The point is to train so you don't have to think about getting into a solid stance, you just do it. Tactics are a different thing. Also you should train so that when you inevitably get hit at a protest it isn't the first time.

i learnt by growing up in a shithole mate
go to a boxing gym, get into fights, don't bother with anything fancy, just learn how to throw an actual punch

I am also not much for fighting but a lot of the shit like Muay Thai or especially Krav Maga (say what you will about the Israeli state but they know how to do the violence) is practical and used in combat.

The more you do something the more instinctual it becomes whether it's a round of pool or shooting at a range or fighting so when your teeth are about to be knocked in the response takes over (and a lot of martial arts involve sparring specifically for real teeth knocking simulation)

1. Kick random people in the crotch and let them retaliate.

2. Keep doing it til' you're a kung-fu master.

You first start to learn how to make a fist. Than you learn how to actually move your body in a way that gives that fist actual power. Than learn to kick and than block. Than spar.