I do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.

from Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

Last evening, my wife and I sat down for a rather rare evening of movie viewing on Netflix. Since it was released in 2011, I had been intrigued by the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi“, based both on the reviews of it as well as the content. Focusing on a small ten-seat sushi restaurant in Tokyo, the movie tells the tale of Jiro, the 85 year old owner and head sushi chef. Jiro serves the finest sushi in the world, according to many experts. Sourcing the finest rice and fish, he and his apprentices create sushi that is apparently so utterly simplistic but refined that people make reservations a year in advance in order to be blessed with Jiro’s creations. As the movie opened I wondered how one person’s sushi, in most cases a ball of formed rice topped by a slice of raw fish, and could excel so far above all others. As the movie unfolded it became more obvious how even the most simplest of tasks and creations can create a product that excels beyond all others.

I saw us a bit like Jiro, us being manual therapists. Our tasks are rather simple, when you look at them. We are tasked with helping to lessen pain in a person’s body. Excuse the fish to human comparison, but when you view the dozens of tuna carcasses waiting for auction, being examined for flaws by Jiro’s tuna fishmonger, outward appearances make each tuna look like the next. Our patients can be viewed in a similar fashion; all seem pretty much the same from outward appearances. It is up to us, however, to discover the  nuances that make this person feel the pain that they do.

As manual therapists, our “tools” may differ, as well as how we feel those tools cause change. But our tools are really quite simple. We place our hands on a body and move or act in a few simple ways. The results of our work, if all goes as planned, are changes in pain. What could be simpler? But many of us have greater impact than others. Experience and time are important teachers, but it is a dedication to our craft that makes certain therapists excel. Education is important, but is not the only factor that determines success. While I do not agree with all of the ideas presented in the 10,000 hours rule that Malcomb Gladwell quotes in his book Outliers, repetition is a fine teacher. We must touch and experience countless bodies before we understand and become accomplished at our craft. It is helpful to understand the science behind what we do, but putting in the hours matters as well. But, what makes some rise above the rest? I believe I saw what it takes last evening when I watched Jiro. Watch the movie for yourself and see if you see a comparison with our shared crafts as well.

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… and is the key to being regarded honorably.

For Now,

Walt Fritz, PT

Please check out our small group format seminars at the website: Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars

Author: Walt Fritz