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Old 06-12-2003, 04:51 AM   #34
PeterR
 
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Dojo: Shodokan Honbu (Osaka)
Location: Himeji, Japan
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,319
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Quote:
Ian Hurst (happysod) wrote:
As for Peter's kyu grade should help "save face" in any apology - why? Is the honour (and ego) of a dan grade much more important than that of a lowly kyu grade and should be cosseted?
Because a little bit of face saving effort takes the edge off the humiliation and believe me a 4th Dan having to appologize to a kyu grade is just that. I am not talking about meeting in the middle but am talking about leaving an opening for better relations.

In Japan you often hear someone use the term "excuse me" or "sorry" when the other party was clearly at fault. It's an easy habit to pick up and does wonders in restoring wa - it does not imply guilt. Conversly I collided with a lady in Amercia shortly after I left Japan (both of us were not paying as much attention as we should have) and after I appologized she got real "well I should hope so" on me. Which way is better?

Anyway - its my night to volunteer my time and abuse the kids at the Judo dojo.

Cheers

Last edited by PeterR : 06-12-2003 at 04:53 AM.

Peter Rehse Shodokan Aikido