Fighting
Some martial arts stress avoiding an attack by using body movements and deflecting blocks. Other martial arts stress confronting an attack with hard blocks and strikes. When an avoider fights a striker, the avoider should not attack but make the opponent come after him or her. Striking arts train to fight in close range clashes, so stay outside their range. It is difficult to strike a strategically retreating fighter without making an extraordinary effort. Avoiders should watch for this extraordinary effort and strike when opponent is committed to the attack. Strikers use their hands for blocking and attacking. When the arms or body are being held (clinching), the referee stops the fight and moves the fighters apart since the actions is stopped. By holding and clinching a striker, you remove most of his or her weapons. Kickers need long range, so, when an avoider fights a kicker, the avoider should stay out of range, stay in very close range, or clinch. Quick kicks and punches are difficult to execute from a stationary stance, but the techniques are very powerful. Powerful kicks and punches are difficult to execute from a mobile stance, but the attacks are quick and snappy.
If you are not in a grappling martial art, do not grapple with a grappler. Make them come to you and then counterattack. If taken down, avoid submission holds and attack vulnerable areas as you seek to escape.
Fight on your own terms, not on the attacker's terms. As in an old West gunfight, no matter how fast you are, there is always someone else faster. The trick is to fight on your own terms, such as by positioning yourself so the sun is in his or her eyes. If your opponent is faster and better than you are, you must outsmart him or her by doing the unorthodox. You must always stay in control of the fight. This does not mean that you will not be hit; it means that you are in overall control of the situation. You make sure the opponent does what you want him or her to do. You do not fall into his or her trap. Never give the opponent an opportunity to get to you. Once an attack is imminent, you must take control and attack first.
Never give your intention away. Do not go into an obvious fighting stance or show hand positions that indicate you know how to fight. Use a shallow stance. Keep arms free to move. By not looking defense, you will have an edge since the opponent will not expect an attack. If you do not look aggressive when first confronted, this will also be in your favor if the matter goes to court. Once the fight begins, anything goes.