Defending yourself in a street fight is one matter -- protecting someone else is another.

When you are walking down the street, you have heard that the man always walks on the outside, closer to the street. This is an old custom having to do with the man being splashed by the mud from the street, and the lady’s dress staying clean.

Nowadays, where you walk in relation to the person you are with should be more a question of safety. My wife is also a martial artist. Because she is right handed, and I am left handed, I always walk on her left. This leaves my left hand free and her right hand....

Note: And yes, we have practiced fighting side by side. Since we study the same style, we know how to react in concert. My left hand complements her right hand, whether our “inner hands” are free or not.

Dominant Side in a Street Fight

I suggest that if you are the protector, you position yourself so that your dominant side is on the outside -- free to respond quickly, should the need arise. (These are the precautionary measures that will keep us safe.)

If you should encounter a bad person, you know how to step forward and protect your charge. You will be the person involved in the street fight, right?

You have to know how to adjust your walk, so you cut off your family or friend, while you reach the attacker first.

Note: If your attacker had to get past the innocent person, in order to get to you, you might gain an advantage. For me, I don’t want the bad guy even able to lay hands on my daughter.

And once you intercept the bad guy, you have to have the confidence to react. Your mindset should be that this turkey will never be able to reach the person you are defending.