Having skills and being able to draw upon them in time of need are facets of effective self defense. What specifically do you think is most important to be able to resolve a SD situation? I have listed a few, but feel free to post others, and explain why.

Good Morning Matt:

AWARENESS, being aware is the most important element. Avoid the avoidable; avoid the places, people where problems are known & common events...

If WE are the ~problem~ ie that our so called friends are typically the instigators of "situations", we need new friends. If we always attract the problems in some manner we must consider what actions, attitudes of ours are the catalysts. If I wait until a problem is already hitting me, then I 1,000% failed to perceive the problem. If it becomes physical, I have missed endless levels to prevent it.
"... this clown is insanely drunk, a bully, etc... need to avoid him, he wants trouble..."

J

Matt,
Thats a tough poll. I really couldnt answer due to I do not know what is most important. I cant just pick one answer, because you need all of those in the long run.

Sorry Matt, read over that part.

I chose every one of them on the list.

More than 25 years martial arts experience has convinced me what you call "pressure training" is THE key to martial arts effectiveness. Most martial arts have a decent number of strong techniques and tactics. But unless one regularly trains under realistic conditions. none of it means anything.

De-escalation/avoidance. If you don't have the ability to at least handle the first stage of violence, things will likely spiral out of your control. Prevention is better than cure.

N.B. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't train other facets of self defense, it just means that you should learn de-escalation/avoidance, no matter whatever else you know already.

All of those awareness and groundfighting. And being able to run briskly.