Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
I was flipping through the BB mag this weekend where I like to check on Dave Lowry's Martial Way article. This month's article is on Kuzushi, a term. It reminded me how easy it is to make the assumption that such things are defined on an initial definition but Mr. Lowry's article reminded me that, especially karate and martial arts, is often only one dimensional in teaching while, in truth, it is about how we should always look for its other multi-dimensional facets - like the multi-faceted diamond.
We see a diamond and see its beauty but when we look closer, under a jewelers eyepiece, we begin to see its many faceted beauty beyond the surface. The diamond’s true nature is about its particular form with numerous facets that provide it with its true brilliance, it is about cutting the rough stone and the polishing it to a brilliance that reflect colors that can reach fifty-eight facets. The better the cut, the better the brilliance and the smoothness and clarity of the reflecting facets that when cut properly turn the stone into a multi-faceted rainbow of brilliance worth many times more than a mere stone of a one dimensional state.
Each facet has the potential to change the light ray that travels the paths that connect each in a unique way. The dimensional make-up of a multi-faceted diamond tends to convey a certain amount of information and that makes for a multi-dimensional nature of the light inside that effects what is seen and presented to the outer world. There is a reason why a diamond is thought of as a girl’s best friend, because of the symbolism through the cutting and creation of a many faceted or multi-dimensional creation from a rough simple stone.
It is this that makes karate and martial arts more than a mere stone of simplistic physical activity into is realistic traditional and complete multi-dimensional discipline, just like the creation of a diamond. The practitioner is the rough stone, the Sensei is the jeweler’s eyepiece and the cutting tools whose job is to find the many facets of the student and help them cut, polish and temper the stone into a diamond; an efficient, proficient and master of his self and discipline.
It is this concept that resulted in the connections I see in Boyd's Cycle or what some call the OODA loop. It is the input and output of his seminal works I refer to as the Modern Art of War. A synthesis of his experiences and studies in air combat now relevant to both military combat and Business, let alone personal as well. Boyd’s Cycle is about the analysis of a stone and the synthesis of the diamond and the many facets or multi-dimensional aspects create the modern art of war he created.
When Mr. Lowry presents other facets of the term Kuzushi, you can see how our disciplines are in fact a "Way", as well as an art - an Art of Personal Combat. Personal combat or defense in civil cases is about not just the applications of techniques but the entire human mind, body and spirit developed and crated to apply such disciplines for appropriate purposes, goals, tactics and strategies.
It is likened to opening an old closed door discovered in a hidden area of an old ancient building, the excitement of discovery tempered with a bit of trepidation of the unknown. It is the fear of this unknown that locks the modern karate-ka and martial artists into the one dimensional practice of their disciplines. Unlocking that potential does bring great things.
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