I forgot to mention the underlying strategy of awareness, that goes throughout all the above rules.
Geoff Thompson highlights a colour code system.
White - totally in day dream land. Not the place you want to be, but this is where many of us are most of the time.
Yellow - intentionally cultivating an awareness of people and situations around you.
Orange - a threat is recognised and constantly assessed.
Red - This is now in your face threat of violence. And it is flight or fight time.
see
www.geoffthompson.com for more info on his books and videos. His speciality is dealing with pre fight considerations and pre emptive strikes, as well as fighting techniques.