When you talk about the practical use of self-defense techniques, most of the time someone mentions what happened to them at the local watering hole. Whether you’re sitting around minding your own business or in a passionate discussion with someone else about the ramifications of sitting on someone’s favorite bar stool, fights happen when alcohol is spilled. So what do you do when a quiet evening with friends turns into chaos? The answer may be simpler than you think, but there is always more than one option.
If you are faced with the prospect of a fight in or near a bar, the best way to survive is to get out of there. That’s right, get out there with your friends and drive or run out the nearest exit. You have nothing to prove, and if you’re in a bar where fights happen regularly, try somewhere else for a change, you’ll be better off. If someone wants you out, let them out and let security take care of it. If they can’t get back in, they can’t fight, and if you’re really worried, call the police (it’s also important to have a charged cell phone with good reception). So the next time you see a bunch of guys walk into a bar and have a bad feeling about them, finish paying your tab and continue having fun at the restaurant.
The exits are blocked, the place is too crowded, or the guy just won’t leave you alone and starts following you around. You can’t escape and security isn’t close enough to help you, so you have to fight, but you have to make every shot count in a crowded bar. Front kicks, elbows, knees to the muzzle, and other melee techniques that work in close quarters are what you use to knock them back so you can escape or keep fighting until they can no longer defend themselves. If a weapon is drawn and you are unarmed, it does not mean that you cannot counterattack. With a little self defense training, you can be even more effective when you use them.
When you’re having a good time, it’s easy to get caught off guard, and fights can start even over the smallest things. You looked at someone’s girlfriend as she walked past you or maybe you brushed against someone while drinking, it doesn’t really matter. Just be aware of her surroundings and listen to her instincts, because chances are when you feel like you need to go home is when you need to go home. Also go out with friends and go somewhere you know you can trust the staff and have a good time. You don’t go out looking for fights, so learn to avoid and deal with people who are looking to cause trouble.