.

I have two young sons, whom I plan on personally teaching some wrestling skills, as well as enrolling them in martian/mixed arts classes, and hell yes, they'll know that if they must, then they have my permission to defend themselves, and that incluces kicking the snot out of someone.

However, something that I found out is that, once you have that confidence, you will seldom, if ever, actually need to do it. Other kids will just know..

[Ditto]

However, something that I found out is that, once you have that confidence, you will seldom, if ever, actually need to do it.

Correct. Walk with a purpose, keep your head up, and look the bullies right in the eye. The body language of a kid with confidence usually makes bullies look elsewhere for a victim. If a kid has to defend himself, his objective should be to humiliate the bully in front of his friends, not to break bones or 'kick the snot' out of him.

[OKSooner]

" as well as enrolling them in martian/mixed arts classes "

Karate from Mars?