Ineffective Martial Arts Techniques

In looking at a lot of martial arts out there, many systems are just not effective. I won't call any names (don't want to offend LOL), but in looking at teaching methodologies, philosophies, theories, etc., I'd like to share some principles that is necessary to know what is effective. If you are training with an instructor who has no fighting experience, get a new one. If you are learning a deadly technique (that's too dangerous to train with a non-compliant partner) watch out. If you are learning to defend yourself and you don't practice consistently, it won't work when the stuff hits the fan. If you don't have impact practice (against bags, pads, people, etc.) or spar, your techniques probably won't work.