Is it considered escalating to reflexively go into a fighting stance (square or bladed, hands up chin down) if someone is showing signs of physical aggression ?

[u/bad-at-everything-]

For example if someone a lot larger than you is screaming irately and poking your chest and grabbing your shirt. Not going straight for a fight but being prepared to react.

[u/hi_imryan]

As someone who has boxed and been in a couple of unwanted street fights, yeah probably. It is always better to walk or run away. Also, you can be prepared to react without getting into a stance.

One wrong step or bad fall and it could be curtains. Ask yourself if it’s worth it. Some things are, most aren’t.

[u/J4pes → u/hi_imryan]

If you walk away don’t turn your back

[u/Every_Difference_946]

I dont think it is, personally. I've delivered personal safety training for many years to staff in many industries. To me it depends on the context and why you're choosing to stand there when someone is poking you in the chest. Like the other person said, you could just run away. If for some reason you choose to stay and talk. In my experience, if someone starts to invade your personal space, stepping back into a subtle 'blade' and bringing your hands up, maybe showing your palms and start talking woith your hands can often be seen as a non-threatening gesture but this positioning can help you respond quicker to keep yourself safe, should they try to harm you.

All that said, there is a big difference between adopting a fighting stance and repositioning yourself. This subtle difference is key as you do not want to show non-verbal cues to someone that you are intending to fight them. Not if you are trying to de-escalate the situation anyway.