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Self defense - very hard to beat a set of fleet feet, and basically in most places the law requires retreat if possible.
Being aware of surroundings is probably the best defense, do not look like a potential victim.

The problems arise when others are involved, kind of difficult to beat the feet leaving wives/girlfriends or kids behind, so really the defense part is for others not ones self.
Historically one only needs to go to the KWF post on historical use of swords to see even then throwing rocks down on them created more casualties than swords, and in the Samurai vs Knight the knight got boiling oil as well as rocks, probably made their bogu very uncomfortable.

Also somewhat awkward carrying any weapon around in public, shotguns stand out, handguns take a lot of practice for proficiency, even a Jo staff will get looks unless it appears that you need it for mobility.
As for your house, replacing the exterior doors with something that will withstand a decent kick would be a good first step, a yappy pooch works well too. No surprises, and something substantial twixt them and thee.

Kendo provides more exercise in 30 minutes than golf all day (how long does 72 suburi take really?) , a much better use of time.