i'm a lover, not a fighter
Lol. This is a fun thread ....... a lot of good advice and experiences coming out. Runt, that's a pretty funny story ....... this guy sounds like someone I definitely aspire not to meet.
There's an old Chinese martial arts saying that translates to: "first, mind; second, body; third, technique." This is one of the simplest but truest dcotrines I've ever heard.
Awareness, determination, aggressiveness, etc. -- the mental game -- are the most important factors in "conflict management." Knowing when to run and when to fight are pretty important, as are knowing the Use of Force laws in your state.
Body is about as important -- most people tire out after 30 seconds or so of full-tilt combat. Endurance, strong legs, and developed mid-section are a must.
Technique should bring it all together with some degree of focus. I've studied, on and off (mostly off), a little TKD, Aikido, Kendo, Okinawan Karate, Krav, and Muay Thai. What would I do in a fight? Beat feet.
Given extremely limited training time, I'd rather spend it running or lifting weights, with some Krav Maga and Muay Thai training. I have a friend whose a former national wu shu champion in the PRC -- he likes Muay Thai as a pure combat system. The "old" arts are great in some contexts, but I got tired of sifting through extraneous material. I really like the "modern" systems that focus on simple, gross muscle movements.