I love watching martial arts in the movies, particularly when the battlers agreeably slow down to take turns to hit each other.

It's so, so cooperative, and so, so much unlike everyday life!

Nobody in a real fight "trades blows ? strike for strike and kick for kick, until one or both collapse, in exhaustion.

But it looks good on screen, and it's dramatic.

In real life, bad guys seldom show good manners. In fact, if they can sucker-punch you, they will.

Have you ever wondered why they call it a sucker punch? There are a few reasons:

(1) The bad guy may be pretending to be your friend, smiling or even complimenting you: "Hey, nice shoes! ? Then, when you look down and agree, bam!

(2) The bad guy may be asking you for directions, or to see your Rolex: "Do you know what time it is? ? Again, you look down, and his pal clobbers you from the rear. Whack!

(3) Or, he just walks right into what is striking range, and bops you on the nose. Splat!

In every case, this was avoidable by following one, basic principle of the martial arts.

Never let a stranger get too close to you. Back up, three feet or beyond, and stay there! If they move forward, you back up. Just try to keep it at three feet or more.

If they can't reach you, they can't hit you, causing damage.

Remember this, an apply it right away!