Here are a couple of videos from Geoff Thompson well worth viewing if you are even halfway interested in self-defence ideas:
The fence part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6OJnZG3joA
The fence part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FGLhlakkUk&feature=related
(Someday I will learn how to embed video onto my blog).
Apart from the "technique" of the Fence (basically a way to control the critical space directly in front of your body without appearing overly aggressive)Thompson also touches on interesting concepts for avoiding potential violence such as "the loophole," which involves presenting an easy way out for a potential aggressor while allowing him or her to maintain their "pride" or whatever it is they are attached to.
And as Thompson says outright, these are likely the most important sorts of things that one can learn as regards self-defence. Sadly, they are widely uncultivated skills.
