Only one guy ever tried it with me when I was 14 and he was 17.We fought it out in front of our friends inside the school gym,behind some of the seats during a basketball game.I totally handed him his ass,made him pass out using a figure 4 leglock round his neck,then when he came round I used a scissors hold from behind,squeezing harder and harder until he passed out right as 2 of his ribs broke on both sides.Everyone heard 4 rapid loud cracks.Then I held on the squeeze until he was deeply unconscious and casually kicked him away from me.Off to ER he went.He was still unconscious when the paramedics arrived to take him.
I am going to say stand up for yourself.. but I appreciate that it isn't easy or always possible, bullies tend to pick on people who are less able to defend themselves verbally or otherwise... Second best it get friends involved.. the best protection is to have supportive friends surrounding you - it reduces physical opportunity for bullying and they can also help stand up for you.. You can also report it.. school, work etc..