A leader’s job is to focus enthusiasm in the direction of the team’s objective. Leadership is as much about listening and observing as it is about goal-setting, providing direction, and giving encouragement and corrective feedback. As leaders, we can have an amazing team, a foolproof plan, and a highly detailed, well thought out strategy, but…
Tag: mutual benefit
Becoming What Others Need (Kiaijutsu)
For positive outcomes of mutual benefit, we must begin by being who and what others need us to be. Years ago, when I began digging into Japanese martial art history and philosophy, I sent an email to an author of several books on the subject, Ellis Amdur. Not only did he respond kindly and honestly…
Committing Sincerely Without Overcommitting
One of the things that grappling teaches us is that people can sense a dishonest setup and, if we are to make actual progress toward our goal, our approach has to be sincere. When setting up a throw, a pin, or a submission, we must be prepared that our initial attack may be countered and…
Grapping With (Not Against) Our Opponent
If we want to experience the joy and flow of a mutually beneficial relationship, it is imperative that we allow others to be themselves, but not to the point where it shuts down our ability to also be ourselves. There are many benefits, both physical and psychological, that come from sportive grappling, especially in a…
Jita Kyōei: We Are In This Together
Training for mutual welfare and benefit (自他共栄 jita kyōei). Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, did much to revolutionize Japanese martial arts. From older, more violent martial systems, Kano compiled the techniques that were both safe for everyday training and most effective in randori (sparring). His goal was to create a system of physical and…