I took karate for a number of years and learned a lot. I always suggest to people, when in a potentially bad area, to walk with their car keys between their fingers. Two sets of keys? Both hands. Like brass knuckles. Go for the eyes....the throat....the temples.....the groin.
I also took karate for many years, but would rather not go hand to hand against a mob. I CCW and have started carrying extra magazines. Also the trunk rifle with loaded 30 and 40 round magazines.
What discipline Karate did you study?
I studied Isshin Ryu under Harold Long for 8 years.Reached 2nd Dan...If you don’t know of Mr. Long, please look him up...Quite a man...
Knuckle dusters are effective even for us old guys. Unexpected for gramps to have.
Karate is a sport, if you’re serious about self defense, I’d highly advise something else.