Russ Smith has written what is arguably one of the best “how to teach martial arts” books I’ve ever read. I’ll come back to the book itself later. I also want to discuss why I think you should buy it. But first, let’s talk about the challenge of teaching this complex thing we call martial arts.
My first experience of teaching Combatives wasn’t planned; it was a necessity. I had recently left the Army. I was working on a peace process in a nearby country. This was part of a joint venture group. We had access to a UK Tier One unit and two separate special surveillance units. Our own team, however, was a mixed group of civil servants, analysts, and support staff, including me.
The Tier One and surveillance units operated independently and were based elsewhere. After a particular incident, I was given the responsibility to train the remaining team members. My goal was to bring them up to at least a basic level of Combatives. This training was essential to help them survive in what had become a hostile environment. It was a real mixed bag of people. However, I had my own background in Combatives, judo, firearms training, and some tradecraft. I also had a newly earned assistant boxing coaching certificate. I taught in the same way I had been taught in the military.
Later, in a different job, I realised something important. If I wanted to continue developing my own martial arts skills, I needed consistent training partners. That led me to start a non-profit boxing and Muay Thai club. The primary aim was to compete, but just as importantly, it was to create a pool of committed training partners.
I was aware of my limitations as a teacher. Therefore, I searched London bookshops for a practical guide on how to teach martial arts. I never quite found what I was looking for. Instead, I learned through experience. I channeled my own teachers, people who made teaching look effortless. Gradually, I grew into the role over roughly forty years. If I have a particular strength, it’s that I’m a good planner and a problem solver.
This past Christmas, I was given Russ Smith’s book after seeing him interviewed on GM Dr Mark Wiley’s podcast:
https://youtu.be/RuA36gJqyD8?si=AauME6BZ54Roim2X
The book is titled Principle-Driven Skill Development (Teaching 101), and it is a goldmine. It covers the who, the what, and the how. Importantly, it delves into the art of teaching, including how to break free from rigid, predefined instructional structures.
The book is full of excellent quotes. However, its real value is deeper. It gives teachers the knowledge that previous generations had to acquire through trial and error. Instead of stumbling along by luck and judgment, Russ Smith provides clear principles. These principles remove much of the guesswork from teaching.
You will benefit from this book if you are already a teacher. Your students will benefit too. Many of them will likely become teachers themselves. I would go as far as recommending that you buy it not just for yourself, but for your students too.
If you are a student reading this, I strongly suggest investing in this book as well. It will help you see the bigger picture of coaching and skill development. You will gain insight not only from a learner’s perspective but also from a teacher’s perspective.
I’m deliberately not giving away the content of the book in this review. I want people to buy it and engage with it themselves. All I will say is this: I highly recommend it.
You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Principle-Driven-Skill-Development-Teaching-101/dp/B0FX9GZXD8/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
Killick Off Road Arts 