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KinnyLee wrote: And I'm very interested in learning stick fighting.

Stick AND knife most often go together, so you'll probably get both.

Don't overlook "Cane", (a personal favorite of mine). But few MA's teach it any longer. You'll have a blast regardless of which you choose. Anyone that has access to a free demonstration/seminar should take advantage of it.

Remember, a gun should be the last "layer" of your self defense plan.

Another benefit of attending such a class is to see how various weapons are used. This is "key" to understanding how to defend against them.

I guess I should stop now, as I have managed to take this thread way off subject. Sorry.

sensei wrote: I talked to my sensei the other day and he and I would be happy to put on some self defense classes if there is an interest in them. (no charge, of course) We teach: open hand, knifes, canes, sticks, sai, etc.

Seems that may fit in with what you are talking about somewhere. Maybe not, though. Anyway its available if you are interested.
Ray

IMO, there are many MA skills/principles that could be applied to self defense with a handgun, and a good way to augment any skills you already have.

In fact, you are much more likely to need this level of self defense in daily life than having to address one that requires the use of "deadly force".

In a close quarters encounter, some of these skills might be what allows to get to your gun to begin with.