Are MA really useful for Self Defense?

[Laughing Cow]

Just a quick question.

Are MA really useful for Self Defense purpose?
For me MA are fighting arts and not SD-arts.

I also don't know of many stories where masters of old used their MA against the dark alley assault or similar.

Yes, they were fighters that did challenge matches, duels and partook in fights, but did they use it to prevent muggings and similar?

Laws also haven't changed that much during the centuries, in fact I think we could say that they got more lenient.

Example:
Chen Wang Ting hid back in his village after killing an opponent during a fight in order to prevent prosecution and possible execution.

Most places also forbad duelling and similar thus we got "secret" rooftop fights and so on.

What's your opinion & take on the subject?