It doesn't matter when a man decides to bring the fighting spirit in to his life. An unexpected emergency, on-the-job training, or a clear decision to protect himself. The fighting spirit is the same for what ever reason they decide to learn it.
I started my fighting spirit for defense. I guess it was any kids life growing up - to deal with bullies and assholes toolin for a fight. You can only stand on the sidelines for so long until you get dragged into a fight or someone spots you for a target. Sometimes remaining neutral was like taking sides with wrong, it was very compelling to stand up for whats right.
If I do so well in almost everything I put my mind to, you can begin to imagine how well I excel in the fighting spirit. Just like learning anything else important in your life, you seek out the best teachers, train with your peers, put hands-on with the best weapons, and you study. I can appreciate a perfectly written peice of computer code, just as I admire the edge of a finely tooled samurai sword.
In hacking, just as I get excited about jumping into a problem - I get pumped thinking about jumping into a fight. All that training, all that experience - it'll go to waste if I don't use it. In a fight, I always have to know - I am the best man for the job. I absolutely will not stop until you are dead.
It comes down to picking your battles.
It means avoiding places where people might test your skills, or presenting a situation where you might have to make a stand.
A fighter knows how ugly war is, so he avoids it.
