Yes, in theory I would agree. However, I'm used to working with guys who are 20 years younger than me and spend some of their time practicing things like BJJ, Krav Maga, Thai kickboxing, wrestling etc. Threaten them with an atemi (depending of course on what you mean by that...
) and they will take you apart.
That is why these moot points and subtle definitions are important. The good thing is that om the street, it's usually a different story, it's a different sense of attack, not a "fight" per se.