Temple of Shao-lin Martial Arts Academy

Confused on circling left or right what should l do?

Since, not everyone's right or left hand/foot is the power hand/foot.
It depends on who you're facing...

In theory, you want to circle away from the power side (hand/foot)

Circling into the power side can be okay provided that you aren't in range of the opponent's power shot. If you circle while being outside the range of their jab or kick, there's no way they can hit you , unless they step forward or overreach, in which case you are in perfect position to land a counter shot.

With that said
Fighters intentionally do things like carry their hands low or other things that seem like fundamental mistakes ..on purpose.
Trying to bait the opponent to react because they know how they're going to react and what to do when the opponent takes the bait.In some cases it can deception. In other cases it could be just a bad habit.

Some fighters though are good with either side and you're circling into trouble regardless.
It may come down to which side you feel is more dangerous

Here's a rule of thumb:
..If you are only defending circle to the opponent's lead hand side.
..If you are attacking, you can circle either way.

Don't be predictable use your feet to cut off the opponent and or move yourself in and out of position.

Self-defense training is beneficial for your mind, body and spirit, but the real weapon is your mind. It’s your mind that must be decisive, confident, and alert so you are prepared for any situation that calls for defending yourself, family and friends.

"THE MIND IS LIKE WATER. WHEN IT'S TURBULENT IT'S DIFFICULT TO SEE. WHEN ITS CALM EVERYTHING BECOMES CLEAR"
Buddest monk

From Discover on Google https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3042544/forget-bruce-lee-and-ip-man-mulan-and-4-more-female-chinese

I was recently asked "does size always matter in a fight"? I said it really depends on the ability of the opponent ....Weight can be an advantage...Strength can be an advantage...
Speed is an advantage...Flexibility can be an advantage...Skill is definitely an advantage...
Stamina, Knowledge, Mindset can also be advantages...
A basic idea againts a bigger opponent is to use their weight and momentum against them by redirecting it with bending, twisting, circular movements .... training, conditioning and skill can even things up but that's a two sided coin if your opponents training, conditioming or skill is better is it really their size that matters?

There were a few simple rules that lay the framework for training:

1) No laughing...
2) No joking...
3) and No helping (“opponents”) off the mat...

That's not to say you can't enjoy the camaraderie of your classmates — but when the going gets rough, everyone WILL revert to your lowest level of training...

If you laugh and joke your way through your training, chances are you’ll do the same thing in a street fight. If you help up “the bad guy” in training, chances are you’ll think about doing the same thing and THAT momentary lapse could have very serious repercussions...

The best way to ensure a winning mindset in any confrontational situation is by staying completely focused on ourselves, our bodies, and our mission (to stay alive) every single time we train...
your mind, body and spirit will give you the advantage

Here are four main factors that can influence the outcome of a street fight:

1. Physical Conditioning
2. Technical Ski3. Attit4. Equalizing Resource

1. Physical Conditioning
The better shape you are in, the more effective you will be in any fight. You'll be able to perform more intensely, and for a longer period of time. You will also be more confident in your abilities and more resilient to bumps and bruises.
A fight is an "athletic event." It's a competition between you and your opponents. The more physically prepared you are, the more successful you will be.
So even if you're not in great shape right now, start exercising to increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility to the best of your abilities. (it can only help)

2. Technical Skill
Technical skill means your ability to perform specific techniques and tactics in a fight.
Your ability to perform strikes, kicks and defensive actions will have big impact on the outcome of the encounter.
So even if you don't have any fight training right now, start practicing some simple blocks and strikes. Repetition of these moves will begin to instill them in your nervous system, and they will soon become a part of you.

3. Attitude
Your emotional attitude, has probably the biggest impact on the outcome of a street fight. Even people without formal training are capable of remarkable things when they possess an unwavering commitment to win, and a never-give-up attitude.
Also, an attitude of confidence can often cause your would be attackers to look elsewhere for an easier target.

4. Equalizing Resources
Equalizing resource means anything outside of yourself that will swing the odds of success in your favor.
Human resources include "strength in numbers", if you're with a group of other people when you're attacked (and they have the balls to help you) you gain a big advantage over fighting alone.
Physical resources could also include the use of weapons, whether they're something you carry on you, or something you pick up off the ground. Arming yourself in a street fight will allow you to gain a psychological advantage over your attackers, and if need be, inflict more damage on your assailants.

少林功夫