Techniques Books

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys photography, animals, scenery, and just beautiful magical things. Franz Lanting is able to capture images from the real world but in a way that makes them seem not of this world.

Not only are the pictures a work of art but the book itself is contructed so that it too feels like a masterpiece. An oversized book that just feels good to hold in your hands and each new section in the book is seperated by lovely, transparant vellum.

Treat yourself or someone you love and buy this book!

Frans Lanting is a god among nature photographers. This book's *gorgeous* imagery takes me to another world completey, and I can only hope to follow in his genius footsteps with my humble little SLR. For anyone who loves to look at up close and personal pictures of animals or of lush jungle vegetation/rivers, or anyone who loves nature photography, I highly recommend this book. No wildlife photographer's shelf should be void of it.

And yet another 10 star book on nature photography. This is a hard to get title, if you find it buy it. It is absolutely fascinating, I cannot say anything else that hasn't been said by all other previous reviewers. For nature lovers and rainforest addicts, this should be a must have. Bravo, Mr. Lanting!!! Save the jungles and the wonderful creatures of the world!!!!

This is really an excellent portfolio with some stunning photography that really inspires one. I am a fan of Lanting's work and this book does not dissapoint.

My only issue is not with Lanting, but rather with Taschen (the publisher). The book is really very poorly bound and the glue just does'nt seem to hold the book together. This is not just an isolated case with my copy. I found that most of the copies (even those on the bookstore shelves) that I handled has this problem. I must say that this is quite dissapointing work from Taschen.

Well,when I was 14-15 years old,I was mostly interested in underwater photography and therefore,I had only a few photo books. But later,my interest for other animals too,grew much larger and therefore,I received this book as a christmas gift from my mother. It was really not a bad book,and it made me love Lanting and buy two more books with his pictures later.
It is a huge book,weighing perhaps 1,5 kilograms and with dimensions "14" x "10". It contains 150 photographs of plants and animals living in jungles around the world. Among the animals included are a series of pictures of red macaws in Peru,
dancing lemurs of Madagascar,cute little frogs in giant flowers in Borneo,incredibly strang-looking insects of various jungles,bats fishing at night in South America,and the shining eyes of caimans in Brazil.
But don`t just look at the animal pictures. The part which I find most inspiring is the jungle habitats. Especially the morning light in Borneo and Peru,and the palm savannah of Brazil. They all look humid and there are fog clouds in the dawin. Very beautifull. The australian jungles look very exciting too. Many pictures,especially of birds,are very windy to make a real impression of the movements of the animals. Lanting`s capability of capturing details of animals has never been as well presented as in this book. Especially in this huge format and double-page photos in the half of the book.
Over all,this is a fantastic book recommended to anyone interested in jungles,animals,or just in beautifull natural photography. You`ll be amazed,whoever you are.

Winicki delivers what he promises. You get lots of usable information on headlines and how to write a small print ad. Most of what's in the book could also apply to direct mail ads. If you are looking for your first advertising book, for your small business, this is it. Easy to read and gets to the point.

If you have a small business, you don't like to read much and you are clueless about advertising - this is an awesome little book. It will teach you the basics of creating effective ads in about 100 pages. With some practice, your business is bound to improve and this little book will pay for itself many times over.

The author goes straight to the point, without wasting your time and for that I would've given this book 5 stars if it weren't that the lack of proper editing of this book took my mind for a spin several times. At the beginning of the book, there is a lovely headlines "The Noise My Customers Make!", followed by a happy customer testiominial which ends with "Well, you're wrong if you think that ... Mike [the author of this book] can do for your business what he did for mine."

So, if you can overlook this and a couple of other blunders in this book, the book teaches you how to focus on benefits, as opposite to features, of the product or service you are offering, how to create effective headlines, and how to design them. The focus of the book is on creating effective headlines, and briefly mentioning few additional benefits, since there's not much more you can put in a small add. If you want to learn how to write effective (longer) body copy, you'll have to turn to bigger books.

This was a great book! Don't spend one penny on advertising until you read it. It is amazing how many small business owners are literally throwing money away on ads that are terrible. After I finished it, I opened my yellow pages and noticed that easily 90% of the ads are terrible. This book will show anyone how to write an effective ad and give you an edge over your local competitors. Enjoy!

If you are new to creating space ads or writing copy, this is an excellent book to get you started. You will see many concrete examples and you will start to think like a advertising guru. However, if you are an experienced ad designer or copy writer and hoping for some fresh ideas, then you may be disappointed.

