Throw the first punch?

[shihansean]

Yes we all have heard the throw the first punch sermon from so-called self-defense instructors but the plain truth is there are too many factors in a fight to decide here and now what I will do when in that situation. If the guy is bigger or possibly in better shape then you bet cha im coming in hard and fast. I dont fight for trophies or money I fight to survive. As far as I'm concerned the fight starts the moment they verbally threaten or assult me or even step within my comfort zone with visibly bad intentions, or are unresponsive to my questions or commands. Someone appraoches you in a parking lot you ask can I help you they dont say a word and keep coming, you get that bad gut feeling.... what do you do, wait to block? If so you could be up against a knife or gun or multiple attackers. Strike first.... at least control the situation and minimize the threat.

[wolfewadokai]

first, second and third

[bushido_man96]

I never throw the first punch. Let them do it, gives you good reason to knock them out after.

Its also a good way to get yourself knocked out. And then its even harder to defend yourself.

[RazeMMA]

I don't believe that allowing the attacker to throw the first punch means that I need to let that punch land. I believe that more options are open to me because of the techniques and skills that I have, if I let him commit himself .

Put it this way...if I had to fight someone who knows what I know...I would not be issuing the first punch, because I know what he can do to my hand, arm, etc...

I say let him throw the first punch, what he gives me whole will be returned to him broken up.

[bushido_man96]

But action is always faster than reaction. That's what I don't like, even if I know how to counter a punch and use their momentum against them. Its hard to know what they might do.