I am going to tell you about four different aspects when you find yourself in a combat scenario. These aspects are the real facets of what means to find yourself in a real fight having to defend yourself, in other words, 'reality based self defense.' If you end up in a situation either within your own home or outside of a bar, you need to know what to do if you want to survive the situation and come out on top.

The First Aspect of Street Based Self Defense Training: Always give in if the guy is carrying a gun or other such weapon. Do not risk your life to disarm him when you can get off easy by letting him have the 20 bucks that you are carrying. The same goes for someone carrying a knife.

The Second Aspect of Street Based Self Defense Training: The fights and combat on the TV and in movies is not real. Some crazy jump kick will not save you from a dude carrying a knife. Outside of a nightclub I watched a guy attempt this and he only found himself nearly dying from the blood loss. Keep in mind the basics of the defense advice to keep things from getting out of hand. Also, once again, the fights you see in movies are not real!

The Third Aspect of Street Based Self Defense Training: Taking a hit is not as bad as it seems. You will come to learn that most of the punches that are thrown against you will not land correctly and will not hurt that much. Knowing how to take these hits and absorb the blows when you spar is part of how to be a great fighter. Try sparring with those at the place you train at or with friends so you know how to act under the stress of a fight.

The Fourth Aspect of Street Based Self Defense Training: You need to be calm and clear headed before you can even think of doing a skillful combat maneuver. You have to know how to fight all the while receiving various punches and kicks from the opposition. You have to get the experience of staying tranquil as your opponent bombards you will attacks so you will not freak out or get scared.

And once again, most of those crazy martial arts with spin kicks do not work in real fights. Don't try to get fancy with your attacks, a lot of them will leave you open in a real fight in the real world. Keep these four aspects in mind and you will find that you have become better at martial arts.