ok first of all if you have to use your kirpan you SHOULD BE READY TO USE IT, once you pull out your kirpan no turning back so better use your head ok? ive been in many fights not that im proud but i never lost, one reason why cause i never started them, 2 cause i use my brain in a fight , i agree with the symbolic reason of the kirpan, but is also a LAST means of defence, which i think has now been established in the topic (mind da spelling ) remember this if any weapon is drawn in battle, that battle is taken to a whole new level, also this miltary stuff with the guns and stuff, dont wanna learn, i hate fighting , also any type or martial arts can only take you so far even then can not garantee your a victory, if you are going to fight adjust your punchs or what ever you do to suit you, so your body flows naturally and no strain is put on your body, also learn breakfall really help unless you like wheelchairs, i also find words being an effective weapon