Wow, I am in my mid-thirties now and finally learning how to fight. It touches something deep inside me and ... heals some bad memories (of feeling powerless in aggressive situations) from my teenage years.
I feel empowered and deeply satisfied by this practice. 

What do you folk think:

Does a man have to know how to fight - not least to defend his family?

What style/practice/sport is best for self-defense and fighting skills?