Martial Arts Instruction : Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques In the Dojo

Rating:
Summary: A must read for all instructors and prospective instructors!
Review: As you have probably gathered from the title, the book is designed to help martial arts instructors improve their ability to communicate with their students and effectively pass on their art.

I have a few books along these lines on my shelves and I've found them all to be a little "academic" and "dry". It's also true to say that the majority of books on martial arts instruction are heavily biased towards generating success in competition. I have to say that I found this book to be a really refreshing change! What really is great about this book is that it focuses upon teaching the traditional martial arts. It's great to read something which covers the totality of martial arts instruction in such an enlightening and informative way.

I found myself getting carried along by the very accessible writing style and the interesting information that appears on virtually every page. The book contains some superb guidance on teaching kata and bunkai, dojo rules, etiquette, lesson planning, student behaviour, "the six teaching styles", fostering a positive learning environment, teaching self-defence etc. I strongly recommended that all instructors, and prospective instructors, get hold of a copy of this most enjoyable and informative book.

Iain Abernethy - 5th Dan British Combat Association and author of "Bunkai-Jutsu: The Practical Application of Karate Kata"


Rating:
Summary: Easy to understand
Review: Bob Spear
Publisher and Chief Reviewer, Heartland Reviews

As popular as martial arts training is and with as many how-to books on self defense that are available, there has been a serious lack of Instructor Manuals. This book closes the gap. Although it is directed primarily toward the so called "Hard Arts" such as karate, much of its material can be used within the context of the "Soft Arts" as well. Having trained over 11,000 self defense students during my career as a self defense instructor, I was very impressed with the way this author used education and management theories to train the trainer. He has an excellent background in all that he writes about and communicates it effectively. His examples are easy to understand and he presents a good taxonomy for training and teaching. I rated this excellent book a solid four hearts.

Rating:
Summary: Learn to lead
Review: Lawrence Kane's book is an insightful guide to good leadership of all kinds, going beyond its modest stated intention of being about teaching martial arts. It takes a serious subject and, through a facile mix of theory, practice, and anecdote, left me feeling empowered to apply its concepts with confidence. Even potentially difficult ideas are so clearly expressed that the book is never anything less than lucid. And I found the jovial, self-deprecating wit and conversational yet authoritative tone approachable and engaging.

Rating:
Summary: Informatively instructive & very strongly recomended manual
Review: Their are many martial arts books outlining the basics of about any martial art you could wish to learn, but Lawrence A. Kane's Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory And Communication Techniques In The Dojo is different from the rest. Lawrence A. Kane is a man who has taught and created martial arts classes and business seminars, and who focuses on the teacher of martial arts as much as the technique. Readers will lern just how to motivate and retain students, optimize time, and adjust to individual learning styles and talents using Martial Arts Instruction: is an informatively instructive and very strongly recomended manual.


Rating:
Summary: Helpful in Martial Arts and Proven Teaching Techniques
Review: This book is unlike others in that it provides not only teaching content, but the latest in educational theory to be sure that students receive and make the lessons their own.

In my work as director of an educational organization, I see countless adults that need literacy skills because as children their learning styles were not addressed. These students think they cannot learn, but when we intervene using the concepts presented in this book, they learn.

Lawrence's book clearly breaks down educational theory and applies it to the martial arts in an easy read.


Rating:
Summary: Dog Gone Good
Review: This is a book that you can read put on a shelf and come back to in time and find something new. Forget the old ways of teaching martial arts. This book is the key to building a rock solid foundation for an instructor. Get this book and watch your teaching improve and your students blossom. As a student learn how you learn and grow in skill and retention quickly.

Rating:
Summary: Fills a void
Review: What a wonderful book. Lawrence Kane has written a tremendous text that fills a big void in the martial arts genre. There are many books on how to punch and kick, but as the book title states, this one is about how to teach the martial arts. But it's not just for the teacher; there is plenty of solid information for the student, too.

Kane discusses in a highly readable fashion:

* Understanding learning style differences
* Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to understand student predilections
* Fostering a positive learning environment
* Apply the six teaching styles to the martial arts
* Lesson planning

Just because a martial artist is a black belt or has earned several black belts, doesn't mean that person can teach. That is why this book is so needed. Martial Arts Instruction will help the teacher - new and veteran alike - be the best one he or she can be.

I've been training the martial arts for 40 years and have written 18 books on the fighting arts. I found Martial Arts Instruction fresh, insightful, and highly informative. Most importantly, Kane's teaching ideas work.

Highly recommended.


Rating:
Summary: Teaching the teachers; reaching the students
Review: While most every black belt is expected to teach, few are actually shown how. Kane explains how to use proven, modern teaching methods to educate students in the ancient fighting arts. Instructors will improve their ability to motivate, educate, and retain students regardless of their age or learning style. This powerful book is packed with highly practical information that you can begin using the very next time you teach. I know I have. I heartily recommend it.