Twenty years ago, walking back from a Karate Tournament in Madison Square Garden where I competed, and which featured early photos (complete with bruises) of Chuck Norris in the program, my wife and I were followed by what was obviously a mugger. He was waiting for us to turn off of the main street, I think it was 34th St.
Did I kick him in the throat? In the groin? Did I stab him through the left eye with the long screwdriver I kept up my sleeve for that very eventuality (after all, this is NYC)?
No.
I used deception.