Watch almost any martial arts movie where the old, wise karate or kung fu master is training a new student...and you will almost always hear teacher tell student to "look your enemy in the eye."
Bad idea. Really bad idea.
Why?
Because, while this is fine for tournaments and television, it can put you in severe danger on the street.
Think of it like this:
Imagine you're walking down the street, minding your own business, when some lunatic strung out on drugs comes rushing up to you and yelling at you. Face to face, eyeball to eyeball.
What do you do?
Well, if you stand there and look him in the eye, you'll have no idea where his hands or feet are at, leaving yourself wide open for all kinds of "sucker punches" and sneak attacks with a weapon.
Instead of looking the weirdo in the eye, you should immediately get into what's called the "passive" stance".
This is where you look at his midsection (NOT his eyes), put your arms up, and take a slight side stance -- all while relaxing your face to a non-emotional expression, neither smiling nor frowning.
Why do all this?
Because by taking these few simple steps...you're doing exactly the opposite of what other people do -- which is to immediately yell back at them, belly to belly, and eyeball to eyeball, with their hands down.
That would actually put you too close to see an incoming "sucker punch", totally unaware of where an exit is, not able to see a possible weapon, and never notice his buddy to the side, ready to jump you.
Bottom line: When you're in a situation like this, immediately take the "passive stance."
That way, you're instantly prepared for an attack and fully aware of your environment -- giving you a tactical advantage from the start.
About the Author Sifu Matt Numrich is one of only a few people in the world with Full Certification in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, and also the Filipino Martial Arts. His students include everyone from Federal Air Marshals and military elites to small children and 65-year old ladies. Matt also offers free weekly street-fighting lessons by email at http://jkdondvd.com
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