LogFAQs > #910023685

Enclave posted...

Oh I get that, like I said once I was big enough to be able to back up standing up for myself it worked. Until then though, I was way too easy of pickings even though I fought back.

If you were just too small/weak, then it's unfortunate.
I was trying to stress fighting with ferocity over "fisticuffs" because too often the latter is how Hollywood depicts the nerd standing up to and overcoming the bully, and it's unrealistic and dangerous.
If a bully is picking on you, it means he thinks he can beat you in a fight. If he thought otherwise, he'd be going after someone else. He could just be wrong in his assessment, but more than likely the bully can win a straight up fight. You need to avoid a straight up fight. You have the advantage of surprise (he's not expecting you to fight back) and your sheer ferocity, and that's your only advantages. Hit first, try to to make it count, but even if it's a weak attack..follow up immediately. Don't pause, keep striking as much and as swiftly as possible.
And if you're crazed enough and at least make him bleed, even if you lose the fight he may well decide you're not "worth it" anymore.

Just my perspective. Definitely should assess your chances against a bully and not get into a fight you think you have no hope of winning.
EDIT: Getting bigger/stronger is good, too. Not mutually exclusive at all. Definitely worthwhile to at least develop a punch that'll actually stagger someone for a moment.