Well, you might be, in a way. The Cade Family does deal with those types of duels, and I'm certain Jack has already been working with you on your heritage, hasn't he? Even if you don't use it, it's still there.

As for the duels themselves, they aren't inherently a "live or die" situation, as what I've gathered the "duels of darkness" tend to be. Certainly, they are very dangerous, and there are some that will try to take advantage of that, but a War Duel is often times the most effective way of subduing your enemy without killing them. It's still very possible to through direct attacks, but with those whose Deck Leaders offer them a strong resistance, very difficult.