Self defense for women

[piperdbh]

So what should she do if she's a student of liberal arts?

Engage in a debate, then ask, "Do you want fries with that?"

But seriously, folks, what verb should one use when referring to, let's say, karate. One doesn't "play" karate, or "perform" karate. I know one can "practice" karate, but what verb is used when one is actully engaged in defending one's person using it? Or is at a tournament squaring off against an opponent?