This is an easy question to answer:

One must train to get confidence. If a person lacks confidence to defend themselves or to do any task correctly, it cannot be obtained by ignoring it. Getting started is the only way. If a person dreads coming to a training session, whether it be a team sport, cross-fit, or martial arts, one must arrive and partake in the training regularly to gain confidence. This is a school of martial arts, not the professional society of advanced martial arts instructors. This is where you learn. This is where you get experience. This is where you get confident.

This is like the repeated question I get: “Do I have to be in shape to take martial arts?” The answer is obviously “No but you have to attend to get in shape, particularly if you do not train at home.” You will not get in shape by ignoring it. At class, there is plenty of guidance and the support of your fellow students. At home, not so much unless you have a family there that roots for you every minute!

-Sifu Keith Sonnenberg