When I was a kid, there was such a thing as fighting fairly, and fighting unfairly.

Fists were fair, but maybe not to the face.

Kicks were unfair, aimed anywhere.

And throwing sand or dirt in someones eyes was, well, an unforgivable breach of etiquette!

Given the violence in todays schools and streets, and the unconscionable conduct of the people who inflict it, these rules seem quaint, to say the least.

Nobody stops his side of a battle because the other guys shoe flew off and needs to be put on, so hell be able to move gracefully, and politely continue.

So, you need to get over the idea, that most decent folks foster, that there is a nice way and a not nice way to save your life.

This doesnt mean you have the legal or moral right to go ballistic when a stranger innocently bumps into you in an elevator or grocery line. It means, when you believe your life is being threatened; you can use whatever force is necessary to defend it.

I say this as a martial artist and as a lawyer.

So, whats a great weapon to use? And whats an ideal target at which to aim?

Your fingers are awesome weapons, not because theyre strong or heavy. Theyre great because theyre at the end of your arms; you can project them, and theyre nimble enough to be aimed at small spaces.

The best small spaces are those two near the top of a bad guys head: his eyes.

Anything that invades the eyes, including the tiniest, wind-propelled piece of debris, is devastating, for just a second, to every human being.

And thats all the time you need to run away, or to call for help.

Minimally, thats what a poke to the eye will do.

If the assailant is about to knife you or is cutting off your air supply, stiffen your fingers upon making contact with the eyes, and it will probably end any threat against you, right away!