I think that's great advice. By no means am I a big fan of fighting, 99% of the time its over something stupid thats not worth fighting about. A good friend of mine was paralyzed in high school in a fight over a girl and his promising life was essentially ruined along with a lot of money, lots of pain to him and his family, etc.
I think walking away if at all possible is great advice but like you said if that's not an option protect yourself and stand up for yourself and then walk away.