You're probably going to forget everything you read in this article in a month unless you review it on a regular basis, and if you're going to go to that much effort, you might as well sign up for a real class and get some experience throwing another person's body around!

If you don't want to spend time learning and practicing fighting techniques, but you're worried about how you'll fare in a fight, add this to the long list of reasons to keep yourself strong and well-conditioned. Technique is a strength multiplier, and you don't have any technique. An experienced fighter is a wonder of efficency and minimal effort; you won't be. It's amazing how fast you can get tired in a situation where you're going all out (and it's a bad idea to work any less hard than the other guy -- that's another strategy that's only for people who practice and have real skill!)