Yes, self defense is a worthy endeavor, and learning martial arts is great for your self-confidence, BUT
You will be learning how to do other people serious injury and even kill them. Along with the “art of war” you must also learn “the art of peace.” You’ll have to learn to keep your temper under perfect control, even in a street situation. “He said X and I just lost it” is not a legal defense. Violence or the threat of violence has to be met on its own level. No over-reactions.
Can you take an anti-Semitic insult which is not accompanied by a threat and just turn around and walk away? If you think not, then it’s better not to learn how to kill people with your bare hands. Martial arts aren’t cute – they’re “deadly” serious.
And yes, I’ve trained martial arts. It’s a responsibility.