How to Fight (for Girls)

First, try to find another solution. You should talk to your parents or teachers before a physical altercation occurs. Try to resolve the issue without resorting to violence. You might not want to appear weak in front of other girls, but if they only hang out with you because you're tough, they're not genuine friends. They are not and never will be good friends.

• Fighting can have many consequences. If you seriously injure someone else, even if they started the fight, you could still face punishment or legal action. This is true even if you accidentally cause serious injury, which is why it's better to avoid violence if possible.

Do not fight on school grounds. You should choose a location outside of school because fighting at school increases the likelihood of suspension or even expulsion. However, note that even if the fight occurs far from school, you could still face disciplinary action from the school, as fighting is an unacceptable behavior and problem-solving method.

Always seek allies for support. It's possible that the other girl is a skilled fighter or her friends might join in, so you should prepare accordingly. Having a few friends with you can help minimize the severity of the conflict, as they can prevent things from escalating out of control. Let your friends know you don’t want to escalate the situation—they just need to protect you!

Avoid being the one to strike first. If possible, try to prevent the fight from happening. Use logic or persuasion to de-escalate the situation, and no matter what, don’t throw the first punch. By staying calm and avoiding provocative language, you might avoid a physical confrontation altogether.

• Attempt to talk things out to stop the fight. You could say things like, "I’m tired of arguing like this. It won’t change anything. Can’t we just agree to disagree?" or "Will this really solve anything? It’s better if we just go our separate ways."

Identify her weaknesses. Stay calm while she speaks and assess where she might be vulnerable. If she’s shorter than you, aim your attacks from above. If she’s taller, focus on her legs and stomach. If she has long hair, grab it firmly and pull her head down to limit her vision.

Use your head to block punches. If your opponent is about to throw a punch, tilt your head so the punch lands on your forehead or the top of your head. This will hurt their hand and discourage further punches. Additionally, this method minimizes damage to your body—your skull is very strong!

Turn your body to avoid stomach punches. If your opponent tries to punch your stomach, twist your body so the punch lands on your side instead. This helps protect your core from serious injury.

Kick if you fall to the ground. Avoid falling at all costs, but if you do, use kicks to keep your opponent at a distance. Look for an opportunity to stand up, but never turn your back on them. If these methods fail, curl up to protect your body.

Avoid using punches to attack. Many people make the mistake of forming their fists incorrectly, which can lead to self-injury. Instead, consider using your elbows to strike, as they are more effective and less risky.

Target vulnerable areas. When attacking, aim for sensitive spots such as the groin, chest, stomach, face, knees, feet, and hands. These areas are more likely to cause pain and incapacitate your opponent.

Let your opponent exhaust themselves. Focus on dodging and avoiding attacks as much as possible. Allow your opponent to keep striking until they tire out, which will bring the confrontation to a quicker end.

Use submission holds. Try pinning your opponent to the ground to end the fight. The best way to do this is by using their own body against them. Grab their pinky finger and push it toward their elbow, forcing their arm to move. Then, twist their arm behind their back, push them to the ground, and place your knee on their lower back while holding their arm until they calm down.

Outsmart your opponent. Deceiving your opponent is one of the smartest strategies in a fight. You can fake a punch by swinging your arm, and when they try to grab it, quickly kick them in a vulnerable spot.

Act. During a fight, if you’re hit or kicked but it doesn’t hurt much, pretend it does. Roll on the ground, scream, and cry. Your opponent might laugh or let their guard down, giving you the chance to get up and strike back. After all, it’s a fight!

• Wear an extra layer under your shirt so that if the outer layer gets torn, it won’t be a big deal.
• Opt for leggings or sport shorts. Jeans restrict movement, and leggings are harder to grab.
• Make sure your hair is tied up neatly so your opponent can’t easily grab it. If you have long hair, tie it up in a bun.
• If a piece of clothing gets torn—keep fighting. Embarrassment is one thing, but getting beaten up is another.
• Always stand with your legs apart to maintain balance if pushed.
• Don’t throw the first punch. If caught, teachers or supervisors will assume the other person started it.
• If you’re not afraid of trouble, strike first and strike hard. If your opponent hits first, you won’t know how strong their attack is and could end up knocked out.
• If possible, keep your back to a wall to avoid sneak attacks.
• Consider cutting your hair short or pinning it up.
• Protect your neck to avoid being choked.
• Ensure you have supporters present to prevent being ganged up on. Fighting multiple opponents increases the risk of serious injury.
• Stay composed and avoid prying into others’ lives unnecessarily. However, this doesn’t mean you should stay silent when it’s important to speak up.

• Fighting is not the solution to every problem you encounter with others. Not only is there a risk of injury, but you could also face expulsion from school, legal consequences, or a criminal record, all of which can negatively impact your future.