I remember my Shotokan instructor telling me, “no matter how good you are or how many trophies you win, on the street you never fight fair”, good advice and words I took to heart.
A “real fight” without referees and judges calls for a different mindset than a competition between two athletes squaring off in a ring.
In a real fight anything goes and your very survival may depend on you not playing by the “rules” if you fight to survive you fight dirty.
Strike First
I remember reading an old Chinese proverb that said “he who strikes first wins”, never be afraid to throw the first punch.
Strike without warning, allowing no time for preparation or defense for your adversary. This is called a sucker punch – if you must fight, it is a powerful weapon, use it.
Strike Often
After throwing the first strike don’t just stand there – keep striking until your target is no longer a threat.
Forget all those Chuck Norris movies where he allows his opponent to get back up on their feet after being knock down. If he goes down, finish the job while he is still in this most vulnerable position.
Be Violent
This one should be obvious. Never fight “nice” be violent, fight like your life depends on it, because it does. You’re not fighting to get the other person to submit. You’re fighting to save you skin.
Bite, gouge the eyes, pull hair, rip at the throat, attack the groin etc. Fight life a crazed madman.
Weapons Of Opportunity
Anytime you’re in a situation where there is a chance of aggression, start looking for anything that could be used as a weapon. These are called weapons of opportunity and are usually within arms reach, you just need to think outside the box.
Common items such as a pens, keys, rocks, ash trays or even a rolled up magazine can be used as effective weapons to attack vulnerable parts of the body.
Use A Distraction
Humans naturally protect their eyes, most will flinch, cover or even close them as a protective measure against perceived danger. We can use this to our advantage.
Throwing anything toward the eyes will move your opponent off guard and into a vulnerable position allowing you opportunity for an effective attack.