What's this "warrior" stuff?

[ChicagoRonin]

37. No one less authentic than one who brags

I study martial arts, which means I do run into a fair share of wannna-be tough guys.

One thing I've noticed is that all of them (whether they are students or instructors) frequently use the language of war and combat in their training and teaching.

However, one elder instructor I know, who was a wartime combat marine in Korea and Vietnam and subsequently a police officer NEVER frames what he does in terms of actual warfare. He never tries to impress students with tales of being a soldier. In fact, he's one of the most affable and gentlemenly persons I've ever met.

And another advanced student I know who was a Navy Seal, never tells anyone about his job, or ever tries to show off. He is kind of scary to work out with, but that's only because he projects an unnerving degree of quiet confidence.