By Sandra E. Hoodgin
As the old adage goes, the best fight is the one you’re not in. The second best fight is the one you win. However, the line between winning and losing in a street fight is a thin one. There are no rules in a street fight and often times you are fighting a stranger. With a stranger, you don’t know if they or someone they know will resort to weapon-use, what their skill level is, if they will seek revenge, if they have a medical condition or will have one as a result of the fight that you could be liable for. Seriously, street fights should be avoided at all costs. Don’t be the brawling guy or gal who “wins” a fight only to have a lawsuit come your way later or someone decide to take revenge once you let your guard down.If you get into a street fight, it should be because it is your absolute last resort to defend yourself. Once you have a way for a clean break, get out of there. Don’t hang around or wait for your aggressor to get a second wind. With all that being said, if you must brawl it out, don’t make these mistakes:
Lack of awareness: Rule number one in life, be aware of your surroundings. This could make the difference between a one-on-one fight or getting jumped. We believe that lack of awareness is the leading cause of an unfair fight.
Letting your guard down: Keep your hands up to block blows, chin down and jaw clenched tight. The moment you slip could be the moment you get KO’d.
Not striking first: Everyone could have a different opinion on this, but if you know a physical altercation is unavoidable, strike first. For example, if someone is lunging at you, go into the lunge with a strike. You might not be able to back out in time so fleeing could land you on the ground at that point. Remember, when you punch, don’t just aim at them, try to imagine your strike going through them for maximum impact so that you can get away.
Not using the elbow: Elbows don’t play! If you are in close contact with the aggressor, use an elbow strike, they are absolutely brutal and can help you get away faster than wailing away with your fist.
Using a weapon: Weapons in general can be horrible when introduced into a street fight because it increased the changes of legal trouble as well as irreparable damage. If you have a knife or what have you, make sure that you know how to use it. What often happens is that an aggressor will have more skill or strength than you do and use your weapon against you. Think twice before introducing weapons and get professional training before you decide to carry.
Don’t flinch or close your eyes: Yep, a lot of people close their eyes when a strike comes their way and find themselves getting hit instead of dodging or being able to find a way out.
Punching the stomach: The abdomen isn’t a hot spot for nerve endings like the eyes, nose, throat, kidneys, or groin. Don’t tire yourself out going for an ineffective target.
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If you’d like practical training on how to defend yourself, Kru Christopher Aboy is one of the top self-defense experts in the country. He’s trained government officials in the White House, law enforcement, and professional athletes. Train with Kru Chris and his team of coached at
T.A.G. Muay Thai in Sterling, VA
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