Those of us that study pragmatic karate, will always tell you that the karate we practice is for use against “civilian attacks”…. the reason karate was created. That our combative skills are for use against a thug, “ruffian or villain” (Ankoh Itosu precept quote). Someone who is untrained in the martial arts.
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But these days, just how bad (or good) are untrained people at fighting?
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Of course, it depends what we mean by untrained. Personally I prefer the term; consensual vs. non-consensual violence. There are plenty of people who learn how to fight from getting into fights. A lot of what you see in sport martial arts (squaring off, hands up in a guard, testing distance etc) does not have a place in non-consensual violence, and anyone who is fighting at range is no longer in a self-defense scenario, as it would be preferable to make an escape at that distance.
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However, for those that are completely untrained and untested, they may have no idea what they’re doing but might get lucky with some desperate shots. You don’t need a lot of skill to throw wild swinging haymakers. And there are 100’s of “other” factors that may go wrong, even for someone who is experienced.
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This is why you need to ensure you are training with the correct mindset. Is it sport, dojo sparring, competition, self-defense?….. Know the difference.
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And if it is pragmatic and for self-defense purposes, you have to train with a high degree of realism after the initial learning phase is over. Those that are not experienced are hugely unpredictable. They will not react as you expect them too. Your attacker is going to both resist and be uncooperative. He will NOT allow you to do what you want with him….. No, his arm will not be hanging out there for you to complete your brilliantly executed technique.
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I posted this a few days ago, and some people just didn’t get it…. “Having a compliant partner is a must to learn a technique, and this should be followed by progressive resistance, or non compliance to add realism and build your skill. In training there will always be a point you cannot cross for safety of your training partner….. But remember. If your technique doesn’t consistently work with resistance and pressure testing, IT WON’T WORK. PERIOD.”
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And it made me think that these people who disagree with pressure testing, are quite frankly, stupid, with just little or no common sense. These people are denying themselves, and their students, the right to protect themselves in an environment that could end up getting you seriously injured, or worse.
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Pressure testing is a MUST…. Come on! Even if your karate is sport based (as someone commented), pressure testing has to be included.
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Some people are naturals at fighting without having trained any martial art at all, and there are those who will never “get it”, even after they’ve obtained their “black belt” (yes I know this isn’t a mark of competence) in a martial art.
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Any martial art that relies or assumes that an attacker is incompetent or untrained is promoting a dangerous line of thinking. Do not underestimate untrained opponents. 
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