Strike first or refrain when under fire?

[Tung]

Imagine this scenario;

Let's say you are in college,bar or some gathering place and then you just happen to get on the bad side of someone whom you know could be a high level kung fu fighter or a black belt in Karate etc.You really know that your hung ga level no matter how high could never match this person.

And so he starts shouting and getting nearer and nearer.Right now,in your mind all you can think of is if you are not careful,you could get injured real bad.If you choose to refrain,and only block when he starts hitting,you could probably fail in blocking a second punch from him since his reflexes are faster and you obviously are no match.Or he could kick and catch you off guard.You know if a fight happens it will not be a test of moves but just pure reflex

But then again,what if he really doesn't want to hit you?But he is getting more aggresive verbally and coming closer.

Since he might see your punch would you rather use a No shadow kick(the real one)style attack to the lower half of his body before he attacks in order to safeguard your physical well being or would you rather wait?If this was someone you could see as having a lack of fighting experience,you could probably wait for him to hit and then block but if it was someone who is too skillful,will you be willing to take the risk?

I think there is a united states law that allows you to hit first if they really invade your "personal space".

Anyway,the question is not really about the strategy or move used but rather would it be worth it to strike first.

PS:The no shadow kick strategy here mentioned is the amateur type which just relies on the opponent neglecting to protect his lower half therefore you kick where he is not looking and not the perfect kick that the masters can perform i.e the extremely fast kick that can knock out the opponent in one try.

[Daifong]

The LAST thing you should try to use is a "No Shadow" Kick...

You told us that the fellow's Gung Fu is already BETTER than yours!



Ok, but seriously...

If anything that happens once within hands reach is faster than the eye, and any passive attempts to simply block or hamper an attack are subject to be grabbed, damaged and used as a handle, I'd say you have until he gets within hands reach (that might be farther than you think) to verbally address his action (to de-escalate, define and resolve), launch pre-emptively (loudly walking up on you is assault already), or escape (the art of fighting without fighting)...

Then you need to look at the underlying reasons why he singled you out, if it's random and you can walk away from it, count your blessings. If it's personal, then the matter needs to be resolved, or it may happen again...

Aggressive, bullying people have some underlying insecurity they are compensating for, expressed in a need to be dominant at all times...

Agreeing that he is huge, powerful, and undoubtedly able to turn you into a grease spot on the floor takes away his justification to escalate on you. Then, asserting your own position in a calm, cogent, non-confrontational manner can be an effective means of conflict resolution...

You need to point out why it's in his own best self-interest not to throw his weight around, but to respect the little people. He never knows how they can help or hurt him down the road...

Besides, unless you've righteously EARNED being yelled at and beaten (sorry, can't help you there!), somebody who is doing this to you is likely just a step ahead of his own Karma, and things will soon resolve themselves regardless of whether you get involved at the time or not!



Best,

Michael

[Tung]

[Xiaobian]

[Daifong]

[Tung]

[Daifong]

[vaulander]

[Tung]

[Tung]

[I am]

From my perspective:

Why be there in the first place? If you are being yelled at, you can try to A) diffuse the situation, B) leave ASAP, and C) if you are unable to do either, are being threatened and are outclassed, grab a knife or something to use as a weapon close by, and put them down.

The point being, there is no reason to get in a fight over who is more full of testosterone. And if a fight is unavoidable, then act, go home safe (and call the police regarding your actions if you wish).

As far as I am concerned, the primary purpose of a martial art is for use when other avenues have failed (on a physical level). One may opt to try to subdue a person, but do so with the knowledge that it puts your own life in more danger and assumes that you are more skilled than they are in most cases.

[Asmo]

I recommended a few times before, but hey, if its really good I just recommend it a *th time

[Yogicmotion]

Most states in the US require self defense to be just that defensive. You can't strike first.

However, if he does clock you (and even if your Kung fu is great you are gonna take a least a couple shots), my advise is to grab the nearest pool que, beer bottle of any other type of weapon and smash his face or knee. Pool que's are great, the break knees very quickly.

Remember this will be street fight, not a sparring match. You'll need to end the fight as quick as you can and get the hell out of there. Man can't fight if he can't walk. If you know the opponent has superior skill then you'll need to fight dirty.

That being said 90% of street fights can be avoided by just being aware, if the guy is really in your face in bar get the bouncer or bartender to toss them out and call the cops if he is hanging outside waiting for you. There is no shame in no fighting. Actually it takes a bigger person not to be goaded into a fight.

Always fight as last resort. In a street fight no one really wins.

[vaulander]

[I am]