The Power of Abstraction

The advanced concepts I have been presenting to my black belt students over the past few months have resulted in exponential growth for some of them, and a quantum leap forward in my own training. It is one thing to have a working, physical grasp of a concept but your understanding achieves a whole new level when you are challenged to pass on that knowledge — especially abstract knowledge.

I like abstractions. They are defined by ideals, not specifics. Abstract knowledge is acquired through experience, not lecture. A mentor can show you where to look but cannot tell you what to see. The personal, organic nature of abstract knowledge is why it is unique to each individual and it is what separates science from art and a master from a student. Scientific knowledge is limited by paradigms that are often only broken through the application of artistic, abstract creativity.

I challenge my students to ground their training upon a foundation of values. Without that foundation there is no focus for your training or your lessons. Do you want to be a fighter or do you want to be a martial artist? Do you want a black belt or do you want to be a black belt? Do you want to feed your ego or do you want to feed your soul? Answering these questions can completely change the application of a lesson, opening doors of understanding, or slamming a door of opportunity. The meat of a lesson is not found in the specifics but in the abstract ideal.

“The more abstract the truth you wish to teach, the more you must allure the senses to it.” - Friedrich Niezsche (1844 - 1900)