Well, I suppose that might've worked too.
One of the times I was physically attacked at school, I gave the attacker a bloody nose. Wasn't particularly trying to hurt him, just defend myself, but that's where my hand ended up.
The day after, I got gestures of respect from a bunch of other kids. Only time anybody ever respected me. It was surreal.
But it wouldn't work today. From what I hear, you now get instantly expelled if you hit anybody or if anybody hits you.