For example, here's a lesson that applies equally in both the worlds of the geisha and the koryu. Everyone was in a position of seniority, and thus to some extent authority, over her as a new member of the profession and also the community. She often had to bite her tongue to refrain from making excuses or justifying herself. Those who've trained in the koryu will recognize the feeling. Yes, I understand.
Silent acquiescence is key in koryu.
Some of her cronies drive prospective geisha away with their unyielding attitudes and strict demeanor. By contrast, should one of the young geisha of the Yamabuki commit a faux pas, the proprietress will calmly and kindly explain the matter to her. Perhaps this does not sound remarkable, but explicit explanations are rare in the geisha world. Her willingness to lay out the whys and wherefores of geisha custom is quite enlightened. I happened to visit the Yamabuki one afternoon when just such an occasion arose.