I'm going to disagree on a point. If you and your partner can train at 100% on a regular basis and then smile and walk away in five minutes you are practicing a sport. Now that sport may have some great real world application but it's still a sport. In my opinion you want to be able to do as much damage as possible to your attacker with as little movement as possible. Few people are well enough trained to grapple an opponent and not have either party injured in a situation where force, outside of agreed upon competition or practice, is justified.
With that said chose the style that you enjoy enough and practice with people you will enjoy being around so you practice
Step one that anyone can do that others have mentioned: walk with your head up and aware. This allows you to retreat before the confrontation.
Step two: avoid escalation. That guy that says he can kick your butt may be pacified by agreement
Step three: avoid flashy or expensive jewelry, watches, and even vehicles to a degree. No one is going to attempt to kidnap for ransom the guy driving a 1979 Pinto (take that to whatever degree you want)
Step four: if possible be in reasonable physical condition. Many crimes are crimes of opportunity. Do not be the easiest target
With that said chose the style that you enjoy enough and practice with people you will enjoy being around so you practice
Step one that anyone can do that others have mentioned: walk with your head up and aware. This allows you to retreat before the confrontation.
Step two: avoid escalation. That guy that says he can kick your butt may be pacified by agreement
Step three: avoid flashy or expensive jewelry, watches, and even vehicles to a degree. No one is going to attempt to kidnap for ransom the guy driving a 1979 Pinto (take that to whatever degree you want)
Step four: if possible be in reasonable physical condition. Many crimes are crimes of opportunity. Do not be the easiest target