| Listen up. I know you think you've heard these before. | | | | Number two. Know the feeling of being hit. Most |
| You've likely had some martial arts training in the past, | | | | martial artists who have only ever been hit while |
| and I'm sure you already know that much of what you | | | | wearing protective gear, can't anticipate the pain of a |
| learn in a dojo can't be applied in a real fight. | | | | direct shot to the face. Instead, friendly sparring |
| It's common knowledge that most street fights are | | | | matches are brought to a halt the instant someone |
| usually over in 10 seconds or less. They're dirty, there | | | | gets accidentally hurt in a dojo. Unfortunately in a |
| are no rules, and you have to expect the unexpected. | | | | street fight, you'd be on the ground at that point getting |
| Even if you've never been in a real fight before, you | | | | kicked in the ribs and the face. Not that there is any |
| probably have a gut feeling that fancy Jean-Claude | | | | suggestion for you to go out and let someone break |
| Van Damme spin kick might get you into trouble. | | | | your nose so you can 'know how it feels'. No. Just be |
| You're right. | | | | very weary of this principle, as it has surprised even |
| Despite the obvious resolution (of not getting involved | | | | the most experienced martial artist. |
| in a street fight at all), sometimes you don't have that | | | | Number three. Your elbows and your knees are the |
| option, and you're forced to fight. These are the often | | | | most lethal weapons you possess when fighting in |
| overlooked, yet crucially important points that may | | | | close quarters. Often times, you're not given the |
| allow you to dodge a critical injury, or worse. | | | | opportunity to punch, or kick, when someone grabs |
| Number one. Footwork is key, cover the family jewels. | | | | you, or you're struggling to get a weapon out of their |
| Laugh if you will, but a kick to the groin is absolutely the | | | | hand. The human body is engineered is a way that |
| fastest, real-life way, to take somebody out. Biological | | | | such a significant amount energy can be transferred |
| explanations aside, the human body simply cannot | | | | with the right technique, that even the smallest individual |
| withstand a targeted blow to that region. Unlike a | | | | can deliver a fatal blow. |
| school fight or a bar fight where it wouldn't be 'cool' or | | | | There are countless other street fighting tips, tricks, and |
| acceptable to kick below the belt, in a street fight, | | | | advice out there, but these are by far the details most |
| survival is your first priority. Whether that means facing | | | | martial artists overlook when they're forced into a |
| your attacker to the side, or keeping your guard low, | | | | street fight. If you remember these 3 things, you'll have |
| it's up to you. This isn't an article on fighting technique. | | | | a significant advantage over your opponent. |
| Just protect that region if you want to stand a chance. | | | | |