RE: One Mistake Even A Martial Artist Can Make In A Street Fight
I think what you are trying to say here and I completely agree is that because you study Martial Arts it doesn't mean you will always escape serious injury in a fight. Also there is a distinction between Martial Arts and Self Defence. Whilst any Martial Art training can only be a good thing, except in one respect you can carry injuries from practising the very sport you are hoping will help you in a fight.
Obviously your speed, reactions, strength are all going to be improved by studying a Martial Art, but take Judo which I did for a number of years, that is not the same environment as a Street fight, no Judogi to hold, no soft mats to land on etc. There are better Martial Arts for Self defence, I would say MMA is probably the best for this.
Not everyone does Martial Arts for the self defence aspect though, some because of the competition aspect, some for the fitness (injuries not counting). I do consider the injury aspect a problem if you are relying on the Martial Art for self defence, in the later years of my Judo career I was it seemed always carrying some kind of knock and sometimes serious enough that I could in no way defend myself in a fight!
If there is a situation you have to fight for self defense, it is recommended to drop your ego. Sometimes you might underestimate others and that can be dangerous.
When we learn martial art, we think what we are learning is the best. Of course, that's better. That's why, we are learning that. If you have an open mind, you can see some other martial arts are also better and effective.
Understanding the reality gives us a comparative advantage. Glad to know you do Judo. And you recommend MMA for self defense.
Yes, people learn martial arts for many reasons like the competition and fitness, as you said and I completely agree with that. Thank you so much @stimp1024 for your feedback. I really appreciate that!