askchapo

Pretty much exactly what I was going to say. I've also trained primarily Muay Thai but also have some experience with boxing and BJJ. Much less with judo because I was already over 30 by the time I dabbled in it and you need to be young to start because an aging body can not handle the constant throws. I've also been in a lot of street fights in my impetuous youth and realized that your number 1 priority (if you can't flee the scene) is to remain upright while hopefully dropping your opponent. This is where boxing and judo shines. Stay standing and mobile with boxing footwork and if they get close grab their shirt/jacket and throw them to the floor. None of this "pulling guard" bullshit which will get you pummeled by their friends (if you survive the fall onto the concrete). And while Muay Thai is certainly a good self defense art, kicking is high risk in a street fight when you can be thrown off balance. Do not attempt unless you're really skilled. One problem with boxing is that you will break your hands if you win. The human skull is much harder than the delicate bones in our hands.