When you think a fight is about to commence check these things before you fight to avoid any rookie mistakes. These are your ‘combat maxims’. Try to learn them.

* Regulate your breathing and try to calm yourself down. Adrenaline is good but shaking isn't.

* Clench good, solid fists with your thumbs on the outside.

* Make sure your mouth is properly closed so that you don't bite your lip or toungue which can be nasty.

* Scan the area for weapons (stones, sticks etc), an escape, people who could help and anything else useful.

* Check out the opponent, look for weaknesses – e.g. a limp, or an ear ring to tear out.

* Make sure your weight is well balanced so that you won't fall over.

* Raise your guard.

* Keep your eyes on them, use your peripheral vision and observe their whole body.

* Wait for them to come to you, you will seem like the innocent party and they will be off balance. When they do, attack them before they're ready.

What to wear to prepare (or the 'What not to wear of Martial Arts!'):

Here is a list of the best garments to wear when engaging in combat. Of course you can't always conform to this dress code, and it's really just a bit of fun, but if you're expecting a fight try this out and you'll have an edge!

* Wear tight tops – so there is nothing to grab hold of (and you can show off your strength as a bonus, assuming you're strong that is).

* Wear loose trousers so they will not split during high kicks but not loose enough to be grabbed and definitely not long enough to trip over. Avoid genes or cords etc.

* Wear a belt that can be used as a whip or a knuckle duster or to tie up the person.

* Wear a hoodie, this is to be removed before a fight but it can be used to blend into crowds with the hood, or as a bandage. It also hides the tight top that could other wise be weird.

* Avoid glasses if possible, they are a great weakness as they can smash if punched. Though if your opponent is polite they may stop them attacking your face... Shades too could be advantageous by hiding your eyes and so your intentions.

* Shoes can be flexible; a hard sole will make it more painful, but make sure it's nothing that could limit movement.

* A watch can be a good knuckle duster but if it is too loose it will slow your punches and maybe even hurt your fists. A ring too can be a knuckle duster but again might hurt the finger.

* All other accessories are detrimental – piercing can be ripped out and necklaces used to lynch yourself for example. Though a cheese wire necklace could make a great surreptitious weapon…

* Try not to look too strange; remember that that can be the cause of an unwanted fight in the first place!

* If you have an injury don't draw attention to it with an obvious bandage, try something more subtle or keep it hidden or they'll know where to attack. Think of bandages as big white bullseyes!

Mack LeMouse

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