Most people reading this article won't appreciate this advice. My only
comment is that the truth is sometimes a hard pill to swallow ...
especially when talking about Street Fights.
Please read this article to the end -- I offer a simple solution to
the dilemma. Without the distinction, you'll never be sure you are
reacting at 100% in a real street fight.
So, what is this terrible truth I am talking about? Here it is -- if
you are competing in martial arts competitions, then you aren't
efficiently preparing for self defense.
The very rules that you must adhere to in the ring -- kicking above
the waist, not hitting the groin, no punching to the face, no wrist
locks that lift both feet off the ground -- whatever -- are the rules
that will keep you from responding (automatically) with the "best
defense" in a real street fight.

Note: I am not saying that martial competition is bad. Not at all.
It's just not practical for real self defense.

OK, maybe "no contact" or "light contact" tournaments aren't
realistic, but what about UFC and Pride Fights?...

http://groups.google.com/group/martialartsqen