Multiple Attackers

When fighting multiple attackers, every second is vital. During every second of the fight, you must optimize your time and cause the attackers to waste theirs. Do not waste time with non-productive motions, such as cocking your hand to throw a strike or excessive shifting of the feet to execute a kick. Multiple attackers do not attack one at a time, as seen in movies. One will usually initiate the attack and then the others will all rush in. Try to maneuver one or more attackers, or yourself, to interfere with the attack opportunities of the other attackers. Target kicks and strikes to vital points of the body that make it difficult or impossible for the attackers to see, breathe, or use their arms and legs. Try to identify the leader of the group and take him or her out of the fight quickly and decisively. If you cannot neutralize the leader, immediately try to take away his or her leadership by showing the rest of the group that the leader cannot protect them. Instead of trying to knock all the attackers out, try to make them scream and run or announce their injury, such as "I can't see!" or "My leg is broken!" This may cause the other attackers to retreat.

Mobility is essential when facing multiple attackers. Move fluidly, at angles. Circle, keeping opponents off balance. Avoid step-drag steps. Stepping your front leg forward and then dragging your rear leg forward, or vice versa, is predictable and the first step is wasted movement. The only reason to step backward is to attack. Moving backward to retreat allows your attackers to triangulate on you and converge on you at about the same time. If you are surrounded, you cannot favor one side; you have to fight well ambidextrously.