It really depends on weather the guy tries to punch, kick, grab, or shoot in. I like to let the aggressor make the first attempt and react to what they do. There action puts them in a position for my reaction.
I train to cover most of my initial open areas with my "flinch" for lack of a better term reaction. Also train to get off line of the opponent since most tend to come straight on when they attack. There is usually an initial body movement that clues you in there is going to be a physical attack.
Throwing up your "set" which rarely happens is one of those. Raising your body or sinking very quickly is also an indicator.
If they shoot in I raise my knee and slap down on the back of the head.
If they punch I cross block while side stepping and elbow to the neck or head with the same arm then drive a strike to the solar plexus.
If they kick I raise my knee drive it down their shin into a foot stomp while striking at the head.
If they attempt to grab me with one hand, a kick to the groin and a rake to the eyes works pretty good ,as well as a move called single leg flying crane. Also a move called Iron butterfly works quite well also. You basically hook the opponents leg place your hands on their arms and bow while thrusting one leg out behind you.
That's just to cover whatever situation comes by. These are scenarios I like to go on but unfortunately things may go differently depending on the aggressors reactions.
