hagrid,
if you're interested in realistic self defense, i would highly recommend taking a look at richard dimitri, sammy franco, and geoff thompson. they are all top notch, and will probably give you a new perspective on personal protection. depending on your location, you may be close enough to dimitri for a visit--if you were interested. anyways, i would take a look at the forums. a lot of the regulars have some good information to offer. just my 2 cents.
also: i am not trying to take a big shot at macyoung, but in the opionion of many, he is not what he seems. good books, but less than impressive in person. ask around.
dimitri:
www.senshido.com
franco:
www.sammyfranco.com
geoff:
www.geoffthompson.com