Understand if you carry mace or pepper spray you *will* get it in your own eyes if you ever have to use it. Do a test run on a calm day - spray it outside and see if/how it affects you.

There's a class called "Model Mugging", I did a quick search and you may have to go to the Bay Area to find it. They specifically train you to take out a would be attacker. A lot of martial arts don't practice full contact, realistic situations.

Here's a great website for learning how to properly take care of yourself.
www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/sel....htm

The best self defense is knowing how not to get into a bad situation in the first place.