5 stages of a conflict ( street fight )

[Scout]

So I'm writing this in the context of a street fight as this where my experience comes from. There is a strong martial / combat presence on the forum so it would be interesting to see how the following holds in others arena's. So onwards...

5 stages of a conflict ( street fight )


first stage - VERBAL

the first contact situation. Most begin with a question.

"what you looking at" " what the fuck do you want" "do you have a problem"

of course there is a context to the question. a few other factors come into play aswell. Such as body language and vocal aspects. Combine this all together and you will recongnise you are entering the early stages of a conflict eventually leading to a fight.

second stage- VERBAL ABUSE

So the next stage of progression. The dictionary of bad words comes out. Everybody has their
favorite line. There a couple of points worth noting here though.

First off you will notice that sentences spoken are becoming shorter and the words chosen are simpler. The brain is preparing it self for a fight and as it begins to focus other areas of cognitive ability become affected. hence sentences are spoken short and sharp. This continues all the way to the last stage where usually the sentences are usually reduced to one word. A very good indicator of progression through the stages.

Also peer pressure can come into play here. Often most people wont want to fight. However they will not and most times cannot "lose face" in front of their peers. This sometimes becomes the driving force behind the continuing the conflict. While the real reason the while thing started is long forgotten.

third stage - THREATENING ABUSE

So things are picking up pace. All the wonderful things your potential opponent will do to you are mentioned. The language if focused on the injury or damage you opponent will do.

"I'll break you legs" "I'll stab you " and so on...

Here you get a good feeling to gauge your opponents willingness for a continuing on to a fight.
An opponent who is puffing he's chest out, giving it loads on the abuse, poses no threat if hes slowly walking away from you.

Common scenarios are the best friend dragging your opponent away while shouts of "HOLD ME BACK"
or "LET ME AT HIM" are heard.

However if your opponent is slowly making steady progress towards you then it might be game on....
which leads to

fourth stage - PHYSICALLY THREATENING

This is probably the most important phase.

Usually your opponent will try to close to striking distance. more times they will move even further and enter your personal space( usually within one meter of you). Leading to contact of chest on chest or head on head coupled with intense eye contact.

personally I never let anybody enter this zone. Any attempt will be met with an elbow.

A couple of points to note. Most people at this stage develop tunnel vision. the best way to describe it is akin to a set of blinkers on a horse. simply put you lose your peripheral vision. Its a reaction of your body as it continues to prepare for the coming fight. Its also a reason why strikes from funny angles are so effective. So beware.

Also here you'll get the finger pointing in the face. The pushing back and forth. a lot of hand movement. Again simple short words will shouted.

The most important point about this stage is the TRANSITION from here to the last stage.
the last stage is where the action is at.

As you become more aware of the situation you will learn to recongnise this transition.
A couple of indicators will show you ... such as:

hand movement

An opponent will usually move a hand behind he's back or down by his side, a prelude to clenching a fist for a strike or moving for a concealed weapon.

feet movement

the feet move into a classic combat stance. A simple one foot forward or back is all it takes. very common move.

flank attack

usually most fights will come head on. However if your opponent is a sneaky mother he'll move to your side for a side strike. which when combined with tunnel vision is very dangerous. Also worth noting if the opponent has a friend willing to engage you they nearly always use a flank attack. So beware.

Silence

Yes that right - silence. Here is the clam before the storm. Its the second where the decision to commit is made. here your awareness of the situation around you is tested. People who have martial training will be prepared. Martial arts help you develop the sensitivity to the flow of energy around you. its a hard one to put in words. You just feel it. you know it.

For me it comes with a certain tightness in the mid region. Along with a host of other senses firing off.

So recongnising this TRANSITION is where you gain the edge in the coming fight.
If you know it is inevitable your opponent is about to strike you. it is your duty to strike first. I say this because that is where the line is drawn. its you or him.

On average most street fight last about 10 seconds. The most damage is done in the first 3 seconds.
So if you recongnise your opponent is about to strike. You will gain the edge. A split second perhaps.
but that is all you need to gain the advantage in a fight which will more or less last 10 seconds.


fifth stage - CRITICAL POINT

So its come to the fight. physically engaging your opponent. Hopefully your will have recongnised the elevation through the previous stages. Thus giving you a clear heads up for the coming fight.
best of luck.


conclusion.

Personally I'll always try to walk away. Even if i know i can best my opponent.
I'll always try and talk my way out. As I know most people are decent and there maybe factors in there life which at that time are making them act stupid.

Learn to fight. I think leaning to defend yourself and the loved ones in your life should be part of you life. God forbid the day you dont have the skills to do so.



take care

Scout

[IkeaMike]

Scout, I personally can't find one thing that you posted that is wrong.

I am one to get loud in an argument and people take it as a threat. But my friends and family know that it's when I'm SILENT that you need to worry. Me being loud is like a dog barking, it's me trying to ward you off. In all reality, if a dog wanted to attack you, it would just attack you...no warning. I'm the same way. It's in my silence that you should be scared.