While it is always interesting to know what was done in the PAST, we must live in the times we live, the here and now.
Mantis, like any other MA, if it is to be known as a fighting system NOW, must be demonstrated to be a fighting system NOW.
It is irrelevant what it was in the past.
What masters and fighters of the past did with THEIR abilities in Mantis is irrelevant to what people do NOW with THEIR abilities in Mantis.
Psalms 144:1
Praise be my Lord my Rock,
He trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle !