Seeing things differently
Published: Mon, 01/16/17
I had a comment recently highlighting my tendency to reduce everything to principles expressed in three simple concepts. I can’t deny that I do look for basic principles, it enables me to make sense of issues that might otherwise seem too complicated for me. Also, if something isn’t working, then getting back to the first principles is always a good start to fixing the problem. You may have read my post of getting a fire to burn by working with the heat, air and fuel principle. This led to a discussion with one of my students who wondered if it really was that simple. Yes it is, but principles also break down into smaller and more specific components of the original principle. So the principle of fuel breaks down to tinder, kindling and maintenance fuels and so on. I believe mathematicians call these subdivisions fractals. In Stav terms we have the Hagl rune which provides the three combined lines which represent the three
aspects of a principle. The subdivisions also express as Hagls and in connecting the Hagls to each other we have the formation of the web. Another way of expressing a relationship of three is the triangle. There is a traditional combination of triangles called the Valknut, which is another interesting way of expressing combined principles.
What matters is that you are able to see situations clearly. Once you can see clearly you should be able to analyse the true nature of a problem. Simplification is the first stage of seeing and analysing. Personally I am almost certainly dyslexic (I have never been properly assessed but I fit all the standard criteria). Dyslexia might explain why I don’t always see things the way other people do. It can be quite hard for me to follow a standard procedure for example. I have to be able to see how and why something works for myself and then I can probably do it. This has a major disadvantage in that I find it very difficult to fit into other people’s established systems and ways of doing things. This pretty much makes me unemployable, I certainly have not be particularly happy when I have been employed. (Thankfully for fairly short periods, to the relief of all concerned.) On the other hand, I do have the advantage of being
able to see situations for myself and work out a solution from basic principles. Sometimes my creative approach to problem solving is appreciated. Sometimes my ideas just seem a bit weird. It kind of explains why I would be attracted to something as offbeat as Stav. On the other hand Stav is about learning to see reality using the amazing tools of runes, the web, the lines and the five principles of Stav. In Stav I found a way of simplifying issues down to simple principles and then building back up to a practical solution.
Stav may be an ancient tradition but this idea of simplification to fundamental principles is part of cutting edge business thinking today. 80/20 principle is just another way of expressing the principle of simplification for efficiency. Of course to actually get something done principle needs to be applied through technique and in the context of method. Sometimes the ideal method is not available so something else has to take its place. A more basic technique may be less efficient than a skill you don’t yet have but at least you can still get the job done according to basic principles. For example, the principle of resistance training requires action by muscles, some form of resistance and an intention to build strength. A fully equipped gym provides method and context. But that gym and all its shiny, expensive, equipment has no effect at all without intention to go there and action in exercise while there. If the gym is
unavailable but there is still intention to get strong what can be done? Everyday objects can be lifted and the weight of your own body will provide resistance by doing pull ups, push ups etc. There is always a way to achieve something, you just need the intention and willingness to see the opportunities in front of you.
So, this coming Saturday (21st January) you have a chance to explore Close Quarter Combat training through principle, technique and method. I will share what works for me but, much more important, I will get you to analyse what you do so that you can optimise your training, practice and teaching. See http://somersetstav.co.uk/cqcseminars.html
regards
Graham
PS Watch this space for opportunities to engage with learning about the craft aspect and learning Stav at a distance.