The problem with KM is that many of their instructors have dubious credentials. That, and a system that is essentially just a ‘cut down’ traditional Martial Arts system but practiced in combat boots. Always do an instructor check on any of these guys. A lot of the time it’s just about $$$. I would also personally AVOID any Oriental martial arts.
IMO, the quickest route to ‘self-defence’ (or self-protection I should say). Is ‘principal based learning’ combined with a striking art. Such as boxing to Mauy Thai. I would say MMA. Hoverer, there’s a lot of time spent grappling and using the floor. If you’re looking for something that is purely for self-protection, there’s no need to spend that much time rolling on the mats. If you love it, and enjoy the sport then that’s a different matter.
Take your striking art and now apply it to ‘street scenarios’ and serious pressure testing. Avoidance is always the best policy of course. Fighting is always the worst option.
For basic self-protection I would highly recommend picking up a book called, ‘the three Second fighter’ By Geoff Thompson. It basically breaks down what happens in a real street fight and why traditional martial arts crumbles under pressure.
Actually, I just found the whole Three Second Fighter video on YT. Well worth a watch! Don’t mind the poor quality as it was filmed in the 90s. The content is gold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctZtDTnyppwIf you want to learn more about ‘The Fence’ Here’s the whole video too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETLWajTDzvEGeoff Thomspon didn’t invent the fence but he brought it to notoriety in the 90s. It’s a staple in any good self-defence system.
On the Combatives side of things - You can’t go wrong with anything by Lee Morrison:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtfZTdRCfEoRYRqzBUur3lAOr anything by Kelly McCann or Carl Cestari.
The big problem, with a lot of other so-called self-defence ‘experts’ is they ride on the coat tails of others and sell you a watered down version of something that they really have no clue about. Unfortunately, this is also applicable to Combatives. Some people are teaching ‘combatives’ and yet they have no idea of the actual principals. It’s about $$$$$.