Customer Reviews

Martial Arts Instructors Desk Reference

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The first part of this book is pretty much a rehash of materials covered in the author's other works, most of which are found in "Teaching Martial Arts: The Way of the Master" which is a pretty good text in and of itself. The drills, teaching tips, and classroom management techniques are useful. If you have already read "Teaching Martial Arts," the best part of the first section provides forty ways to disguise repetition. Those tips are creative and useful. There is a little more new material such as weapons training tips, safety concerns, (e.g., avoiding injuries, summer training and dehydration), and dealing with ADD issues with children.

The second half is probably what most folks thinking about this title are actually looking for. It covers public relations, marketing, student retention, instructor survival, hosting tournaments, and leadership. It is pretty well done though I was expecting more on developing business plans, financing, and other administrivia associated with actually operating a dojo rather than just teaching in one. If you run, or are thinking of running a commercial school this is a pretty good resource. If you are struggling with deeper issues such as how to make money from a traditional school without feeling like you are losing your soul then it falls a little short.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

I've had this book for only a few weeks and I find myself using it daily, especially the sections on class drills and marketing ideas. I love the way its set-up - no heavy reading, no long theories to wade through, lots of bulleted lists and short articles that I can read while I'm stuck on hold with the phone company or waiting for an appointment. Not to say there isn't in depth information - the articles teaching ADHD kids and kids in general are excellent, as are the class management articles. Overall, this is an invaluable reference for instructors who have their own school and even for those teaching at school owned by someone else. Another excellent reference by Sang H. Kim.

This book is a very nice collection of FAQ's with answers from one of the best martial arts educators out there.

If you are thinking of opening a school or just starting a martial arts program of any kind, I would suggest you read this book FIRST! Then keep it handy!

Glad I purchased it! One of the books I refer back to most!

Aaron

I bought this book many months ago (mid 2008) and browsed through it in preparation for opening my own dojo in 2009. As that time has come closer I have started reading this book in greater depth and have found a wealth of ideas that I would never have come up with, and I should point out that I have a double degree in human resource management and marketing, a minor in business law and a masters in accounting. Most interesting is that it is in the business side of this book that I found the most useful information - small, practical hints on student retention, information gathering, public relations and marketing made this book worthwhile for me.

I've only given it four stars however because the areas to do with any form of finance such as setting fee rates and determining student numbers are overly simplistic and therefore of limited benefit - if this area was fleshed out and a section on developing a business plan as it relates to the martial arts business was included in detail, then this book would be perfect.

Overall I recommend it to anyone who is in the process of setting up their own school, and it will be of great benefit to those who are looking for ideas to improve the running of their school.

I'd recommend this without reservation to any martial arts instructor, part-time or full time. Or any instructor. It provides excellent simple advice for dealing with simple difficult issues such as ADD kids or other attention problems in class. It provides straightforward and concise guides for organizing a class or a business. I've had it only a few weeks, and expect to be mining its depths for years. I doubt if I'll ever sit down to read it straight through, but I've found that every time I've gone to it for any specific issue, or just to open and browse for ten or fifteen minutes, I've learned something.

This book has a wealth of information about running a dojang (dojo). From dealing with the difficult student to organizing a class with specific drills, this book covers everything a good instructor needs to at least think through. I particularly liked the aspects of running a business; when to advertise, how to run a radio spot, what to do when enrollment drops, when to expand and when not to. If your business is teaching martial arts, you must have this book.

If you are a martial arts instructor - or soon to be one don't hestitate to buy this book. The book has an incredible amount of school operations widsom. It is obvious the author is a seasoned martial arts instructor.

A great book full of details and examples on great ways to improve your school and teaching.

I have already another excellent book (Ultimate fitness) and some DVD's of Master Sang H. Kim. He is a great teacher and likes to share his martial arts wisdom.
This book covers almost every single aspect about running a martial arts business, from teaching to marketing.
A serious book to serious martial arts teachers.
I strongly advice you to get one.

Martial arts desk reference is a wonderful guide that no instructor should be without. Good ideas,for high ranking , as well as student instructors. great book