To be honest, it's not taught in any sort of meaningful fashion in most self-defense classes, either. Like with anything else, you have to vet your sources carefully. It can also be a big rabbit hole to go down, so it's not a bad idea to know what your needs/interest are and know when to call it good enough.
FWIW, from a physical standpoint, unless you're doing scary things with scary people, I think once you've gone past the basics, good MMA and good gongfu are both total overkill. If self defense is part of someone's reason for training, they could just practice the hell out of a couple of techniques they like, and do the rest for interest and enjoyment.
I'd say more than the Fighting ability itself (I started training after violence has ceased to be a part of my life,so its funny I say that. My lessons back in the day came more in the form of
Leergeld as Wim Demeere called it),I'd say the biggest benefit I have gotten from getting interested in the Martial Arts is that I have found a physical activity I can regularly stick to and enjoy while reaping the benefits of exercise. The stationary bike and treadmills that some people seem to be able to enjoy (or force themselves to do),just doesn't work for me.
I may not look it (Thankfully. Well,if you ignore my gut,that is.
),but I am a "geek/nerd" at heart. I'd say I'm a naturally curious person,and mainstream Sports have never really interested me. Sports Fighting is the only sport I've ever really been into watching,and even that has started to die down as the times have gone by. For me,Boxing/MMA/BJJ are all fun to do,but a lot less so watching it,unless I personally know the players.
I have a question for you guys,but...is watching Taijiquan videos fun to you? To me thus far,it isn't,but that's probably just because I have no idea what's going on in them. Might be different for you guys. Or do you guys feel the same about your training as I did about Combat Sports/BJJ? in that they are fun to do,but not really fun to watch others do it,at least most of the time?