Why is Jor-El such a good fighter if he was a meer scientist, not programmed to be a soldier like Zod and his cronies that Jor-El butchered?

Jor-El's whole goal in life is to overcome his and his people's genetic programming. To accomplish something more than what they were created for.

If he can figure out a way to have a natural born son, despite the fact that its common practice to grow them - he can probably learn some kung fu too.

Moreover, it was his son. There is probably parental instincts at play as well.

Are you implying that scientists can't also learn how to fight?

@wolfrazer: No, I'm not implying scientists can't learn to fight. Im commenting on the fact that he was able to defeat the military officers, which were born to fight and defend themselves and their people from threats. How is it a person born and trained their entire life unable to defeat a single individual that wasn't born to be a fighter but a scientist, even if he learnt to fight.

@hovant: Cause Jor-El is a bad***? But your guess is as good as mine.

This was my least favorite part of the movie, made Zod look like a chump.