Innovative Pedagogy

The book ”The power of mindful learning” by Ellen Langer, professor of psychology at Harvard, addresses several interesting aspects of pedagogy that is really important for fight training.

Among other things she explains the problems of over learning basic movements early in one’s development – since one at this stage has the least understanding, and therefore of necessity cannot get the movements right. A consolidated pattern is then more difficult to hone in than if you have a more flexible approach to form. She also discusses the difference between play and work. Play takes place for its own sake, and work to achieve a goal. There are many benefits of exercise in the same mental state as when we play – training for its own sake. Another important area of concern affects contextual learning, how our understanding deepens and gives us greater opportunity to later apply it, if from the beginning takes place in a context. This is the opposite of first learning the basics perfectly and only then apply them. These and several other principles are supported by extensive research on learning from both practical fields as well as academic and theoretical fields.

A book worth reading for anyone wanting to develop their training methods or feel that they are stuck in old patterns!

Criticism and feedback

A short but concise article on criticism and feedback, which is important for all of us as coaches. What are the consequences if we express ourselves and focus on different aspects of an event or behaviour? How can we coach while building up self-confident and curious people that contribute to a good atmosphere in the dojo?
Psychology Today about criticism and feedback

Shorinji Kempo and Brain Research

Neuropsychology can help us become even better in Shorinji Kempo, and not least feel better. An article about how the central aspects of our training at a chemical plan contribute to well-being: achieving goals, mutual trust, laughter, physical activity, self-confidence, etc.
Psychology Today about the chemistry of the brain

Clarify the Student’s own Responsibility

Here is a document that Stockholm Södra Shibu hands out to those with 1 kyū, as a support for planning for 1 dan (shodan). The document includes a technical, physical and mental development, and aims to clarify the requirements and expectations as well as their own responsibility for development.
Planning shodan (unfortunately only Swedish at this time)