I was seriously assaulted & robbed 5 years ago by a young punk at a gas station. Happened so fast there was no time to think. There seldom is. It is amazing haw much injury just the human fist can deliver. After recovering I explored my options and decide on Krav Maga training. I just accuired my black belt 3rd degree. Had I had my current training when this assault occurred I'm pretty confident the punk would have had to do the recovering.
No matter what you do or weapon you think you should carry it is mostly useless with out proper training.