In every fight I've been in, I tried to throw the first punch. I agree with you on the not talking point. It takes a lot to get me upset so most of the time I don't say anything anyway. The biggest thing I learned was know your limits. In my younger days I was "gang related" and there were a couple of occassions when I should have run or back down from 4 to 6 guys and didn't.
Use a weapon when you have a chance. You can hit a guy a hell of a lot harder with an ashtray than just your fist. Also keep in mind that you will get hit and you will have to fight through the pain.
"if against multiple attackers, put your back up against a corner so nobody gets behind you "
NO! I must respectfully disagree. Against multiple attackers the absolute key is to stay mobile. I have learned this through numerous simulated 2, 3 and 4 on one situations. If you get cornered or grabbed or stay put and fight, you're finished.
If you hit and run, even running in circles, it is damn hard for anyone to get you. If it is 2 or even 3 on one, then grabbing one guy and maneuvering him between you and the other(s) is also good.
Stay in one place for just a couple of seconds and the guy you don't see will knock your block off.
I don't want to get arrested, sued or killed, therefore I choose to train to fight in a cage or ring and refrain from fighting in the street. Too much can go wrong.
elbows, knees and chokes are my friend. I learned the hard way it's a bitch trying to end a fight with a couple of bones broke so bad they're almost sticking out of my hand/skin.
"about 20 of the guys from the football and wrestling team were fucking with the football/wrestling coach and he challenged all of us to try him. he backed up into a corner, took his shoes off, and started swinging them like crazy and foaming at the mouth and nobody fucked with him."
Street fighting is all about doing whatever it takes to win the confrontation. It's more about training your mind not to get turned off about the very bad things you are about to do to your opponent.