Although the best way to 'win' a street fight is to avoid one, we are not always so

lucky. There are many fighting techniques around to deal with combat, should it

come down to that, but taking a martial art or self-defense class doesn't guarantee

your safety. This is a guide to help you in making simple, deliberate actions to

end the fight.

Try walking or talking your way out of it. Most people are only trying to establish

a "tough," respected image. Nevertheless, don't "tip your hand" by letting them

know your intentions in any given situation. If you can resolve a dispute without

having to trade blows, do so, but don't invite a fight by looking weak, backing

away too quickly, or showing too much fear or anxiety. Don't let your ego (or lack

of it) become a liability to your safety.
Know when and how to run:

If you are outmatched or outnumbered, or just not willing to fight, then run with

the first opportunity.
Try to run towards public, well-lit areas where there will be others.
Be aware of your environment:

Aside from various objects that can be used as weapons and traps, knowing where to

run is very important--especially when you're outnumbered.

Use all of your senses fully. Don't just look around directly--use shadows and

reflections to your advantage. Keep your ears open as well.
Err on the side of caution, by assuming the following:

Your opponent is a better fighter, and has back-up.
He/she has a blunt or edged weapon, such as brass knuckles or a knife.

You will be hit. This is less of an assumption than a certainty, if you keep

fighting after being hurt, you are less likely to submit.

Keep your guard up. Even if it's only by extending your hands in a 'stay-back' type

pose, it places something between you and your opponent. Nevertheless, do not allow
your hands to become too far extended to harm either balance or striking ability.

Also, do not allow the opponent to grab your hands or arms (break the grip with a

quick rotation in the "weak" direction toward the opponent's thumbs) as either your

balance or your orientation (by the cross-arm pull) may be easily compromised.

Stay roughly two arms' length (about five and a half to six feet) from your

opponent, allowing the distance to shorten only to attack or counter an opponent.

Try to stay on an opponent's 'outside' (i.e. towards the side, rather than directly

in front). Remember that they can be an obstacle to themselves.

If fighting more than one opponent, move in such a way as to keep them in each

other's way. Don't stay between them, and if possible limit the directions they can

attack from.

Attempt to evade an attack completely. Simply blocking an opponent with your arms

or legs leaves the rest of your body in the way.

Stay on your feet. Going to ground is very dangerous to the untrained fighter,

especially if they have weapons, back-up or ground-fighting experience. Conversely,

it is to your advantage to have your opponent(s) on the ground. Watch your

opponent's balance for over-extension or other instabilities, and then quickly put

him on the ground.

Equally, minimize grappling time, as such opens windows of opportunities and

exposure to other fighters. As arresting attacks tend to grappling, use leverage to

put the aggressor on the ground.

Balance is key. Keep your balance, and attack your opponents' balance when you can.

Limit the opponent's movement of the feet and/or legs with your own feet and legs,

move the opponent off balance, and protect your own balance by breaking the

opponent's grip and by striking at the face (for instant disorientation during the

fall).

Attack any open, vulnerable spot without exposing too much of yourself. Damage to

the face, temples, throat, kidneys, solar plexus, etc. may eventually incapacitate

your opponent. Strategic strikes to the groin, the back of the head (temporarily

disrupts vision), the knees, and the eyes are particularly effective without

requiring much force, effort, or time. Attack the eyes with sand, dirt, mace, or

other sprays. Fight, pursuit, and flight are all equally ineffective without sight

(even temporarily).

Phone the police or alert some other authority, even if you do escape. If you're in

a club, and someone is up for a fight, find a bouncer. The 'fighter' may not just

be looking at you for a fight. Such authorities are here to protect people, and are

trained in dealing with this sort of thing.
Remember in order of priority: walk, talk, fight. Fighting is an absolute last

resort.
 
Keep calm. If you need to, breathe deeply. If you know how to clear your head, do

so. Unwanted distractions will only make you more likely to get hurt.

If someone else is better trained at dealing with this situation, leave it to them.
Don't try to interfere, as you may end up causing more trouble. Follow any

reasonable commands they give you.

If attempting to escape in the 'middle' of a confrontation, you should ideally

kick, trip, or send opponents off balance before running.

Keep things simple. Fights in films are choreographed. Real ones aren't.

Attacks from behind are difficult to see and avoid, and in a real fight, it is not

'cowardly' to strike from behind. Watch your back, and attack that of your

opponent(s).

Many of the weakest spots are down the 'center-line' of the body (i.e. down an

imaginary line drawn from forehead to groin). Take advantage of this in offense and

defense, and try to face an opponent almost side-on, as it makes your 'center-line'

more difficult to attack.

Be aware of the 'zones' of fighting (from the most distant); weapons, feet, hands,

knees, elbows, grappling.
Think before you act. Only employ an attack, grab, or other offensive technique

when you are almost certain it will work the way you want it to.

High kicks are rarely a good idea, especially if your opponent is untangled. Keep

them below the waist for best effect.

Fighting can cause injury or death, and land you in jail. Conversely, ineffective

fighting can cost your life at the end of the day.

This guide is presented as an assistant for a difficult situation, and is not

intended as a substitute for actual martial arts training. If you are concerned

with learning to defend yourself against physical violence, find a reputable

self-defense class in your area. If you do not know where to begin, consider asking

at your local police station.