How to Defend Yourself in a Fight

If you happen to be a member of the species that involuntarily receives a boost of testosterone every single time you feel provoked, then you surely need to know how to defend yourself against an attacker. You may be at a bar, on the street, in a parking lot or simply at work when such a situation crops up.

Do not be fooled by the fight sequences that you see on TV. In reality, one well aimed punch can be enough to knock a guy out. Apart from that, most fights will be over before you even have a chance to say 'knuckle-duster', and honor and glory will certainly be the last things on your mind.

Rule number one is to try all possible means to convince your attacker that you mean him no harm or pose no threat to him. Look him straight in the eye and simply state that you're not looking for any trouble.

If that fails, calling out for help does not make you a lesser person. Remember that, and it will serve you well. Especially in circumstances when you're outnumbered, do not attempt to portray yourself as the reincarnation of Bruce Lee.

Now, if those tips weren't for you and you feel that you can take the guy on, then proceed with caution. Try and distract his attention away from your hands, continue to talk rubbish and then strike him suddenly when he does not expect it, and then back away. Continue till he's given up or till you run out of things to say.

If you can convince the attacker that you're mentally unstable, kudos to you. The first battle is always psychological, and if you can come out on top as far as that is concerned, then victory is on your way. Make crazy eyes, make crazy sounds, look psychotic, and you can successfully intimidate many an attacker.

Be extremely wary of weapons. It is not a good idea to tussle with somebody wielding a knife. If you choose, you can brandish a weapon of your own. Pick up a stick, use your keys, if in a bar, take up a bottle (do NOT break it like they do in the movies, you'll only end up with glass in your eye). If your attacker reveals a gun, just surrender. Resistance is futile.

If you're trained in martial arts, then you know the areas of the body to aim at. But here's a brief overview:

• Eyes: A finger in the eye will do more damage than 5 punches on the face. Poke, gouge, pinch, tear; everything goes.

• Solar plexus: If you watch TV, you know where the solar plexus is. Located just at the center of the lower regions of the lungs and just above the stomach, one well-timed blow here can wind any guy and leave him on the sidewalk.

• Neck: If you're a fan of karate chops, one long swing on the back of anyone's neck can even make the guy pass out in pain.
• Fingers: If you're lucky enough to get a grip on the assailant's fingers, twist it back as much as you can, and watch him fall to his knees and beg for your forgiveness. You're his master now.

Also keep in mind that while striking blows, your body position is crucial and can determine the force and intensity of your blow. Stand sideways with your shoulder facing the assailant. This also gives him lesser of you to aim at. Don't keep your feet too close to each other as it will hamper your movement. DO NOT turn your back on the attacker at any moment.

Lastly, remember that there are no rules. Anything goes and nothing is out-of-bounds. If you already know this then the upper hand is already yours. But always remember to be aware when you should give up or run. The tables can turn instantly at any moment, so do not get over-confident.

Keep in mind that fighting is not for the fainthearted, but in times of need, these important points can be the difference maker if you're ever attacked. Never ever instigate a fight against any unsuspecting soul. Serious bodily damage can be irreversible and can even land you in jail, so make sure you know what you're doing and do not get too carried away.