Listen up. I know you think you’ve heard these before. You’ve likely had some martial arts training in the past, and I’m sure you already know that much of what you learn in a dojo can’t be applied in a real fight.

It’s common knowledge that most street fights are usually over in 10 seconds or less. They’re dirty, there are no rules, and you have to expect the unexpected. Even if you’ve never been in a real fight before, you probably have a gut feeling that fancy Jean-Claude Van Damme spin kick might get you into trouble. You’re right.

Despite the obvious resolution (of not getting involved in a street fight at all), sometimes you don’t have that option, and you’re forced to fight. These are the often overlooked, yet crucially important points that may allow you to dodge a critical injury, or worse.

Number one. Footwork is key, cover the family jewels. Laugh if you will, but a kick to the groin is absolutely the fastest, real-life way, to take somebody out. Biological explanations aside, the human body simply cannot withstand a targeted blow to that region. Unlike a school fight or a bar fight where it wouldn’t be ‘cool’ or acceptable to kick below the belt, in a street fight, survival is your first priority. Whether that means facing your attacker to the side, or keeping your guard low, it’s up to you. This isn’t an article on fighting technique. Just protect that region if you want to stand a chance.

Number two. Know the feeling of being hit. Most martial artists who have only ever been hit while wearing protective gear, can’t anticipate the pain of a direct shot to the face. Instead, friendly sparring matches are brought to a halt the instant someone gets accidentally hurt in a dojo. Unfortunately in a street fight, you’d be on the ground at that point getting kicked in the ribs and the face. Not that there is any suggestion for you to go out and let someone break your nose so you can ‘know how it feels’. No. Just be very weary of this principle, as it has surprised even the most experienced martial artist.

Number three. Your elbows and your knees are the most lethal weapons you possess when fighting in close quarters. Often times, you’re not given the opportunity to punch, or kick, when someone grabs you, or you’re struggling to get a weapon out of their hand. The human body is engineered is a way that such a significant amount energy can be transferred with the right technique, that even the smallest individual can deliver a fatal blow.

There are countless other street fighting tips, tricks, and advice out there, but these are by far the details most martial artists overlook when they’re forced into a street fight. If you remember these 3 things, you’ll have a significant advantage over your opponent.