There is plenty of evidence that the interest in martial arts has been declining in the last decade.
It is apparent, and I think the reason is the internet, globalization, and new trends. Those people who have an affinity towards combative activities, and want to find and improve their InFi style, cannot be kept in schools for long. They are studying for a while and leave.
The internet opens the eyes of the open-minded. You can see whatever you want on the web, and the masters cannot keep secrets the same way as 30 years ago. Consequently, teachers are not authority figures nowadays; they become customer service givers.Changing trends is another issue. The popularity of martial arts is waving. MMA, Krav Maga, and Tricking are the new trends. It is simply a fashion, in my opinion. The popularity of these trends does not mean they are better. They are new, and strongly promoted through the media.
In connection with individual fighting styles, some traditional techniques can be helpful to watch or learn - others cannot. In particular, tricking is rather gymnastics than fighting. Kraw Maga is rather a self-defence system than a style. And MMA is simply a sport.
