Krav Maga. First thing it teaches you is to stay away from areas where something like this is possible. The next thing they teach you is to run away. If you think you'll look like a coward, compare that feeling to having a knife in your arm. If none of that works out for you, they teach you how to defend yourself. Brutally. Even how to extricate your wrist or arm from a grab. Physical size and strength (yours and you…
Kind of a stretch to call that a "basic life skill". In my last 30 years, I never had to fight anyone or differentiate a Monet from a Van Gough or a Beethoven from a Rachmaninoff. Then again, I don't life in crime heavy neighbourhoods or go to dinner parties that fancy. Maybe that's something for the next 30.
I'm interested in these things because I can't predict the future, but like to prepare for it. Also because knowing how to mix a drink or who composed Peter and the Wolf makes for interesting conversation with people I naturally feel comfortable around. Each to their own I guess.