My sons used to get told all the time that they we learning to be violent by studying martial arts. That is not the case. They have studied many forms of martial arts from varying instructor and only once did my son refuse to test for third degree dan in Kenpo. And it was because of the instructor who was a bully. Someone who should not have advanced as far as he did. My sons are all peaceful but walk with the confidence within themselves and have avoided violence eve when it was thrust upon them. I am very proud of the path they are choosing to walk.