If you go to a good school that spars often and hard, and become skilled, then HELL YES. Streetfighters can't fight worth crap. I've never lost a streetfight, and i've beat the doo doo out of opponents using karate (striking), wrestling (takedowns), and brazilian ju jitsu for groundwork. yes karate will work for the street if you become skilled and do two things. Crosstrain and realize the weakness in the art.