I learned basic boxing, did a biweekly class in it for a few years. Ages ago I did tae kwon do like every teenage boy does. I've never been any good, but I'm better than someone with no training I suppose.

Being hit really sucks, but constant drilling is very good to understand your abilities. Also, mitting punches beside your head - or being hit - really reduces your fear of it. My confidence skyrocketed, I'm convinced, from the constant whapping next to my face.