There was a time when some men would claim to be tough without ever stepping foot in a gym or dojo, relying on little more than anger and bravado. They’d boast about “blacking out” or “seeing red” as if that alone made them dangerous. But in today’s world, where martial arts is more accessible than ever and training methods are at their peak, can anyone still get away with pretending they know how to fight?

Yes, in some places, weapons like guns and knives can level the playing field, but let’s set that aside for now. The question is whether this kind of posturing still holds any weight. In an era where so many people are sharpening their skills and testing themselves through actual training, can this façade of toughness survive? Or has the sheer availability of knowledge and practical experience rendered these outdated claims as hollow as they’ve always been?