This year we are discussing the Book of Martial Power
(BOMP) on Saturdays.
(BOMP) on Saturdays. 
Simplicity seems to be a mantra among the martial arts crowd. "KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid," is one of the first lessons I learned. The basic idea is that when under extreme stress - like in a fight - we all become clumsy and stupid because of the adrenalin response.
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This reasonably leads to the conclusion that you should formulate your martial system with the least number of moving parts and only a few of the most effective techniques - a sort of martial minimalism. That works great, and that's how I have learned from day #1.
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But recently I've kept running across another idea - an alternative or corollary to the KISS principle. One that might be exemplified by a quote I've heard attributed to Einstein...
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Everything should be made as simple as possible - but not simpler.
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There's a core of martial stuff that is simple and effective, a kernel - but then there are dragons hiding in the interstices and magic in the shadows surrounding that kernel of simplicity.
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Patrick Parker
www.mokurendojo.com
