attacking first was one of the worse things you did, but underestimating your opponent because of his size was by far the biggest mistake you made.
and as for taking the advice of those who said not to fight! i was hopping you'd figure that out for your self. it's unfortunate you had to put yourself through pain in the process of learning that.
diplomacy is always the way to victory, but sometimes you'll have no choice but to fight.
warning, never strike first. i told you that in my original post. looks like the wrestling paid off the most.