• Self defense can help you avoid being punched.boxe 43 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
  
  Self defense on the street is not about being flashy or spectacular. It is about being effective. Even Bruce Lee employed a different technique in an actual fight than that which he performed in front of cameras. Street self-defense should be quick, direct and to the point. In the event of being attacked on the street, it's best to act quickly and decisively, and then to run away.
  
  

Strike First, Strike Fast

• If cornered in a dangerous street situation, it's best to land the first blow if possible. Bruce Lee believed in striking your opponent's closest point with the front-most weapon available. Often this means using the front leg to deliver a quick, direct kick, almost like a horizontal stomp, to an attacker's knee. A strong kick to an attacker's knee can disable him and present you a chance to flee or deliver a follow-up blow, such as a knee strike to their groin or kick or punch to his face.
  
  

Foot Stomp, Elbow Strike

• When grabbed from behind by an attacker, it's possible to escape by stomping your heel down on the attacker's instep. This technique is especially effective when performed by women wearing high heels. The instep is sensitive, and being struck there likely will cause the attacker to loosen his grip. This can provide an opportunity to finish him off with a sharp elbow to the gut or groin.
  
  

Arm Grab, Backfist

• This technique can be employed if you are grabbed by the arm or wrist. It is performed by quickly and forcefully moving the arm that has been grabbed in a clockwise circular motion to break the grip of the attacker. This should be followed by rapidly smashing the back of one's fist into the attacker's face, preferably the bridge of his nose.