An Orange lesson in Karate

"Karate should be utilized by Corporates as a management strategy to ensure the well-being of employees and develop productivity within business organizations," says R.J. Edward, national Karate coach of Sri Lanka.

The coach suggests that time is ripe for businesses to take a fresh look at Karate not merely as a self-defence sport, but also as a concept to streamline business activities and operations.

"Karate involves a lot of disciplines and concentration. A good Karate sportsperson is essentially a disciplined and focused worker. In addition, he or she acquires good spiritual values from the game. That inevitably enhances discipline, productivity and efficiency within a business organization. Apart from that, it also creates a friendly ambience for everyone to work," he says.

He adds that companies have already realized the game's value and embarked on programs to introduce Karate learning sessions to staff members. "I am conducting Karate training sessions for staff members of Orange Electric, a leading electrical and lighting manufacturing company where all senior and junior staff members, regardless of their positions, take part in training programs. Its dynamic Managing Director, Kushan Kodituwakku has realized the value it possesses as a management strategy. He himself takes part in Karate training sessions enthusiastically, elaborates Coach Edward.

He adds that during the training sessions, junior staff members have combat sessions with senior executives and that creates unity, harmony and team spirit.

It also develops mutual respect. When a junior staff member obtains a higher rank in Karate, a manager has to respect him for that. This, he says, builds up mutual esteem - a must for a friendly work environment. The coach is of the opinion that this will create a sound platform for a business organization to develop.

Talking about his protégées at Orange Electric he says they have achieved remarkable success at district, provincial and national level competitions. "Six of our players took part in national level competitions this year.

In addition, they have won various medals at different stages of the sport - a fact we all can be proud of. Given their current achievements, I firmly believe they can soon enter international level competitions.

We are eagerly awaiting that day to dawn," he said while adding that Orange sets a good example for other Corporates to follow, in order to reach new heights not just in staff recreation but in using the concept of the game as a stepping stone to business success.