IMO, BJJ prepares you for the average skirmish more so than other martial arts, specialized training excluded. While many martial arts practice self-defense scenarios, these are hardly done realistically or with 100% resistance - and even when resistance is added, the motions are predetermined.
In BJJ, you get used to working against real resistance, much like a real struggle. Believe me, unless you've crossed the wrong guy at the wrong moment, many fights are weaponless and involve a lot of struggling close-range. This is where BJJ clinch and takedowns can become effective. Also, in some circles, basic self-defense is still taught in the BJJ curriculum.
And "yes," everyone is right - you use what you must, whether it be bjj, judo, karate or kung-fu.
On a last note: If you're ever surrounded by a bunch of angry men with weapons with broken glass everywhere on the ground, then BJJ probably won't work.
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