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Instructor’s Notebook

Nowadays, there is a lot written about martial arts; probably more than at any time in human history. But very little of this is at the instructor level dealing with the problems, goals and strategies of imparting the arts. This series, written by martial instructors, will be a frank and directed discussion of such topics. If you are a beginner and new to the martial arts, you may find some of these subjects a little distressing. Indeed, this may be premature for you. The only thing we guarantee is a sincere handling of informed viewpoints.

Mar
7
2010
Instructor's Notebook By |  | March 7th, 2010

INB #21 Fooling the Flash

Personally I like speed practice because true speed suggests efficient neurological path ways and that seems beneficial to just about everybody.

Sep
9
2009
Instructor's Notebook By |  | September 9th, 2009

INB #20: On Becoming a Teacher

I’ve heard it said that most people get into the Martial Arts not simply to become Martial Arts practitioners but to become Martial Arts “Masters” …

Aug
15
2009
Instructor's Notebook By |  | August 15th, 2009

INB #19: What to teach?

A kung fu teacher’s ruminations on the nature of students and content.

Oct
30
2008
Instructor's Notebook By |  | October 30th, 2008

INB #18: The Creek

A large rock squats in the middle of the creek. The water circles the rock without hesitation, uninterrupted in its career.

May
30
2008
Instructor's Notebook By |  | May 30th, 2008

INB #17: Assistance on Assistants

Your classes are well enough attended for you to need some assistance. . .

Sep
9
2007
Instructor's Notebook By |  | September 9th, 2007

INB #16: Teaching the Combination

Combination techniques occupy a special place in martial training.

Dec
1
2006
Instructor's Notebook By |  | December 1st, 2006

INB #15: No Auditions!

I never demonstrate the move to be learned, at least not at first.

Aug
29
2006
Instructor's Notebook By |  | August 29th, 2006

INB #14: The Loop

Here’s a place where you can use your creativity and at the same time benefit your students.

Jun
13
2006
Instructor's Notebook By |  | June 13th, 2006

INB #13: “Airplane”

Here was a little game we played at the end of each instructor’s series.

May
25
2006
Instructor's Notebook By |  | May 25th, 2006

INB #12: The Rules of Correction

You can’t raise a hand without Jake saying, “No. That’s not it.”

Dec
23
2005
Instructor's Notebook By |  | December 23rd, 2005

INB #11 The Four Levels of Instruction

Instruction comes in a number of levels. It helps to know which one you are using.

Jun
3
2005
Instructor's Notebook By |  | June 3rd, 2005

INB #10: Reasons for Liking Bagua Zhang

Systems have personalities, just like people.

Nov
27
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | November 27th, 2004

INB #09: The Truth About Kicking

There is no other aspect of martial training that so walks this very thin line than that of kicking.

Jun
14
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | June 14th, 2004

INB #08: The Demands of Teaching

Your students are all healthy and in fact glowing. They’re having fun. They’re doing something that fascinates them. They’re gaining new confidence.
But what about you?

Apr
18
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | April 18th, 2004

INB #07: Showing the Sword

I think that most martial arts instructors enjoy teaching weapons. It’s a charge keeping alive tradition. It’s a break from the rigors of normal physical training. On the other hand …

Mar
23
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | March 23rd, 2004

INB #06: For the Head Instructor: Your Team

A school rides the backs of its instructors.

Feb
14
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | February 14th, 2004

INB #05: Telling Lies

I was one of them. I admit it. There’s a certain phrase that countless that many instructors throughout the centuries have boldly declaimed …

Feb
9
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | February 9th, 2004

INB #04: Those Advanced Sets, especially Weapons

There are a lot of fun forms I can hardly wait to teach.

Jan
17
2004
Instructor's Notebook By |  | January 17th, 2004

INB #03: The Use of Analogy

A teacher in the martial arts soon learns that knowledge is a dangerous thing – to you.

Dec
21
2003
Instructor's Notebook By |  | December 21st, 2003

INB #02: Adient and Abient Training

It doesn’t matter which aspect of Martial Arts you’re discussing, there is always an adient and abient face to it.

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