I've got a friend who is a tae kwon do black belt, a ju jitsu yellow belt, and used to be an instructor. She's great in matches, but when confronted in a real-life situation, she can't cope. I think it's a common thing, being unable to translate what happens inside the dojo to a real-world use of these skills. It sucks for your instructor, but it's not an indicator of his skills or of the martial arts education you are receiving from him. It's important to keep in mind that the dojo is a controlled environment, and you should not expect to react on the street as you would in a classroom.

You could have said that before the instructor got robbed and cried...

I can say as someone who's taken karate and tae Kwon do that karate really doesn't teach you how to defend yourself especially for that situation. I'd look somewhere else especially if he's that big of a whimp. And I think OP was far to distracted by his reaction to even help

I wouldn't say its a waste. Think of it this way, he taught you skills to defend yourself. Just because he didn't use them doesn't mean that they won't help you. Now if he tried and got his ass handed to him then I'd be worried.

Yeah, you spent it in karate lessons, the Dane Cook of mixed martial arts.

Give them your shit then hit them from behind

This is also a great reason why you should carry a gun if you are trained to the point where that weapon is an extension of your body you will use it to react

Hahah

Just because you know the martial art doesnt mean you have the nerve to use it

Has he taught you karate? Are you able to defend yourself?? If so then it doesn't matter if he's a wimp.