In wuxia and in the past, swordsmanship dominate the scene. Every fighter would have to have some foundation and training in swordsmanship. Many Sects and schools devote themselves to this art and even have their own style. Swords were carried around like wallets and very much part of the fighter's image. And those fighters who have master this art would have a bright future.
Despite the historical and fictional importance of swordsmanship, its popularity has decline greatly. I don't even know one person in real life who can use a sword properly besides imitating some moves they have seen from films. And there are probably only a few people in the world that has the skill to be consider a true swordsman. Hand to hand combat martial arts continue to flourish but swordsmanship is slowly sinking into oblivion. If this trend continues, I am afraid swordsmanship will be a lost art, buried in the past like the kungfu manuals that are lost througout Wuxia times.