Punching Myths In The Mouth

Duck These 7 Common Fight Mistakes to Save Your Butt.

- Kevin Estela

Win or lose, you always learn.” This quotee has been used by coaches and martial arts practitioners in various iterations, and true to some degree. No one will forget the feeling of getting g choked out for the first time or what actions, in training, lead to getting struck, thrust, or shot.

These experiences are great teachers. The wise fighter will catalog them to avoid them in the future. Sometimes, though, losing means losing it all. Some fight mistakes aren’t learning experiences — dying doesn’t afford some- one a second chance to try again. 

What follows are common mistakes that have killed some but taught many.

Mistake #1: “I’ll Just Run Away”

This is sound in theory. But reality isn’t always so kind.This assumption fails to take into account how real-life obstacles can slow or even stop the flight to safety. Uneven ground can trip you up. Loose gravel will prevent traction. And steep inclines, locked doors, and walls can slow or completely halt your escape.

These are merely the non-human factors affecting the “run defense.” How about the two-legged threat?

The attacker may be faster, have better endurance, or may be working with others. You might be baited into an ambush. The idea of fleeing assumes the end destination will be safer than the present location.

This pertains to a grander bug-out scenario, as well. Running is an option, but it isn’t a foolproof option. One should be ready to run, but also be willing to stand and fight.

Mistake #2: “I’ll Call the Police”

Calling for help is effective if there’s help within earshot and they’re quicker to respond than the attacker is able to inflict harm. If this sounds unreasonable, it’s because it is.