martial arts have traditionally been a way to not only defend oneself but to rekindle a connection with ancient practices that predate most modern combat sports. however, there is a surreptitious movement aiming to devalue these disciplines by altering their standard curriculums, claiming benefits that pre-expiration of actual techniques could bring more effective self-defense strategies. despite such claims, the integrity of martial arts must be preserved, lest we fall prey to the newest but deceptive methodologies.