Tip 1:  
     First, here is our definition of a streetfight:  any situation where reality based tactics are needed.  They can include attacks in the streets, in bars, in parking lots, or even in your own home.
   
     We would like to talk about the differences between combat sports and streetfighting to start with.  If you know anything about reality based self defense, you already know this, but it is worth mentioning again.  So to make this easy, we are going to provide the differences in a list.

     1) Combat Sports is a one-on-one bout.          
         Streetfights can be one-on-on, but can also include any number of fighters: 1-on-2, 1-on-100.
     2) In combat sports, the fighters usually have months to prepare for their fight.
         Streetfights usually start with a surprise attack or a sucker punch. Attackers look for the easy targets.
     3) Combat sports lasts 15 minutes or more.
         streetfights last less than 1 minute, most of the time they don't go over a few seconds.
     4) Combat sports are fought in the perfect environment, open area with padding.
         Streetfights are fought anywhere: on hard uneven ground, mud, closed areas, cluttered areas.
     5) Combat Sports goes to the ground most of the time.
         Streetfights usually don't go to the ground. Most of the time a fighter does go to the ground, but not the fight.

     These are the most common differences.  The fact is, if you are training for reality based situations, then you must take these differences into consideration and train for them.  

Tip 2:
     Here are 10 things you should do to prepare for a streetfight:
     1) Get proper training in a system that is reality based.
     2) Get proper conditioning.  Basic fitness is supplemental to all fighting arts, but mental conditioning is even more important.
     3) Expect your opponent to use a different art.  Prepare for this as well.
     4) Expect an outdated art to get you killed.  Back to 1, reality based.
     5) Expect hollywood to get you killed.  Again, why do we have to drill 1 in so much.
     6) Control your temper so that you can keep your focus.
     7) Commit to a plan and stick with it. Just because you miss a couple shots doesn't mean you should stop and try again tomorrow.
     8) Prepare to run away when you get a chance. Otherwise you stand a better chance of having a weapon pulled on you or his friends jump in.
     9) Notice your environment.  Have a plan for each environment, can be a great  advantage. 
     10) Expect to be on your own.  Do not hope for bystanders to jump in.

Tip 3:
    Here are a few things that can help you when faced with a possible streetfight:
     1) Ok to back down- Many people believe that you are less of a man if you do not fight when a conflict emerges.  To be honest, we do not care about your beliefs here.  The fact remains that by avoiding this situation, you stand a much better chance of surviving or atlease not getting hurt.
     2)Hit them first- A common belief is that you should never hit first.  The problem with this is that the first strike usually sets the tone for streetfights.  This first strike is very important, and if you already know you are being attacked, then getting the first strike gives you an important advantage.
     3)Don't be fair- Remember, streetfights have no rules.  This is not mma, illegal moves are completely fair.  Using groin shots, bites, eyegouges, etc. is comletely okay, and may save your life.
     
     The main thing we are trying to say is that streetfights have no rules or regulations.  You use whatever means necessary to walk away.  Using dirty moves, weapons, and getting in cheap shots are all part of surviving streetfights.  The best way to survive a streetfight, however, is to avoid them.  Avoidance has many levels.  You can avoid bad bars, bad areas of town, and this can go as far as cities and countries as well.  Though you can be attacked anywhere, using avoidance greatly lessens the likelyhood of it happening.


Tip 4:
     Let's talk about what you should expect from an attacker.  Oh... another list:
     1) Holy....- Your attacker will most likely be taller than you.  They are looking for easy targets, so they usually will not attack someone bigger than them.  
     2)Bloodshot eyes- Your attacker will most likely be messed up in some way.  This is, however, good and bad: Good- impaired, bad reactions; Bad- He probably can't feel anything either.
     3)Pro-"feshunal"-  The most common strikes you will encounter are simply haymakers.  Though you should go into the altercation as if you are fighting a world champion, most so called streetfighters know two strikes: A right haymaker, and a left haymaker.
     4)I want your head- Expect headshots.  This is more guarunteed than the Haymaker,  attacker's strikes usually only know one target: your head.
     5)The shove- If you are shoved, watch out.  This is usually a setup for another move.  The shove is very effective when in close:  it starts the opponent going back, opens them up, and is a great way to create distance.