I don't remember when I've read a book that was more painful to read than KILLER TECHNIQUES TO SUCCEED WITH NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINE AND YELLOW PAGES ADVERTISING by Michael Winicki. This book was produced sans editor/proofreader. There are errors on virtually every page of the book. The book is barely 100 pages and could have easily been condensed down to a booklet. The book is self-published and is the sort of thing that will give self publishing a bad name. I know from Winicki's reputation, he does not possibly submit ad copy with so many errors. Also, the back cover is so blurred, my 50+ year old eyes can hardly read it.

So right about now you're probably thinking, "Do I really want to spend my hard earned money on this, and why the generous five star rating?" Simple. I have to consider, even with the lack of editing, was the book worth the money I paid for it? Well, let me just say, I believe what I learned from this book will pay the price a hundred times over! There are literally notes and highlights on virtually every page of my copy. This is a book I know I will refer to time and time again.

I learned so much from these error laden pages, I don't know where to begin! So I'm just going to say, buy this book. Struggle through it. It is more than worth the effort.

And to Mr. Winicki, thank you for producing this valuable resource, but before you publish your next book, send me a copy. I will be very happy to edit your work for a reasonable fee. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

With thanks to David S. Shannahoff-Khalsa for adding to the small but growing body of scientific study on yoga. It is absolutely astounding the combination of sound, mudra, posture and focus that Kundalini Yoga offers. I will present some of the practices to the yoga class I offer here in Perth, Australia. I do know, as the students will, that it is the practice that affords the rebalancing, not the marvelling at it but the doing of it.

Meta B. Doherty
Yoga Instructor and author of Sattwa Cafe, an Ayurvedic Cookbook published by Lotus Press, USA

This book is a nice reference in Kundalini meditation and breath technique. I enjoyed learning about the healing benefits of the meditations and prana (breathwork).

I have been practicing Kundalini Yoga (with prana, mantra & meditation) for about a year now and absolutely love it! I continue to rotate KY with Vinyasa/Hatha style yoga too (which I have enjoyed doing for 20 years). Kundalini Yoga has taught me to be open to anything and continues to expand my awareness. Spiritual growth express! Excellent book!

I tried this method as a self-treatment for OCD, from which I had suffered for quite a few years (about 26 years, actually), and which was getting worse. The breathing method prescribed is quite arduous and I was not sure that it would work for me. Actually, to be blunt, I was quite skeptical that it would work for anyone, as I am not a believer in any Eastern religion (or other religion) and am generally inclined to believe that the benefits of meditation, yoga, and like practices are overblown, even when significant. However, I was desperate, and I had read Mr. Shannahoff-Khalsa's scientific articles, which appeared to have been conducted according to sound scientific protocols and to give significant support to the hypothesis that certain kinds of breathing methods can treat OCD. I actually found that the method worked -- my obsessions diminished and eventually went away. I do not take any prescription medications, and I actually do not even practice the method anymore (I don't need to). Of course, I am simply one person, and it is possible that things would have changed for me, anyway, with or without this method. However, nothing had worked before this except, to some extent, Saint John's Wort, which I do still take but which had never cured (merely alleviated) my obsessions. I also worked on psychological techniques I learned from Steven Phillipson's website, which I also highly recommend. Perhaps my recovery was a consequence of one of these or a combination, not of the pranayama breathing; perhaps it was merely something that would have happened by itself. But I don't think so, and I would urge anyone who is suffering as I did to try this. You have very little to lose and a lot to gain. I myself saw results right away.

I am a Ana Brett & Ravi Singh Kundalini Yoga DVD fan. I found this book intriguing and insightful. It amply demonstrates how Kundalini Yoga is a technology based on models of the mind/body construct which, although instrinsic to yoga lore for thousands of years, are just now being given credence by "mainstream," researchers. This book bridges the gap admirably. Yoga Quick Fixes - Ana Brett & Ravi Singh

I found a copy of this book on the shelf in Barnes and Nobles. I was so impressed by the scientific research supporting the practices and also by the testimonals that I begin doing the protocol on my own almost immediately. I have had amazing results. I have tried countless healing modalities from conventional to alternative and I have not found any treatment that offers lasting results. I have been doing the PTSD protocol for 3 months now and my life has transformed. For the first time in my life I am enjoying myself. Anyone who suffers from chronic psychological problems should read this book and try the protocol that fits their particular situation. There is absolutely nothing to lose and a lot to gain!!!!!!!

This book has helped me so much! The directions are clear and easy to understand!

I finally finished after about 30 years! My problem was that the squares weere not all the same size and I didn't know how to sew them up. Turned out to be very easy as the yarn was wool so all the squares were quite easy to manipulate and you can see it in my photo above. I didn't use all the squares though. I'd love to do more from her other books.

I am a beginner knitter and have found this book to be fabulous. I have learned so very much from it. I have knitted 21 of the 63 squares so far. I am following them in the order given in the book. Some I have liked and some not. Good way to learn what kind of patterns you like. I find it very exciting. The glossary is great. Explains each type of stich in the book. Great reference source for any other project I may work on. I have bought three more of these books for each of my granddaughter who knit. I have also bought some for friends who are long time knitters and they love the book.

