I like that you covered dif aspects. I can speak on the martial arts focus and weapons(including guns) No weapon is any better then the user. If someone is worried about self defense. You MUST get training. And you have to find a trainer that works with what you have. For example. I taught martial arts for many years. And I had muscle bound students and I had students that were 5 ft tall and 90 lbs. You have to learn the basics. Then learn what works for you. Just my 2 cents.