I've been reading through the Wayfair stuff from the past day or two & am reminded of why I initially got my son into taekwando. I recommend it for everyone. They'll learn self defense skills for sure, but the best thing they can learn is to yell when someone grabs them.
Many times kids do not say a word because they're too trusting of an adult that approaches them confidently. At our academy, each class has a section that teaches them how to yell and how to break grip. These two things might just save their lives and save you a lot of heartache.
Oh when you go to the gym are your body and mind synced or is the mind ahead of the body visualizing the ideal state?
When you punch do you not visualize it before the action and change the action if the opponent counter?
There's Japanese idea that nothing is faster than the eye which is the processing of information. A talented artist with their hands will always be eclipsed by a dedicated artist with a talented eye.
Believe what you want, what I love about martial arts is when you are wrong there's no denying it as you fall.