Customer Reviews

Instructor: Teaching the Martial Arts

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INSTRUCTOR is one of those unique books that would benefit anyone who has any desire to become a better teacher in a physical endeavor, whether that be dance, yoga, or martial arts. Dr. Sprackland informs the reader of the fact that people have different learning styles, and that to fail to teach to the student, rather than forcing them to learn as you teach, is likely to result in less than optimal results. Critical elements in the book include such things as having goals when we teach (how many never do lesson plans???), pacing classes and explaining the reason behind the rules (anyone been in a class where one NEVER questions the instructor?), and how to begin one's own school. I have not read in any other source ideas on how to run a school. Even though I have successfully taught martial arts for 25 years, there are ideas here that were new and helpful to me. For a novice just starting out, the ideas are invaluable. Thoughts on how to get a school started, how to utilize the skills of your students, and methods of running an organization are sure to save the new teacher from many pitfalls. Even if one has no intention of becoming an instructor, this book would be a useful tool to discover one's own learning style, thus making the time spent studying more productive. Also, it is very helpful in selecting a prospective teacher, for if one knows how one learns and an instructor is not willing to work with that, looking elsewhere is in order. One may ask about my qualifications. I hold a PhD in marketing from the University of Washington and have received awards myself for superior teaching. I also have studied gung fu for 25 years, and hold the equivalent of a 6th degree black belt--master's rank--in southern styles. Dr. Sprackland's ideas are clear, precise, and a tool that would aid any martial artist to do better in their studies.

This is a nice short book, that I would highly recommend to new black belts or assistant instructors.

In some systems a black belt is the same as a license to teach. While this book isn't the answer to every question it poses some excellent thoughts and questions about what we should expect out of ourselves and others who endeavor to teach in the Martial Arts classroom.

It is also short enough that it shouldn't scare away the casual reader.

yea you provide alot of information but you are still missing something and i think it is the most important. Its not only about teaching your class but talking to them before after and during class please write a book that deals with the voice of an instructor