See, the problem with working your way up is that, quite a lot of the time, you end up having to unlearn things, because disciplines clash.

I say, as if I ever learned anything formally. Um. Heh.

In my experience? You go for the groin, which they'll be expecting and block, and you use that opening to smash them in the nose. That's always a good one. And never underestimate the kick to the shins. Both of which should, obviously, be followed by you running away as hard as you can.

Running away is a seriously underrated art. Just don't go up unless you know how you're getting back down.