Prepare for Reality

At C.A.I., don't come looking for a colored belt or colorful uniform. Just come looking for reality and self-improvement. If you want to survive outside the Dojo in the REAL world, forget about things that don't mater in the real world, like belts, trophies, associations, etc.. Do what's real. Research, ask experienced professionals, like inner-city police, inner city people or internal prison
officers.
If you are a sheltered suburbanite, join a volunteer program, i.e. ambulance, hospital, homeless shelter, outreach group, etc.. Condition yourself to reality, so if that one time comes, your prepared and not in shock. The experience may buy you few more years of life, help your community and stop the &$# would me attacker from hurting you or anyone else.

DON'T waste your time or fool yourself with a traditional martial art, it is an excellent way to get in shape and exercise, and "may" be somewhat effective after "many" years of training and real experience, but it's NOT reality in today's world. And by the way, Sport fighting is just that, SPORT. Shop around, educate yourself, beware of people who have big claims. (See "Buyer Beware").