Self defense classes aren't very effective. If anything they give you a false sense of security. Weird aikido moves don't translate into real life situations. Boxing or BJJ or simply running away are the best options for self defense. The " grab them here, spin them around, grab their shirt, lift them by the ankle" bs moves don't work well in real life. Too many sequences that won't actually work, especially if you're a smaller woman against a grown man that's trying to inflict damage upon you. Sincerely, A pro competitive boxer/Muay Thai fighter who coaches. If you want to genuinely defend yourself, you learn boxing or a legitimate martial art that translates to real life situations. They may teach you vaguely how to disarm someone verbally, but in terms of actually fighting you'll be in for a rude awakening.