Try not to let the aggressor predict your next self-defense move. Confusion leads to worry, which causes mistakes. Keep your opponent mentally off balance by self-defense distractions and movement. Gesture, yell, or throw something to divert attention from the self-defense techniques you plan to use. For example, you may make a gesture with one hand to distract your opponent, while launching a self-defense attack with the other hand.
Movement is another way to keep an opponent guessing.
Many great self-defense fighters move almost continually to keep their opponents off balancce and to set them up for attack. Practice distraction techniques with a partner so that you are ready to act in self-defense. Be persistent in self-defense. Do not give up even if your opponent seems to be winning. The other person may appear strong, but may still be far more tired than you.