What would you do if...?

A common question asked by beginners is "What would you do if..."  They suggest a variety of scenarios in which you are attacked and expected to counter. How do you counter a kick? What about this hold? Can you deal with a headbutt? Will it work if the attacker has a knife?

They are wanting a fixed answer. Herein lies the problem. Self defence is anything but fixed. There are no guarantees. No security. Also, what the student is missing is the fact that what the master can do is unimportant. What matters more is what they (the student) would do.