So, modern martial arts effectiveness is intentionally reduced? Is it fair to say that modern martial arts are intentionally made less effective, in order to appeal to a broader range of people?
.
In 1868 Japan moved from a feudalistic government to a democratic one that resulted in a few changes to the martial arts.
.
The martial arts began to be taught as a way to promote the values of the past. This was done by using the martial arts to foster health, spirit, morality, and national identity, instead of the most efficient way to disable an opponent.
.
Finally, a sportification of Japanese martial arts began. This switch to a more holistic, sporting martial art gained ground in 1908 when Itosu “Anko” Yasutsune was able to incorporate karate training into the physical education programs in all elementary schools on Okinawa. In order to do this however, a few changes needed to be made to the art. For these changes, he was often criticized for effectively watering down the combat efficacy of karate.
.
He disguised the more dangerous techniques, i.e. grappling, and taught the art as one primarily based on blocking and punching. No combative application was taught for any technique, meaning the patterns were taught without their application thereby making them no different than any of the traditional dances popular at the time.
.
Lastly, deceptive names were given to the techniques that were taught, such as “high block” or “low block”. Prior to this, what we know as a “high block” or “low block” was utilized as a striking or grappling technique in addition to its role in blocking. It is now clear that karate patterns did at one time contain more than just striking and blocking techniques.
.
Eiichi Miyazato wrote: “Now that karate has crossed borders and has spread to every corner of the globe, the number of practitioners has increased enormously. I’m sure I am not the only one who questions whether or not letting the art spread so readily is necessarily a good thing.
.
There are a number of problems that arise with the spread of karate. The sudden increase in student numbers inevitably results in a lack of trained instructors. With this, the quality of the instruction decreases, and the art is transformed into a sport.
.
Such a transformation entails the loss of the very essence of karate as both the mental and physical aspects of the art are distorted.
.
If karate continues to spread as it has, there will almost certainly come a time in the future when such distortions will be cause for concern……….[..] We must consider the origin of Karate and focus all our efforts on the defining what is true Karate.” – (End Quote)
.
Times have changed, it’s no longer accepted to end a fight with a badly injured enemy – or a dead one. To kill is not that difficult, to heal and to grow is a much harder way……. 
.
References: Dr. Tony Kemerly and Steve Snyder, Tuttle Publishing, 2009: Okinawa Den Goju Ryu Karatedo Eiichi Miyazato 1978
.