Ask Lemmy

I think you worry too much.

Sounds like you've never trained. If you want to try kickboxing or Muay Thai you're not going to be starting out sparring. You'll be learning the basics. That is, of course unless you're at some dodgy ass gym that pushes everyone to spar right out of the gate. In which case you should avoid and go to a proper gym. If you're getting many hard hits to the head in training starting out you're doing it wrong or your partner is an asshole. Just do it. I trained with other people in IT, I remember one guy was a C++ programmer. Stop over thinking it and go for it.

Instead of kickboxing you could try splitting your time between running, and strength training. Cardio will help with the sedentary nature of university course work, and strength training (weight lifting) will provide greater muscle control and definition. As long as you don't over do either, you should be able to defend yourself, and your loved ones, while remaining fit and healthy. These are also good habits to develop so that you can continue after your time at your university is complete....just my .02

Take up fencing and carry a knife instead.

Most martial arts that you would practice are very careful about not giving you injuries. You're practicing, not competing. Find a place to study, and ask the point blank how many injuries they get per month. The answer should be basically zero.

Other people kinda already said it, but try to find a martial art which is more focused on self-defense and that should reduce the risk of training injury.

I played American football for 4 years, then got a computer science degree and am now a professional software engineer. I definitely took some blows to the head but thankfully never any concussions. You can do it.

I agree with the sentiment of the other posts - you're over thinking it.

All martial arts come with an inherent risk of injury, some more than others but once you start, one of the fundamental things you learn is restraint and control. General sparring/training won't be too rough on you unless you get an asshole partner or you're still not prepared enough. If you're afraid of taking blows to the head then look for one that's less heavy on the head like grappling for example.

Try to find a physical hobby that you enjoy and improve yourself through that. Try out a couple different stuff and stick with one that resonates with you the most. Make some friends, expand your worldview, learn new things - you'll get further in terms of strength and skill if you're actually into whatever you're doing.

Also, it doesn't have to be a fighting sport. Any sport or physical activity will make you stronger. If fighting ability is what you're after then go for it, but it's not the only option.

My advice is that fighting isn't the only thing when it comes to protecting your family. Physical/mental health, knowledge, finances, reliability, sociability; a lot of other things are important as well and deserve the time to be worked on.

Source : Programmer who gets hit in the head, wrist, and body multiple times three times a week for the past 5 years

If you want to be safe from attackers get a gun. It doesn’t give you concussions and it’s far more effective than kickboxing at protecting you.

I should take a step back. Generally speaking, do what you can to avoid fights. Don’t duel with other men. Use other methods to establish status.

Outside of dueling, there is being jumped. ie fights you don’t consent to. For those, just carry some pepper spray, or a stun gun, or an actual gun. Don’t rely on martial arts to protect you from people who fight you without your consent. This is why the army carries guns: they’re the most effective way to get the upper hand when someone else is trying to hurt you.

Definitely do your kickboxing classes for the cardio. If you want to excel in college and in your career you’re going to need to work out.

Just don’t confuse yourself about it being a good strategy for staying safe.