Mixed Model Arts (Ch 1 Excerpt)

Preview excerpt defining Mixed Model Arts, the core concept of the book series. Uses Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do as analogy: no single martial art (or modeling approach) is sufficient for real-world complexity.

MMA defined as: a way of data modeling that combines techniques from many areas — structured, semi-structured, and unstructured; transactional and analytical; for both people and machines — to create coherent data models. Key emphasis on “coherent” — not separate disconnected models, but models that fit together with shared definitions.

Note: The full chapter (2026-02-18) supersedes this excerpt. Filed for completeness.

RDCO relevance

The MMA framework is useful shorthand for how we position our dbt consulting — we’re not dogmatic about Kimball/Inmon/Data Vault, we’re pragmatic Mixed Model Artists who pick the right tool for the situation.