Repost: The Old Guy’s Thoughts On Street-Fighting

I’m at a point in a book project where I have this old gray beard, who’s done a few things in his time, passing a few tips along from a lifetime of dealing with various problems…a few of the things on this list are things I’ve heard, a few are my thoughts, some of them I’ve read from the Marines to Clint Smith, to a tough old guy from Liverpool named Martin, and some others…

So here are some thoughts from an old fictional character on fighting —

Random Tips for Winning On The Street

• The number one option for personal security is a lifelong commitment to avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.
• Make up your mind right now about what you are willing to do to win in a fight.
• Be alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid conflict.
• There’s always someone better than you.
• Keep moving
• Action beats reaction
• There is no “second place” on the street
• Always cheat. Always win.
• Keep breathing and moving your head.
• Don’t escalate the situation. If they escalate, finish them.
• Keep your head moving and your vision in play.
• Always, always check behind you (check six); always, always check around you (check 360).
• Have the mentality to do whatever has to be done. Make up your mind in advance.
• Fight until the threat is over. Be sure it’s over.
• Watch the triangle (head (eyes) to shoulders) and the hands.
• Have a plan.
• Have a back up plan, because the first one won’t survive first contact.
• Don’t drop your guard.
• Be aggressive enough, early enough.
• The faster you finish the fight, the less hurt you will be.

• THE GOLDEN RULE: KNOW WHEN YOU’RE IN A FIGHT. IT STARTS LONG BEFORE THE BLOWS GET THROWN. MOST PEOPLE GET HURT BECAUSE THEY DON’T RECOGNIZE AN INTERVIEW OR THE IMPENDING CUES AROUND THEM THAT TELL YOU — YOU’RE IN A FIGHT.