Best class to take for self defense? (Perhaps other than karate)?

I will suggest you to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It is a best grappling technique in martial art. It is introduced by Gracie brothers. It is the best self defend technique. You can see, it is mostly used in one-on-one match.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is good to start with the martial art. With a proper technique and guidance you can become masters in it. I found good trainers and service to following. You may refer them.

Unfortunately in order to persuade people to stop trying to kill you severe techniques are often required. Giving people a Chinese burn simply isn't going to cut it. Martial arts were originally designed to kill and main, and although they are now more sport orientated this element still remains to a greater or lesser extent depending on which are you chose.

If you are just looking for practical self defence, check out the Suzy Lamplaugh Trust website, who teach self defence, but don't teach any physical techniques. Also check out The Art of fighting without Fighting by Geoff Thompson.

Martial Arts is for defense only my friend, it's not an offensive sport, that is completely the wrong reason to study ANY Martial Arts discipline. and besides that, we don't wear our uniforms (whatever the uniform is for the particular discipline) every day, just to class to train in. besides that, you never know when your training will ever come in handy but usually it will be in the street and at that point there's no holds barred, no rules, you do what you gotta do or use to survive. find a school that interests you the most, and take a trial class or two. But with YOUR attitude I'd reccommend not doing it due to your temperament, Martial Arts is NOT for kicking someone's a** but defending yourself to survive your opponents attack. check your local phone book for some nearby schools for a start

I would recommend Krav Maga. I started a few months ago for the same reasons and I really like it. I already felt so much more confident in myself and my ability to protect myself after just one or two classes, and I know a lot of people have been doing it for years, so imagine how impowering it must be to them. Krav Maga.

Kenpo Martial arts and or Krav Guru and Judo Guro and some aikido van and definetely Kajukenbo.