I do agree it is important to posses the skill of self defence, but I think one needs to be careful not to get to obsessed with it and do what feels right to them. Personally I choose to spin a fire staff every morning and after 5 years of doing this, I have some nifty tricks now. And I challenge anyone to take me on! But not once have I viewed this enjoyable and creative exercise as a form of self defence.

Thanks for your interesting post :)