Strike first or refrain when under fire?

[Xiaobian]

[Mig]

[Daifong]

Well, If people are concerned about the law and self defense, I think that this is fairly standard for the state of California:

CALJIC No. 5.50, Self-Defense—Assailed Person Need Not Retreat: A person threatened with an attack that justifies the exercise of the right of self-defense need not retreat. In the exercise of [his] . . . right of self-defense a person may stand [his] . . . ground and defend [himself] . . . by the use of all force and means which would appear to be necessary to a reasonable person in a similar situation and with similar knowledge; and a person may pursue [his] . . . assailant until [he] . . . has secured [himself] . . . from danger if that course likewise appears reasonably necessary. This law applies even though the assailed person might more easily have gained safety by flight or by withdrawing from the scene.
_______

Part of verbal challenge is to let others in the vicinity know that you are on the verge of being forced into a physical altercation...

Then, when you eventually have to hit him, take him down, whatever, people around will know who's the good guy, who's the bad guy, exactly what's happening, and possibly back you up...

Much better than that they hear a noise, turn around and there you are manhandling an innocent patron (for all they know)!

That being said, it's not so wise to get involved in barfights. especially if it's because you've been out drinking that evening, and followed a new girl to the wrong bar where that dude hangs out regularly with all of his homies...

[vaulander]

I Am: Of course I don't advocate standing there with the deer in the headlight look waiting for the first strike. There is a point in any negotiation where you realize it's not working. That said, I also don't advocate going completely psycho on the guy. If I have to strike the knee to get past him and run, I'll strike the knee. If he's got me against the wall grabbing my shirt/jacket and I have to clap his ears and knee him in the junk to get past him and run, I will.
My overall goal is to get away, not stomp or get stomped. I don't need to get the last hit in to prove a point or show everyone else I'm too bad to mess with. If the guy is bigger, stronger and better than me, I have maybe one small window to get away, staying to 'duke it out' isn't a winning strategy.

That said, I tell my boys there are only three reasons to fight:
1. To get away.
2. To defend others

[Yogicmotion]

@ vaulander

what's the third reason?

[Tung]

[Xiaobian]

[vaulander]

[shuen]

[Yogicmotion]

@ vaulander

Word.

[Tung]

[vaulander]

[Xiaobian]

[Tung]

[vaulander]

Well then, does this person confine himself to a certain area, or is he all over town trying to grief people?
If it is a limited area, there's your minefield. If everywhere is a minefield, well, that's a different scenario altogether. In that case, here's another piece of advice. If you DO decide to stand up to him, don't try to 'fight' him. There's no rounds, no judges, no points. Either you take him down hard and fast, or not at all. This wishy-washy 'if he strikes first, if I strike first' mind chess stuff will get you in trouble. You're not dancing looking for openings or any of that usual sparring stuff. You're not there to fight, you are there to hand him a beating, to as the saying goes... 'Eff him up bad.' If others are as fed up with his s-stuff as you are, gang up on him and stomp him. Make sure to cripple his hands so he can never bully others again.

Keep in mind that this course of action is both morally and legally wrong, and you might have some emotional difficulties with this if you choose to do it. It is not something I would personally do, or encourage you to do, but if you really want to go that way, stack the deck in your favor before you place your bet.
V.