Dear Kim--my name is Brandi. My fight question for you has to do with tactics. I was in a catfight last night against another woman, she got my jacket off, and started choking me with the sleeves. I exerted so much energy keeping my neck clear that she was able to strike my face and head with impunity, and my blows had almost no force behind them. Although I managed to avoid a total beatdown, she's declared victory this morning to all our acquaintances, and there's not much I can say or do about it. What I want to know is--next time I'm in this position, what do I do?
Dear Brandi--first off, condolences on your defeat. Secondly, I'm a bit perturbed by your question. Having been choked by your own clothes once, why would you ever allow yourself to be even close to that situation in the future? Before the fight starts, survey the setting for any foreign object which may be turned into a weapon. If this includes her or your own jewelry, accessories (including purses), shoes, cellphones, make sure the fight area is well clear of them. Don't be "in a fight"; be fighting someone in a setting of your choosing. I oversimplify, and sometimes life happens, even to the best of us. But adjust your mindset first, then we can talk tactics.
