For the purposes of understanding confrontations from a tactical perspective and hence determining appropriate responses, the timeline of a confrontation is divided into stages. There are four primary stages in any confrontation situation.

Stage 1 - Pre Confrontation

Description
The pre-confrontation stage is intended to be, for the purposes of self defence, any instance where the likelihood of an attack is greater than 'normal' or where there is some indication that danger may be present. Here we seek to avoid becoming involved in a confrontation by both taking precautions and being continually aware.

Prime Objective
Avoidance - of any confrontation

Stage 2 - Pre Fight

Description
Here a confrontation of some form has developed but has not reached the stage of physical contact. It invariably involves a verbal exchange although it could simply comprise eye contact and posturing. This stage could last only seconds or years in the case of a neighborhood dispute.

In ambush situations it seemingly is bypassed, although in reality it takes place without you knowing it. The predator spots you, prepares himself (pre-fight) and attacks all without you being aware. And ambush doesn't mean the attacker is unseen or hiding from you until the time of the attack.They may approach you in a seemingly unthreatening manner and launch an attack with no warning.

Prime Objective
De-escalation - no violence.

Stage 3 - In Fight

Description
The confrontation has now progressed to the stage of physical contact. One or both sides involved have therefore reached a level of emotion in the confrontation where they are intending to harm or at least physically dominate the other party. This may be as simple as physical posturing involving pushing the other party or gesturing (with contact). Once a situation has reached this level the situation can easily escalate into physical violence.

Prime Objective
End it simply and quickly with appropriate force.

Stage 4 - Post Fight

Description
The confrontation or fight is now (apparently) over and the participants are now dealing with the consequences. These will at the very least be emotional, possibly involving feelings of shock, anger, revenge or remorse. There could be a period of no feelings at all - a numbness. There may be physical and medical consequences to deal with, specifically injuries. And there may be legal consequences to contend with, statements to police and court action. Participants must be on guard for a continuation of the fight or follow up revenge attacks.

Prime Objective
End the cycle of violence - seek to end it and do nothing to continue it

Sub Phases of Fight Stage

The fight stage of the Confrontation Stage sequence has itself two distinct phases.
· Self defence phase
· Match fight phase

The first phase, self defence, is defined as that stage in a physical confrontation where you execute your initial actions (offensive and/or defensive). Here you have the initiative and the advantage of surprise in so far as your opponent has little or no idea you will resist and of your capabilities.

The second phase, match fight, is entered if you have not finished the opponent(s) and/or left the scene. Specifically it starts at the point where you have lost the initiative. Here you stand 'toe to toe' with the opponent(s) and slug or wrestle it out. They now know you will fight and have some idea of your capability. Most critically you have lost the advantage of surprise and hence your task is far more difficult. The skill level required to prevail is now greater.

It is the prime objective of street self defence training to never where possible enter the match phase. To do so means you have messed up. Thus although match fighting is part of self defence training in case this occurs, it is not the primary focus.

This is the demarcation line between street self defence training and most martial arts. Street self defence training focuses on the first phase with the intention of not entering the second. Conversely most martial arts training is primarily aimed at skill development for the second phase (match fighting) and usually gives secondary consideration to the first.

Overall Aim

But our overall aim is always not to let any confrontation go beyond Pre-Fight - we always seek to avoid trouble or defuse it before it erupts into physical violence. This is one of the key reasons we emphasize that there is a fourth stage of any confrontation - there will always be consequences and you will have to face them. Choosing violence where it could have been avoided means you are choosing to risk suffering those consequences - police, the courts, injury, hosptilisation or the possiblity of revenge attacks if your opponent(s) ever find our where you work or live.

If you choose the fight option (as a response to the threat facing you) you do so because you believe you have no other option - not because you have to defend your honor or 'teach the other person a lesson'.