What kind of hand-to-hand combat/self-defense training would you recommend for just starting out?
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I don’t have any training. It looks like something i might want to get into.
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Are you thinking about attending the class or self learning sessions?
I definitely recommend using Instructor. Which State are you in?
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My recommendation is, since this is a gun oriented forum, get the basics for your firearm so you can avoid the hand to hand. I’ve said this many times, if you have a range that sponsors competitions in a combat format, check it out. They, in the interest of safety, will have basic classes on draw, shooting (reloading on the move etc.) and accuracy. Then the competitive side will get some adrenaline moving and the results will give you the necessary feedback on how good you are. Finally, if you’re shooting with the kind of people I shot with, you got constant constructive feedback that will make improvement fun. However, I will not rule out the need for a good self defense discipline for those times you’re not able to carry.
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Considering class setting. In MA.
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Your question got me thinking. We have a range that also takes hand to hand seriously. I’m in AZ and they offer a hands on/hand to hand defense courses. One for those in great shape, and ones that cater to those of us in the senior age group that have to overcome age related issues. I’m only mentioning this as in checking around I found another that was also offered at a shooting range. If you are a member of one, they may offer a discount.
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MA… 
I’m not sure if Sheepdog Response ever comes in that region. This Company has a great “Protector” Training program…
Anyway. I’d suggest checking local ranges. Perhaps they can provide such sessions.
A lot of Police Departments have their own “Self-Defense” programs for citizens / residents.
Friend of mine sent me this link:
You may check it if you are interested.
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Plain ole American boxing, millions of YT videos you can use for basic punching drills at home, the equipment is cheap and there’s a few boxing gyms in every town in America. On the firearm side, dry practice, dry practice, dry practice. All the 1” groups at 10 yards don’t mean crap if you can’t deploy your weapon rapidly without thinking. I spend about 5-10 minutes a few times a week practicing the draw with whatever holster I have on at the time and do range once or twice a week to shoot a box at paper plates, not fancy, not difficult, just knowing things go “bang” and holes appear where you want them.
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Thanks!
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I started with boxing, then taekwondo, and after that jiu-jitsu. What is nice about this combination of art forms is the taekwondo gives you an attack at a distance, then the boxing for closer, and finally the jiu-jitsu for up close. It seems to balance each other out and give you strengths no matter the situation or distance.
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That is the oldest known self defense technique. It doesn’t require much knowledge and training. Also Instructor is not needed.
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He ran faster when I pulled out the baby oil! 
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Jeet Kune Do, become water - Chinese
taekwondo, fist and feet fighting - Korean
jujitsu, unarmed combat - Japanese
In other words, look into what the name is and where it is from to better serve the purpose of why you want to train in it. Who, What, and Why.
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So.. are you suggesting that we should use a proper technique depending on who we are fighting against?
- “Sir… you look Korean to me… please leave me alone or I will taekwondo you”
- “Okyakusama… I’m guessing you are Japanese…. go away, or I will jujutsu you”.
- “shuĹŤ shĂhuĂ .. you must be Chinese… step back or I will Jeet Kune Do you”
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I strongly recommend learning the art of “Gun-Fu” to the extent of which the Commonwealth you have chosen to reside will allow.
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First:
Learn to be a trained observer.
You can’t defend against what you can’t comprehend
Driving your automobile is good practice.
How many cars are in your lane?
What’s going on in front of the car in front of the car in front of you?
How many pedestrians are there and what are they doing?
What’s going on at the next intersection?
Are any of the other cars having problems like squeaking, burning oil, or making grinding sounds?
What anomalies do you see one the horizon and think about how to handle them so you’re cognizant.
Apply those skills to your everyday.
My 2 cents anyway.
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In no particular order:
Jiu-jitsu, Krav Maga, Jeet Kun Do, Boxing
Not recommended: Tae Kwon Do
The school matters. The instructor’s credentials and teaching experience matters.
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Just make sure it’s “PEPSI” cola!!!
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Ah come on, throw Tae Kwon Do into the mix as well and Hap Ki Do, Kung Fu.