Hi. First post ever here.

My .02- getting hands on instruction from a teacher is paramount. However, depending on where you live, that might not be feasible. Personally, I find learning from a DVD or book on gross motor skills difficult. So, assuming you have some choices of martial arts schools and self defense programs, I'd recommend to find one that focuses on the defensive and awareness aspect of their system/art based on the nature of your question. Tell the instructor to what purpose you want to use the skills and his/her answers should pretty much tell you if they're a good fit. But buyer beware, schools are a business as well, and some will try to sell you what you want to hear and $300 per week later, you'll find out mmm...not so much. There are some schools that have a variety of styles and systems in one location offering a range of skills. As far as skill sets go: look to Filipino martial arts for weapon/knife based fighting; muay thai or krav for unarmed striking; and bjj for grappling and ground work. Sprinting is a good skill to get distance from an opponent, which is my first tactic.