Read at your own risk
In the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, we are introduced to Jiro Ono, a master sushi chef whose dedication to his craft offers profound lessons beyond the culinary world. Jiro’s philosophy, “Once you decide on your occupation, you must immerse yourself in your work.
You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the secret of success,” resonates deeply with me, especially in the parallels I draw between coaching and cooking.
This film served as a catalyst for introspection on my craft. The emotional touchpoints it provided allowed me to view coaching through a similar lens of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of perfection. Watching Jiro’s journey, the struggles and sacrifices made in the name of excellence, I couldn’t help but see reflections of my own path in the disciplined art of coaching.
Nestled within a Tokyo subway station lies a modest 10-seat sushi bar led by Jiro. This unassuming location belies the unparalleled experience it offers, a testament to what can be achieved through sheer obsession with one’s craft. Jiro’s daily routine, from 5 AM to 10 PM, well into his 80s, is a relentless pursuit of a perfection that always seems just out of reach, in a field many thought had reached its pinnacle.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi presents lessons, some of them cautionary, about the balance between dedication and personal sacrifice. The rigorous training of Jiro’s apprentices, reminiscent of intense movie montages, emphasizes the discipline required to ascend from basic tasks to the art of making sushi. The daunting process, especially the making of egg sushi, is so rigorous that many opt for an easier path to start their careers. This struggle for excellence and the sacrifices it entails echo in the world of coaching, where the relentless standards of mastery and development are both a challenge and a calling.
The concept of Shokunin, meaning a craftsman deeply and inseparably connected to their craft, embodies Jiro’s life and work. This raises the question: Can a coach be as inseparable from their athletes and their performances?
I invite you to watch Jiro Dreams of Sushi not just as a film about culinary excellence, but as a mirror reflecting the essence of mastery in any field. For coaches, it’s a compelling exploration of dedication, sacrifice, and the perpetual journey towards perfecting one’s craft. Dream not only of swimming but of achieving a level of mastery and commitment that transcends the ordinary.