Levels of Fighting Awareness

Perception

Fighter has learned to be aggressive and have a fighting spirit. Perception owes itself to touch as well as vision. You have to be close, and feel and sense, as much as you see. This makes it easier to perceive when there is an "opening," either physical, mental, or both, and to exploit and finish the fight. Attacks are often neutralized with natural use of the forearms, elbows, etc. Some argue there is more danger of being hit when in close, but there more danger in staying away. At long range. you are a target. At close range. you are a threat. "You can retreat into your castle and pull up the drawbridge. You might not lose, but you cannot win."

Preemptive

If you know conflict cannot be avoided, then strike first. It is dangerous to let an adversary you do not know strike first. The opponent may be faster, stronger, fitter, etc. You have to attack to win, so you might as well do it first. This could also give you the element of surprise. This requires a heightened state of awareness and control of the emotions. You cannot give away you intentions. You are completely relaxed, non-threatening, but ready to attack first, fastest, and hardest.