Do you know anything about Krav Maga? A friend was telling me about it. I was thinking of looking for some classes.  
I think I've heard of it.  Is that the new pottery fad?
Ha, no, it is a military self-defense thing, it was developed in Israel. 
ooh, developed in Israel.  It must be effective.  Do you think it's better than Karate?
It actually involves some karate, but also boxing, wrestling, aikido, judo, and just general fight training. 
Sounds like a swiss army knife of self defense.  Does it work?
I think it must work pretty well -- the Israeli special forces units use it!  So does their security apparatus and their regular infantry. Impressive, right?
That is impressive.  How did it make it's way here?
I think it's just starting to make its way here, probably via others who heard about it. It was actually developed in the 1930's by a martial artist who wanted to protect Jews against fascists! Quite a history!