content: Best defense in an unclear situation: hands together, not gripping each other, by the solar plexus. It's non-hostile body language, natural for gesturing while talking, and keeps your hands centered for fast reaction. Four circles defense is something you can learn in two minutes. From the centered position, hands like described, shoot your hands straight up and circle back to centered. There's two circles. For defense against lower attacks slap down and out and circle back to center. This is highly effective defense for the barely-trained against the untrained.  For the sake of the law, use palm strikes and throws - every attack you make should increase the distance between you and your opponent. Always be apparently retreating, it hugely bolsters your self-defense case. There's a special attack available if they're running to chase you. This is particularly good against groups, who will chase you. Run, plant and pivot, jaw strike on your pursuer. Even people who don't have glass jaws will drop like a sack when the full weight of their body slams against their jaw (whose motion your fist has stopped). Rinse and repeat until they stop chasing you. But first, get those hands together like you're praying or pleading. It should be your default position.