Starting this week's Blog with a non-Karate related issue but has points that are viable in the Dojo.. It involves Yachiyo, my wife , and her workplace. Of course, I will not identify persons involved in this matter so you'll have to bear with Alphabets. (^^)
First, I need to get the setting explained. My wife's company, like all companies, have different divisions. She is in Sales. Simply, her job is to sell (time shares in her case) to Japanese clients. Then there is a Japanese Guest Services Division (JGSD) which is responsible for taking care of the clients become "owners" of the time share. JGSD handle only Japanese owners, which compared to US owners, is not large. So, in my mind, they have it pretty easy compared to folks handling US owners. The responsibility line is pretty well cut and defined as to the responsibilities. That is how things should work
The problem started when one of clients (not the first time, there have been others) exasperated with the lack of service from the JGSD and seeking help from Yachiyo requested "A" to relay a message to Yachiyo. This was not done and months went by. Naturally, the client became more upset against the company, to include Yachiyo. Long story short, reservations were made at the very last minute during peak season so things did not work out as desired for the clients. You can imagine how they felt. Well, Yachiyo upon belatedly finding out about the situation worked furiously to rectify the situation. Meanwhile, JGSD takes the position of "didn't do anything wrong" attitude and continues to ignore the client and handles communication very badly from a Japanese perspective with regard to customer service. Mind you, the staff is Japanese and/or Japanese language proficient.
Alas after arriving in Hawaii, problems increase rather than decrease! Staff member "B" made promises which were not relayed his co-workers and went home, leaving the clients sitting in a room waiting for a call he had promised them. It took the past three days, two of which were Yachiyo's day off, to settle matters to a workable level. The clients finally settled down but , in my opinion, far form being wholly satisfied. Despite strict company guidelines as to division of labor, Yachiyo took on the highly stressful task of regaining the trust of the clients for the better of the company.
Long story short, the actions of some people not only caused problems for Yachiyo and others, but sullied the name of the company. Teamwork is essential which can be guaranteed only through proper training of employees, consistent follow-up training so that high standards can be continously maintained. Innthis case and others similar the kihon was obviously missing. That is the core of problem. Problems will continue until the company gets its act together and establish its Kihon training across the board. Hiring people just for language skills is not enough. They have to have client handling kihon skills as well.
Yes. it all goes back to Kihon. Whether its running a Dojo, Restaurant, Store or Tourist attraction, Kihon is necessary. Without Kihon, business cannot be operated smoothly. Once everyone has their Kihon then teamwork can be built. Just like in Dantai Kata or team kata, each member has to have his or her kihon down pat, then you can begin working on the teamwork of doing Kata together. If the kihon is different then it is not practical. Can you imagine one Kyokushin, one Okinawan Goju and one Goju-kai karatekas doing Seipai as a Team kata? Teamwork is possible because you share the same Kihon. Separate kihons will not lead to teamwork whether it is Dantai Kata or serving clients as a member of a company. In the Dojo teamwork is the Senseis, Senpais and Kohais working on through the same Kihon. We all help each other. In a company it will be the Boss, Managers and Coworkers working for the same Company vision, sales and customer relations are passed on down to the newbies. If the"Kihon" is not passed on correctly then we have incidents like the one I wrote about. Teamwork = Kihon.
Sometimes we may think a kick is a kick, a punch is a punch, a block is a block . I know I do. But when you get down to the details, things are not that clear-cut. It may look the same but is it really? I am an advocate of interaction or interchange as there is a lot we can learn from each other. But that is based on the premise that you have your own kihon down pat. Incorporating Kihon from different styles of karate forces change in other aspects of your karate. Your kata will difinetley start to change. Take for instance Kyokushin vs JKA or Kyokushin vs Goju-kai. Different animals. Or take Ashihara lineage styles with its katas and have them do "classical kata". I can almost guarantee a different flavor. (^^)
自他共栄
Jita
Kyoei
自= Self/他=Others/共=together/栄=Prosper
Jita Kyoei is one of Kimura Dojo’s main principles.
Do you remember the Kanji人 and
the explanation that a person is always supported by someone? Well Jita Kyoei follows the same thought. The phrase was
coined by Kano Jigoro Sensei, founder of Kodokan Judo. Judo involves throws and
mat work of holds, chokes and joint techniques. You cannot practice throws and
mat work without a partner. You and your partner both have to be willing to
take a fall or submit yourself to a choke or arm bar so that you can improve
your skills.
In karate it is no different. When you pair to practice
your blocks or taisabaki you have to be willing to do things properly so that
your partner can improve his skills. Punching or kicking sloppy, not following
directions, or fooling around makes the practice useless for both partners. By practicing properly, whether you are attacking
or defending, you improve. Teamwork is
what it boils down to. It is the same whether you are at school or home. Your
actions (behavior) shape how things will turn out. Whether you help or not
makes a big difference. You should always strive to have the spirit of
teamwork.
Jita
Kyoei /Mutual Benefit.
Makiki Dojo
Had a good session last night (^^) Two visitors from Japan also participated. They wanted to experience some karate. They said they enjoyed the session a lot, especially the Pokemons!
Couple of short vids from yesterday.
The kids are gradually getting used to the circle formation and formalities. (^^) I like it as we can all see each other! It also makes the Senpai Pokemons aware that they are being watched and copied by their Kohai Pokemons AND by me. Gahahahaha Of course there are a few that nothing fazes them and they continue to be the same. (^^)
The Blind Drill is made to build up awareness as well as dimishing the fear of not being able to see the surroundings. The advanced version is to have actual physical attacks. Not ready for that yet!
