Indeed, there are a lot of perks to knowing some techniques and martial arts. It's not even the ability to defend in the moment, but more to avoid the moment by being more aware, more confident and having that aura of not being an easy victim.

As I mentioned, I generally approve learning through experiences. But there are some experiences that are better avoided, that bring no good. Hence, living other in a controlled environment is a good way to hopefully avoid the other.