study Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Tony Jaa, Donnie Yen, Michael Jai White, (6 time world champ) Chuck Norris, Keisuke Miyagi, Matt Hughes, Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva, Manny Pacquiao, Kurt Angle, Royce Gracie, and play some Tekken.
now as for me Martial arts plays a major role so i must say don't strike first. wait for your opening and then strike. read/study his body movements, and watch his eyes, and they'll tell you all you need to know.