One for the seasoned martial artists-what makes the better fighter in street combat?

I agree with Keyboard Warrior.

I can't beleive the number of 'i would use this or that' answers from the so-called 'seasoned' martial artists here....

The answer is simple to anyone who has studied the fighting arts for a lengthy period of time...

A major part of my teachings based on being aware of a persons surroundings-using peripheral vision etc..

The better fighter would not put himself in that situation in the first place and the mark of a good fighter is not knowing how to hit-but knowing how not to get hit..

@Ben-the ten second fight can be done and has been done-the first thing to learn here is how the body works-learn the weak points and strike these from the outset.-and UFC fighters walk around in circles because that is what they are paid to do-nobody is going to pay £30-40 to watch a fight last only seconds.

One or both of two things.

1. Experience.

The most dangerous people on the street are those who've already been successful in conflicts in the general public. If they're the aggressor they usually pick locations where they're guaranteed privacy or support while they take their victim apart. If they're the defender they're used to fighting back after being hit, shoved, stabbed, crowded or stunned.

2. Mental mean streak.

Some people are just made to fight. No matter what they practice or if they don't practice at all there are some people who just come to life in conflicts.

Martial artists who are successful in the street usually have the second already and pick up the first with time. It is possible to train the second, as Keyboard Warrior pointed out resistance drills and hard sparring with a good variety of partners can get you close but it usually takes something really surprising and rough to push someone into that area.

Effective street fighting requires realistic attack and responses. Neither of the two options you present would work, or both would work... it depends on what you're doing on the mat.

@Ben, no one offers their wrist in order to secure a lock. What you describe is a lesson for beginners, and is a principle being taught. This manner of teaching occurs in traditional, classical, modern, and sport martial arts. Including MMA. After the student gets comfortable with the concept, the next step in the lesson is to apply the principle dynamically, that is, with more realism.

Neither. It's in your mind. You can do all the training either way if you freeze in a fight nothing is going to work.

The one who gets out of a bad situation unharmed is the one with the best survival instinct. Fighting is not always a good choice when faced with a bad situation. You guys always think that you have to fight everything that comes along. That is incorrect and can land you in more trouble than you have to be in. Fighting is only one option in many. Someone with no fighting skill could get out of a bad situation if he does the right thing.

But just to play along, if I had to defend myself I would finish a fight in 10 seconds or less. The longer you stay in a fight the more chances of getting hurt, or the attackers buddies show up to help.

For most "street" situations what you really need is awareness, a good understanding of basic applied psychology and the ability to keep your ego in check. For the physical skills then understanding and being able to use concepts like the fence and being able to hit damn hard and have some back up skills are what you need. Having the fitness, and strength etc are all useful as part of your support system.

Neither like kw said. The best weapon anyone can ever own is their legs. Get away from any street attackers don't stop and play like your a badass that's gunna kick ***. Your not here to kick *** and chew bubblegum, and your all out of bubblegum. RUN.

For me, it all comes down to what kind of person you are.

All Martial Arts training can do is give you the tools to defend oneself, the rest is down to the individual.

Would love to know how you train in reality for a 10 second fight, I suspect its by offering your opponent your fists and legs so that they can joint lock/break them if they are an MMA trained fighter. Why do you think UFC people do the circle and are reluctant to get inside the body space of their opponent?

no. people who play street fighter, tekken, king of fighter will be the best in street fight.