I have been following along with some confusion. The way
everyone is posting sounds as if the pre-emptive strike was a
crippling or deadly strike. It doesn't have to be. You could
send a front kick to the mid section, send a groin kick, a palm
strike, etc., etc. If you have tried avoidance, verbal
communication, and other tactics with no success, and you are
backed into a corner with no where to go, you need to get out of
the situation. It doesn't mean punch them in the throat and
stomp their head in while their on the ground. If your unsure of
their intentions, send a non crippling strike to get space and
get to safety. If you don't do major damage to the person, you
won't ever see the inside of a court room.