Sokutei Zoka — Measure Increase 測定増加 (Edition 2025)

Sokutei Zoka 測定増加 [pronounced “soh-koo-tay zohh-kah ”] means “measure increase” and points out the great value in establishing and recording strong measures of our progress as a tool to increase it. Sokutei Zoka 測定増加 applies to any aspect of our life, from health to financial prosperity, from happiness to skill-building.

It is an established piece of wisdom that measuring a “thing” means controlling it.

If we wish to lose weight, the first step is to actually measure (weigh) ourselves. Then, and only then, can we set our goals for weight loss. If we want to save money, keeping good accounting records leads to a larger bank account.

But there is much more to this concept.

Measurement to Effect Change

Yes, we can control a thing by first measuring it, but in reality, we can change a thing by measuring it as well. In our weight example, not only must we measure our weight, so that we may establish both a baseline for improvement and set a goal, but we must measure the caloric value of the foods we eat, and the exercise and other activities that we do. It is by measure all of these things that we ultimately take control of the process of losing or gaining weight. In this way, we gain control by measuring.

Measurement empowers us. Sometimes we are loath to measure something, because we feel “pressured” or unfairly singled-out. However, this is not a productive way to think of the issue. Measuring something takes the pressure off of us; measuring and establishing metrics (benchmarks) lets us see how we are progressing towards our goals, and gives us a feeling of control over the process. Rather than feeling adrift and at the whim of changing variables, metrics give us control of our own destiny, and help us navigate the course which we have set for ourselves.

Measurement as Control

If we are measuring a thing, we control the thing.

We've already seen that we can use that to effect change, and the feeling of control that arises from this measurement gives us a powerful feeling. As a corollary to this feeling of control, understand that measuring things and creating metrics also tends to diminish anxiety and uncertainty.

Often, we find that anxiety arises from feeling out-of-control. Or perhaps anxiety develops and blossoms from a sense of the unknown causing unease. In both these cases, establishing metrics and benchmarks as part of a planning and goal-setting process takes the uncertainty, the unknown, and the feeling of being out-of-control out of our daily lives.

Establishing those metrics is a powerful and effective way to reduce anxiety.

The Darker Side of Measurement as Control

While Sokutei Zoka 測定増加 gives us powerful and positive inspiration to support our mission of continual improvement (or ren ma 錬磨), there is a "dark" side to consider as well.

We are controlled by others setting metrics. This can be very positive: teachers, managers, and leaders – all of them should expect and even demand more of us, and help inspire us to greater heights.

However, it is possible to be manipulated by metrics. And in fact, to be manipulated in a way that is not to our greater good.

Consider, for instance, typical social media: we are constantly implored to "like" and "subscribe" as a measurement of progress and even worth. Fundamentally, we are being manipulated to engage with content and comments for the purpose of commercializing our interaction.

In politics, we are sometimes manipulated with false metrics and benchmarks to achieve our support, whether at the ballot box or in terms of financial support.

All of these situations are examples where we are manipulated through the power of metrics, real or imagined. We must understand that the metrics that we measure are important, and because of this, what we measure has an effect on us. We must control that effect.

Measurement to Effect Increase

It is axiomatic that once we begin measuring something, it increases (or at least, moves in the direction that we want). Start measuring your bank balance, and you’ll become more frugal. Start measuring your weight and tracking calories consumed and exercise performed, and weight will improve.

Some things may be difficult to measure in terms of numbers, but we can track them nonetheless. If we want to improve our happiness, keeping a journal of our thoughts and daily events gives us a record that we can examine, and, ultimately, utilize to improve and enhance our happiness.

The best way to think about Sokutei Zoka 測定増加 is not that it means "measure increase", but rather that it means "measure, increase" – that extra comma describes the action and reaction of measuring something and then increasing the "something" being measured.

In all things, measurement means empowerment. Sokutei Zoka 測定増加 leads us to becoming the authors and stewards of our destiny.

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Editor's Note: This lecture was first delivered by Sensei at the Goju Karate dojo in San Rafael, California on 11 June 2014, and then again at the Goju Karate NYC Dojo on 7 September 2022, at the Goju Karate NYC Dojo and via Livestream on 9 September 2022, and most recently at the Goju Karate NYC Dojo on 16 July 2025.