Street fighting

Street fighting is hand-to-hand combat in public places between individuals or groups of people.^[1] The venue is usually a public place (e.g., a street), and the fight sometimes results in serious injury or even death.^[2][1] Some street fights can be gang related.^[3]

A typical situation involves two men arguing in a bar, during which dispute one suggests stepping outside, where the fight commences. It is often possible to avoid the fight by withdrawing from the situation; whereas in self-defense, a person is actively trying to escape the confrontation, using force if necessary to ensure his own safety.^[1]

In some martial arts communities, street fighting and self-defense are often considered synonymous.^[1][4]