The word Kodawari in Japanese has 2 meanings:
1. To cling to something. To be obsessive about something (negative).
2. A deep personal commitment to quality, detail, and standards.
About 10 years ago, during one of our visits to Japan, the delegation from the dojo visited a Lexus car factory.
Our guide was a senior engineer at the factory and he gave us very detailed explanations.
As we were approaching the end of the tour, I asked him: “There are many car manufacturers in Japan and still Toyota manages to keep itself in a league of its own. What is the secret?”
His answer contained one word. Can you guess what it was?
Kodawari.
The deep commitment to quality, the continuous aspiration for excellence.
I feel the word Kodawari touches at the heart of Aikido and maybe life:
A. On the one hand: to distinguish the important from the insignificant. What is it that really matters?
B. And on the other hand, the deep commitment to continuous improvement. In spite the fact I did this technique many times, how can I improve it? What can I improve today?
A continuous strive for improvement while concentrating on what really matters.
What do you think about Kodawari? And how do you see it reflect in your search in Aikido? Or in your life?
Looking forward to your insights.
