FINALLY! Someone (everything) asking the right questions. And getting some great answers as well.
I've alwys asked myself; "What can I give this person now, today, that they can apply as soon as they walk out the door?"
The answer(s) have always been different because everyone's Personal Combat is unique to them. Age, socio-economic and lifestyle circumstances are the first, and most important aspects of one's Personal Combat which need to be explored.
Perceptual issues are also extremely important when exploring different types and levels of conflict. I've worked up some fairly generic drills which allow one to self-assess that plane of their awareness. The drills are not conflict oriented or even aggressive in nature. They allow the trainee to create/choose the energy they will naturally express when they confront any kind of power-struggle, be it in dialogue, body-language, direct and indirect action, etc.
Awareness, as mentioned, is important. it can be explored and strengthened quite easily, though. We have drills for that which I think I talked about in the Extrasensory thread.
Balance goes with the territory when a sound physical regimen is followed with even half-hearted dedication.
Don't have a lot of time right now, but wanted to chime in on my favorite topic. Thanks for giving the paid it deserves, everything, and everyone else
-edit-
Almost forgot to acknowledge what windwalker wrote about people creating a network of support and offering resources within a community of folks who share the same concerns and interests.