I wish now that I had taken those Judo or Tae Kwon Do (Korean for "Karate") classes when my dad offered them to me when I was little. Might have helped me fight off my sister who did take my dad up on the Judo lessons. I dont think she paid attention to Master Shin when he was teaching the patience and self control part of the class. (My dad is a black belt in Judo, he just hasnt done much in the past few years for health reasons. Mr. Shin was his teacher for most of his Judo life)

I always wanted to try Kendo (bamboo swords)

If I'd taken any of those classes when I had the chance and the physical ability to do so, then I'd probably feel better about staying home alone, or traveling alone now.

I wish my big dog was still alive. He was better than any self defense course. Less dangerous than handing me a gun. At least my dog was well trained and a natural protector.

I suppose if anyone breaks thru my back door, I can throw my dog's cremains at them. (he's in a heavy lead-lined wood box. I'd probably break a toe if I dropped him on my foot)

I do have one of those big metal flashlights next to my bed. Anyone comes thru my window or back door is going to get a mouthful of metal and D cell batteries pushing him back out thru the glass.