A thread like this makes me wonder how relevant martial arts (hand to hand combat) is in our society at all.

I mean, how often (after grade school) do you really exchange fisti-cuffs with someone in your everyday life? Hardly ever. And if it does happen, you most likely put yourself in that situation.

If any ancient fighting art was truly evolving it would become a sport entirely. There would be no arguments. You compete, you either win or loose.....end of discussion.