Self Defense

I am interested in taking some sort of self defense/fighting class so that I can be able to defend myself if I ever need to (like when I had a gun pointed at me).  Ever since the incident I always carry a knife with me and I have a very basic knowledge of knife based self defense but I would like to expand on it or just leave the knife at home and use my own body as my means of self defense.  I'm not talking about the fancy kicks and flips and stuff I want some down to earth training that will actually work on the streets against a person larger than me/guns/knives etc.   I am a small guy (6'1" and a 145 lbs) and I always feel vulnerable becuse of my small size.

Any suggestions and what type of martial art to study?

EDIT: I've got 10 months before I can get a CCW.

It really depends on whether you want to "take some classes" for a while, or make a serious study of self-defense.  And then it depends on what you are trying to achieve, and your personal inclinations, and so forth.  It's a complicated question.

That said, next on my list (or close to next) is Krav Maga, which sounds like it might be for you.  Very modern, very practical, and specifically includes and focuses on dealing with opponents armed with guns and other current/modern weapons.

Ultimately, however, I have found that the "style" is less important than the particular school and instructor.  Most current martial arts share common roots, and it really comes down to how they are taught.

Evil Elvis wrote: Join the Marines, they will teach you MCMAP and even pay you for it. Will also help with that 'im puny' attitude.

Will also take you away from likely mugging situations for a few years as an added bonus.  Unless you considers IEDs "muggings".

Evil Elvis wrote: Either way either of those Places are safer than Baltimore.

True - people in Baltimore get annoyed when you respond to an attempted mugging with the main gun on your Abrams.

Crybabies.