In this article, we will take a closer look at the attacker, and start to think about proper responses. It is impossible to make any blanket statement that will cover all situations, except perhaps that you can never be entirely sure of anything.
Attacks are messy, violent and fast.
Oh, and there's one other thing - you are never going to land that spinning back kick in an alley or parking lot, no matter how many times you've nailed it in the dojo. Now let's back up a bit and see how we can get this unattractive situation more to our favor. There is a difference between these two, both in the purpose, and the mind-set of the attacker. If it lasts longer than about 7 or 8 seconds, and the purpose of the attacker is not to take the life, liberty or property of the intended victim, this is a fight. If the purpose of the attacker is to take the life, liberty or property of the intended victim, this is a life attack, regardless of duration.