What is the best warfighting tool set for the brawling skill?

[RyanW]

Originally Posted by WingedKagouti

Rule #1 for unarmed combat: If the opponent has a weapon and knows how to use it, do not engage.

In GURPS terms, this applies not just to Brawling, but also Karate, Judo, Sumo Wrestling and Wrestling. You should only ever reconsider if you have cinematic options at your disposal (and your opponent does not).

I recall discussion that the DF 250 point default was picked in part because it was the lowest point at which the martial artist could be made to serve any purpose.

Edit: or it may have been that people trying to make lower point versions found the martial artist the most severely handicapped by the changes necessary.