Written by: Mark Kirin
Being a Black Belt in Life: The Parallel Between ICT Systems Planning and Martial Arts
For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of learning and practicing several martial arts, with Aikido being my primary discipline.
Years ago, I read an article by one of Israel’s senior Aikido instructors, and one particular idea from that article stayed with me as a guiding principle for life:
No matter what and when, always strive to be a black belt in life.
A black belt represents a milestone. It marks a point where you have acquired sufficient tools and knowledge to begin truly learning how to improve and excel in your discipline, but more importantly, how to become a better human being.
This principle guides me in my daily life, and I attempt to implement it in my professional journey as well.
In today’s complex world, where technology and information systems are deeply integrated into every aspect of our lives, I believe that a multidisciplinary approach is essential, combining technical proficiency with insights from other fields.
In my role as Head of ICT Design and Planning department at DCX, which focuses on designing and planning complex infrastructures, command and control centers, data centers, and computing facilities I strive constantly to seek the parallels between system planning and the principles of martial arts, particularly Aikido.
Like the world of traditional martial arts, where the journey to a black belt represents a commitment to pursuing perfection through continuous learning and improvement, I believe that in our field, we must also aspire to achieve a perfect solution while simultaneously discovering how to learn and evolve throughout the process.
My Aikido instructor often quoted Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of “The Little Prince” who once said: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Similarly, in the ICT department, we try to reach a precise solution and create balanced and optimal design for our clients in every project, by integrating existing technologies, implementing user friendly maintenance and operation, and ensuring cost efficiency while emphasizing future technological development, anticipating the client’s future growth requirements and future scalability, and ensuring the ability to enhance systems in a modular and appropriate manner to ensure long-term adaptability and growth.
Aikido in the Technological World
The literal meaning of Aikido is “The way of harmony with universal energy.”
The philosophy behind it offers valuable insights that can also apply to planning and management, including:
1️– Harmony with the Environment:
- In Aikido, one learns to move in harmony with an opponent’s attack, neither resisting nor blocking.
- In ICT system planning, we strive to listen to and understand client needs, adapting technological solutions in the most appropriate manner for the organization infrastructure, and end users.
2️– Energy Flow & Adaptability:
- In Aikido, instead of resisting and opposing force, one learns to channel and to redirect it efficiently.
- Similarly, in the technological world, we attempt to transform challenges into opportunities, leveraging creative solutions to overcome obstacles, manage time constraints, and prioritize risks effectively.
3️– Control & Composure:
- In Aikido, maintaining inner calm and mental clarity is an important key.
- In complex system planning and project management, the ability to stay composed, organized, and focused is crucial when handling multiple interconnected systems—from ICT infrastructures and multimedia to control, security, and IT networks.
In the technological world, like martial arts world, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, each component in a well-designed system must work in harmony with the others from the core infrastructure to the user interfaces.
At DCX, we attempt to implement a holistic and integrative approach, combining:
- Physical infrastructure planning
- Advanced system integration
- User-driven design considerations
- Scalability for long-term evolution
One of DCX’s greatest strengths in implementing this methodology lies in our company structure, which includes three key departments:
- Project Management (M)
- Engineering & Certification (X)
- ICT System (C)
Each department plays a crucial role in defining, designing, managing, and certifying large-scale, multi-system complex projects.
By working together as an interconnected team, we achieve a comprehensive and well-balanced outcome from early-stage planning to final project delivery.
Conclusion: The Never-Ending Journey of Learning
Striving to be a “black belt” both in life and in systems design and planning has taught me that learning and development are infinite journeys.
Every project brings new challenges and opportunities to improve.
Much like in Aikido, success in the professional world is not just about the final outcome but about the journey, how we navigate the process, maintaining balance and professionalism even in complex situations.
This is the path I strive to follow in my professional life, and it is the path I also attempt to impart to my department team, encouraging continuous learning, adaptation, and alignment with evolving technologies to create real, lasting value in every project.
I don’t claim to have found the ultimate way, I am still searching, learning, and evolving along the journey.
Guy Lavi
