A co-worker learned that I am a black belt and asked me an interesting
question: "Does a black belt give you any benefits?" "Like giving you
income, or getting you into places other people can't go?"

I was surprised by this question. I don't talk about my martial arts
training very much. Most people, when they find out, ask me what I
would do in a specific situation, or if I know deadly techniques etc.

This was the first time someone asked me what the return was on my
continued investment in training. I keep pondering this especially
since it is unlikely that I will be attacked. I have decided there are
a couple of reasons. One of them would be physical fitness through
learning a useful skill unlike typical cardio exercises. Giving time
to help younger students learn and grown would be another.

Has anyone else been asked this? How did you answer?