Survive a Bar Fight

Having a drink at your favorite bar can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, alcohol sometimes brings out the worst in people. If you find yourself facing a bar fight, there are several things you can do to survive it in one piece.

Steps

  1. Try to defuse the situation. Even if the guy is being a jerk, getting into a fight with him will only cause you trouble. If you win, you will still get kicked out of the bar and could face criminal charges. If you lose, you could wind up in the hospital. Do your best to talk your potential opponent out of a physical confrontation, even if it means admitting you were partly responsible. Bar fights are simply not worth the cost.
  2. Seek help. Bartenders and bouncers don't want a fight any more than you do. Send a friend to get help if you can, and attempt to inch towards the nearest bouncer. There is also the possibility of making his friends see reason if your opponent won't.
  3. When you suspect that the fight is really going to happen, assume a defensive stance. Lean forward towards the attacker and position your hands by your face. You won't look like you are in a fighting stance but you will be ready for the coming attack.
  4. Having exhausted all other options, act decisively. If someone makes a move to hit you, the best thing you can do is beat them to the punch. This does not mean you should go around hitting people every time you feel threatened. However, in a situation where you are truly afraid for your safety, it is best to show that you are serious about protecting yourself. Most individuals who want to push a fight are looking for easy prey. One person who is willing to inflict harm can be effective against a number of 'huff and puff' guys. Do bear in mind that violence of this sort is often illegal and should be avoided whenever possible.
  5. Keep hitting until you feel you are safe. Once you commit to fighting back, keep doing so until you perceive no more threat. When your opponent is asking you to stop and his friends have scattered, only then should you wind down.
  6. Know that most bar fights never evolve into much. Often only a few blows are ever thrown before bouncers swarm in to remove the offenders from the establishment.

Tips

  • Almost anything in a bar can be used as a weapon, look around you, if a drunken opponent comes at you, you have to improvise and be quick; glasses, lamps, chairs are all harder than your fists, and can help keep distance between you and your opponent.
  • Friends are a good thing. Depending on the level of sobriety, they can be more rational than both you and your opponent.
  • Avoid eye contact and mind your own business. This helps to prevent friction with anyone else in the bar.
  • Intimidation isn't everything. Don't let your potential opponent overshadow you.
  • If you see a bar fight, and are not involved with it, take cover under a table.

Warnings

  • Your opponent may appear weaker than you; however, you can still face significant harm if you are intoxicated or unlucky. Also be aware of the level of sobriety of your opponent, and keep in mind he could be trained in self-defense/martial arts.
  • If involved with a fight, you may be more hurt than you realize. The neurochemicals released in a fight make one less able to feel pain. Even if you don't feel any injuries, you might still be hurt badly. Check yourself carefully for any wounds. Seek medical help if you are bleeding excessively.
  • Bar fights are never a good thing. You will be banned from the establishment, or in the UK blanket banned from at least all the establishments in the area, where the fight took place, regardless of who is at fault. Be prepared for the consequences. Even if there is no duty to retreat, retreat. Beats a ban.
  • If you are not involved in a fight, and you have every chance to get away, do so, and report the incident swiftly. Even bouncers can evict the wrong people simply by associations or proximity.

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Sources and Citations

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