How do you know if you can defend yourself in a real-world, street fight or mugging scenario? There are really too many variables in a fight that would make it unpredictable. Of course, you can take several steps to ensure you are prepared to defend yourself. But, when you actually fight, the scenario may be completely different. There could be weapons involved. There may be multiple attackers. You will likely not get to choose where the fight takes place. Instead, here are a few key points to maybe help build up your skills to the point where you have confidence in your ability to defend yourself.
Avoiding A Fight
A fight should always be avoided if possible. That is the best way to defend yourself. If a fight never has a chance to start, you're guaranteed a win. Anything you want to accomplish only gets better with practice. The same applies here. Here are some ways you may be able to avoid a fight (in order of escalation):- Manage your environment - stay out of sketchy areas. Hang out with good people. Travel in a group if possible.
- Exude confidence - generally, bullies will only attack people that look weaker, like victims or like prey they can take advantage of. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. If you throw your confidence around and get in people's face, a fight situation will likely ensue.
- Open your eyes - if you've tried step 1 and you sense the situation escalating, take a quick scan of your surroundings. Where are you? Are there others around that may get involved in the fight? Are there potential weapons you could use? And, most importantly, where is the escape route?
- Check your ego - Apologize if you might have done something that may have set someone off even if they're wrong. Further, there's no shame in walking away if that's an option. Most people who hurl insults and try to get under your skin do so because of their own insecurities. Don't let them manipulate you. Simply walking away will work. Stay alert, however, as the fight may still be on. Try to walk backwards to a safe distance (before turning and running if that's necessary).
What To Expect
You can expect that nothing will go as expected in a fight situation. Anything can and will happen. While you are looking for any advantage, so is your opponent.- Expect that you will be nervous as hell. Know that your opponent is nervous too.
- You will likely forget anything during or after the fight.
- Be prepared for anything.
- If there are others around, expect them to jump in.
Speed, Mobility and Power
If you are concerned about having to defend yourself, work on speed, mobility and power in the gym. Speed - Work on speed in the form of punch and kick quickness. Practice short, straight-forward combinations. Think jabs, crosses and front kicks. No spinning elbows. No twisting, jumping uppercuts. You're not Ryu from Street Fighter. Work on sprinting. The better you run, the more likely you'll be able to escape your assailants. Work on getting up off your back, turning and sprinting. If you are in a ground fight, this is what you'll need to do once you've created the opportunity. Mobility - Work on movement and flexibility. Practice getting in and out of range quickly. Power - power isn't really necessary. It's certainly the last thing you should work on. Good technique is more important.Targeting
Examine the above figures carefully. Most of the vital targets are on or around the centre line of the body. It is crucial to know where to strike to do the most damage in the as efficiently as possible.
In his book, Fighting Method: Skill in Techniques, Bruce Lee says this: "The meaning of 'martial' is 'warlike'. We are not in a game; it's your life or his (or hers, but more likely his). And since you only have one life, take care of it the best you can."
Illustrated in the above figure are also nerve points. These may cause your attacker immense pain and disable them to some extent. This gives you and opportunity to escape.
