I will give practical answers in plain English about self defense that do not require fine motor skills or fancy, difficult to execute traditional martial arts moves.

Experience
It's important that you get advice from someone who has applied, and not just theoretical knowledge of this subject. Aside from getting my head kicked in in more than a few brawls, I have experience in both MMA and Traditional martial arts.

I have studied Shaolin Kung Fu and Sanda/Sanshou under 32nd generation Shaolin Monks Ren Qiang and Ren He in the People's Republic of China for 18 months. I Hold a brown belt in Nan Sho Kempo Jujutsu under Sensei Jason May, and have cross trained in Aikido under John Lemont, Wing Chun Kung Fu under Sigun Phillip Holder, MMA and Western Boxing under Mike Lace of Lace Security. I have lived and trained in Thailand as a rookie professional fighter under Chelsea Soonkilla Watket and Kob Cassette of Chay Yai Gym, Chiang Mai. I have a professional fight record of 1 win and 0 losses (Muay Thai).

In spring of 2009, I cross trained in Pekiti Tirsia Kali and Close Quarter Shooting / Urban Operations under Rommel P. Tortal, Chief Edged and Impact Weapons instructor for the Filipino Marine Corps for 2 months as his personal Student and assistant.

I currently live in Chiang Mai, where I study Thai language and train Muay Thai at Chay Yai Gym.

Organizations
Chay Yai Gym, Chiang Mai

Pekiti Tirsia Global Organization

Ren Shi School of Gong Fu

Nan Sho Budokan

Education/Credentials
High School and Some College

Past/Present Clients
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Assistant instructor: Self Defense / Rape Prevention Course)