"For an unarmed-only patient run, "Backpaddling" is by far the most important & efficient trick you could use.

While you are swinging your fists, you can move your character slightly backward/forwards/side-ways(WASD). And most of the time, moving backward will give you more space between yourself and your enemies.

The BEST scenario for the patient is enemies coming in a single line in a tight hallway since enemies can easily stun and ruin your combo meter if they surround you. So, keep on moving backward to kinda "lure in" your enemies towards you."