The fact is, the Asian martial arts have only been practiced widely in the United States, and the West, for a few decades. Where there is deep traditions going back in time throughout Asia, this is not the case with the West.  
 
For those of us who studied the Korean-based martial arts, here in the U.S., with the first or second generation teachers, there was always this sense of awh as to their ability and to their understanding of the more refined elements of body movement and combat skills. Move forward a couple of decades, however, and though what may have been, and still may be, considered very beautiful technique, but the truth is, these physical movements have become virtually ineffective in street combat.
 
In the early day of Asian combat skills arriving on Western shores, the techniques brought here and taught were very effective. No one had encountered a front or a side kick before. No one has ever experienced a shoulder throw or other self-defense techniques. But, time ticked on. More and more people became exposed to the martial arts. From this, techniques evolved and styles merged. What was once taught and what was once an effective self-defense techniques could no longer be universally seen as such.
 
Today, there are very few of the first or second generation teachers still alive; at least in the Korean traditions. Remember the modern Korean martial arts were only born after the end of Japanese occupation of the Korean Peninsula at the end of World War II. But, in watching those who are still alive or those third generation teachers who practice only what they were taught and teach only the most traditional techniques of the system, it can be witnessed that time has moved on and fighting skills have evolved. What was advanced self-defense once upon a time can no longer be seen as such.
 
It is essential to note that this does not mean that the original techniques of a system of self-defense are not a great foundation for human physical evolution and, in fact, very nice to witness. But, simply watch them being apply in the classroom setting or at a demonstration and the fact is, on the street, these techniques will not be effective. This is especially the case when pitted against someone who has trained in the more modern forms of self-defense.
 
So, what does this leave us with? It leaves us with the question, “What can the old masters teach us?” The answer to that question is obviously very individualized. The further question arises, “Does someone simply wish to learn the traditional method of martial arts to gain physical mastery over their body and mind or do they wish to truly learn how to fight?” Again, only the individual can answer this question.
 
All this being understood, the main thing that must be contemplated by any beginning, intermediate, or advanced martial artists is what do the martial arts mean to you and what do they mean to the people of today? Are they a foundational skillset for life? Or, are they a means to defend yourself or to possibly compete?   
 
For each person, the answer is individualized. But, it is a subject that must be contemplated in the pathway of any martial artist on his or her pursuit of human evolution.