I appreciate your comments about the mental aspects of defense. I have never been in a physical fight in my life, nor would I ever go looking for one.
My interest in having an improved chance of defending myself, would only be for a situation where conflict could not be avoided.
I think that the odds I would ever have to rely on such skills are very very low. But, better to have some preparation.
I am always looking for ways to stay in shape too; and I imagine that improved fitness would be an added bonus of such training or skills development.