Sorry, i should clarify that standing your ground can be important in some situations. The situations i was referring to were more along the lines of random encounters on the street. In some instances you should definitely stand your ground, for example if some asshole is telling you to do something you don't want to do, obviously you should stand your ground. And in general places you frequent with recurring bullies and prison (don't go there) are places you would generally stand up for yourself. The thing about standing your ground is you are officially entering a confrontation and you need to be ready for an attack at any moment. In the street, people don't announce a duel, they try to sneak a sucker punch in to try to knock you out. Humans are much more susceptible to a KO when they don't expect it and are standing up straight with their chins out. Don't let anyone you fear of attacking you within arms reach of you, which is actually a little further than where they're standing because they can lean in. You'd be surprised how fast and easily a person can close distance and strike you. Many times they will use tactics such as getting up in your face to get close and obscure your view, or look away or sigh or blink right before they throw. These are all indicators. So how do you defend yourself against this? Well for starters, know the signs. Never underestimate what someone is willing to do, if you talk back to a bully, you can expect a fight, watch your distance. Next, if an aggressor starts coming towards you, the fight is already on, whether you push him or hit him, he's going to try to kick your ass, so you might as well throw the first strike because if you push him, that was basically your first strike and you wasted it. Most importantly don't let anyone get in your face, i can't stress this enough. If it becomes a full blown fight, tuck your chin in, get into stance, lower your center of gravity, keep your hands (guard) up to protect your jaw/chin and use head movement. Mike Tysons style is the picture perfect example you want to go for.