Having a nimble mind is just as important as having a well trained body. Sometimes you have the time to assess a threat and react accordingly and sometimes you don’t. When you are evenly matched and certainly when the odds are against you, other factors will play a more pivotal role in your defense than basic martial arts skill. These factors are not always readily apparent, even to a trained eye. Having the force of will to be patient rather than take rash action might be the more wise decision. Using physical force is not a guarantor of a successful outcome. Violence can be the physical manifestation of unchecked emotion. Controlling your own emotion offers many advantages, especially when the circumstances are confused and chaotic.
Delaying aggressive actions by creating space, using barriers, and non-threatening talk are just as effective as checking, blocking, and parrying. The concept of delay is to stall long enough for you to evaluate the risk / benefit ratio before taking a more assertive posture. Perhaps it will be long enough for emotions to become more temperate and reasonable. If not, you have at least created sufficient time to respond with a deliberate and considered approach.
Distraction is a useful tool when you reflect on the wide range of potential actions available to you. Sounds and gestures can be used to startle or confuse the aggressor. Silence as well as yelling can be effective. Awaken the warrior within you by picking your own “warrior like” yell and practice making a forceful breath that projects the sound of courage and determination. Gestures such as pointing up or down, making a hand signal that symbolizes “stop”, extending hands with palms up to symbolize “peace” are but a few of the many options open to you.
Deception can and often does include elements of distraction and delay. Touching or striking a person will cause their mind to briefly “jump” to that spot. In effect, changing their plans and requiring them to alter their thinking. In that moment another area (perhaps the actual intended area) will be open to counter attack. A feigned retreat, encouraging attack can be countered with an explosive, aggressive, advance on the part of the defender.