Any good teaching books?

[Spartacus Maximus]

There are quite a few good books and references available for almost every martial art. However most of these focus primarily on the techniques, history and philosophy. Finding a good publication on teaching is more difficult.

There is much more to teaching than just being able to demonstrate. Effective teaching methods apply to all martial arts, so any recommendations would be helpful. Can anyone out there recommend a good publication, especially books that go in depth and detail about the teaching aspect of martial arts?

[sensei8]

Marketing books and the like are out there, for sure, but I've not seen any publications on the subject of teaching the MA in general. Which, imho, is a good thing; I'll refrain from my usual saying on this subject.

[Zaine]

If you're looking for a book about teaching, then I would suggest you get a textbook for classroom teaching (as in, K-12 classroom). The reason for this is that it will go a little more in depth on pedagogy and use scientific studies to back up some of the psychology and the like. At the end of the day, there is not much difference between a classroom of K-12 learners, and a classroom of people (of any age) learning martial arts.

[sensei8]

Perhaps, the book written by Paul Walker ​might be of some use...

Lessons with the Master: 279 Shotokan Karate Lessons with Master Hirokazu Kanazawa

Maybe, the book written by Carol A. Wiley might be of use too...

Martial Arts Teaching on Teaching

[DWx]

I only have two specifically about teaching martial arts:

* Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo - Lawrence Kane

* Principles-Based Instruction for Self-Defense - Rory Miller

But I also have lots on sports psychology I find useful for teaching:

* Conscious Coaching - Brett Bartholomew

* The Fighter's Mind: Inside the Mental Game - Sam Sheridan

* How to Support a Champion: The art of applying science to the elite athlete - Steve Ingham

* It's Time to Start Winning: The Definitive Mind Programming System for Sport - Simon Capon

[bushido_man96]

Those are some tantalizing titles, Danielle. I especially like anything from the Kane/Wilder pair. I will look for that...and make sure I don't already have it!

Sang H. Kim has a book titled The Martial Artist's Desk Reference that might be worth looking into.

[Spartacus Maximus]

Those titles do indeed sound like they would be most useful. Especially the one by Kane, because the Kane/Wilder book on how to approach kata applications was a gold mine. Even for people who don’t train in the same karate style as the authors.

The others aren’t familiar, but still seem worthwhile to look for. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

[DWx]

Those titles do indeed sound like they would be most useful. Especially the one by Kane, because the Kane/Wilder book on how to approach kata applications was a gold mine. Even for people who don’t train in the same karate style as the authors.

The others aren’t familiar, but still seem worthwhile to look for. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

No worries, the Kane one is really good as I believe he is also a school teacher by day?

The others are all high level sports psychology guys. The one by Steve Ingham is especially good. He was Team GB Director of Science and Technical Development and worked with a lot of our Olympians, especially Steve Redgrave (5x rowing Gold medallist).

[bushido_man96]

Those titles do indeed sound like they would be most useful. Especially the one by Kane, because the Kane/Wilder book on how to approach kata applications was a gold mine. Even for people who don’t train in the same karate style as the authors.

The others aren’t familiar, but still seem worthwhile to look for. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

Agreed. All kinds of gems in that one. Definitely worth another read.