Fighting. Throwing hands, not the mouthing off at people version. There’s a lot to be said for knowing some basic skills.

Last week, a 78 year old guy stopped me and Scott as we were training for a knife attack in the basement of our apartment block. He told us he knew his onions, and within a couple of minutes he was demonstrating his favourite side kick.

He knew what he was doing. He had an aura, some kind of inner confidence that made it clear he was ok defending himself. He was ready.

He’s got a blank stare, the kind guys in jail have, and that was all I had ever noticed before. But now I can see what’s happening behind those dead eyes. He’s staying calm, assessing the situation. He’s looking out for what’s coming next – maybe a fist, maybe not.

These skills are things you carry with you in the hope that you’ll never have to use them. I hope I never have to front up to someone, ready to go, in defence of myself, my wife, or anyone else under attack.

Things happen fast when tempers flare. Words are said. Things can escalate quickly. People right now are under a lot of stress, even here in a chilled out place like Sydney.

If someone attacked you, what would you do? How would you get away from an attacker, for example? If all hell breaks loose around you, what’s your first move?

A basic plan, even something as simple as a rapid knee to the groin and run away as fast as you can, can go a long way.

Take that up a notch and think about classes in all forms of self defence. Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, whatever. When that moment happens, you’ll be glad you made the choice to start learning. It’s never wasted effort.