Verna J. LGreenan

If you want to learn to knit every imaginable type of stitch in a square that can be put into an afghan, this is THE BOOK.

Clear instructions and pictures.

Although I learned the basics many years ago, I have always been a very mediocre knitter. I have never attempted lace, cables, or multi color patterns, and aside from a few children's sweaters and simple socks, I have never completed a major handknitting project.

This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for several years now, but I never seemed to have the time or nerve to begin. Finally determined to master the craft, a few weeks ago I obtained a few pounds of yarn, a pair of short #8 needles, and I finally began to work my way through. I have just finished square 21, the gorgeous 'Florentine Frieze', and I can feel my skills and confidence improve with each square. The knit-purl combination, slip stitch and mosaic patterned squares have each turned out beautifully and I am eager to get to twisted stitch paterns, cables, and lace. There is even a square to teach short-rowing.

My goal is to finish this afghan over the next two or three months. By then I believe I'll have the skills to complete any project, including a number of one of a kind sweaters that I plan to design and knit with the aid of Knitware software, this book, and/or Ms Walker's other stitch treasuries, all of which are indispensible to any serious knitting student's library.

How different would Leni Riefenstahl's life have been had she not filmed Triumph of the Will? One can only speculate what films she would have directed and starred in after World War II were it not for Hitler insisting she do the film.

Riefenstahl has been referred to as a Renaissance woman, and she most certainly was. She was a creative being and expressed her creativity in dance, acting, directing, photography and ocean diving. These five areas, spanning her entire long life, are the subject of this sumptuous coffee table book.

Editor Taschen Angelica is to be commended on compiling this life-work on Riefenstahl while Leni was still alive to assist in the selection and arrangement of the photographs. The segment on the mountain films is worth the price of the book alone, but the color images of the Nuba are also amazing.

Riefenstahl's revenge against those who denied her her cinematic craft after World War II was being able to live to 101, and seeing her life-long accomplishments compliled into this book. Rumor has it Jody Foster is at work on a film project about Riefenstahl. One hopes Foster will get it right and cover her entire life, not just the years that caused so much controversy.

A biography in pictures of arguably the most influential female film-maker in the history of the medium...though all too many people in the industry are afraid to admit to it. Made the greatest propaganda film in history (unfortunate choice of subject matter) and the most important and influential sports documentary of all time (Olympia). Dancer, actress, director, producer, still photographer, underwater cinematographer...an astounding list of accomplishments driven by a desire to perceive and record the world around her has compelled Leni Riefenstahl since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Oversized, handsomely produced volume (typical Taschen quality) is packed with rare photographs and fascinating commentary. Note: sparkle in eyes of 19-year old dancer and 99-year old legend is exactly the same.

As gifted as she is controversial, Leni Riefenstahl's "five" lives are imminently fascinating as this impressive book will prove! Even to the uninformed or casual observer, this edition will entrance. A great addition to your library, especially if you are impressed by the 102 year old dynamo who continues to prove filmmaking and photography as an art form. A living testament to the fact that "bodies in motion, stay in motion!"

A biography in pictures of arguably the most influential female film-maker in the history of the medium...though all too many people in the industry are afraid to admit to it. Made the greatest propaganda film in history (unfortunate choice of subject matter) and the most important and influential sports documentary of all time (Olympia). Dancer, actress, director, producer, still photographer, underwater cinematographer...an astounding list of accomplishments driven by a desire to perceive and record the world around her has compelled Leni Riefenstahl since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Oversized, handsomely produced volume (typical Taschen quality) is packed with rare photographs and fascinating commentary. Note: sparkle in eyes of 19-year old dancer and 99-year old legend is exactly the same.

The striking front cover on this book is a publicity still as Junta, in the movie "The Blue Light" 1932. As impressive as the cover is, it gets better when you open it to reveal hundreds of artistically shot photos. Dr. Ruth says bigger is not necessarily better. However in this case it is; something about the size of the photographs add to their striking appearance. Most are in grainy black and white with some color sections. This book is just a wee to large to fit in my oversized bookshelf. So I am making a larger shelf to display the books front view.

Just as you assume that this is a great coffee table book you will find that there is more too it. Luckily the pictures are not cluttered or distracted by alpha pneumonics. All the descriptions are in a separate section. The title of the book is appropriate as it portray s the different vocations of Leni. (Dancer, Actress, Director, Photographer, Diver)

This book also enhances the viewing experience of Leni's films.

THE GERMAN CENTURY.

Inspired by the death of her step-father (and informed by the death of her father), Patti Digh's book offers advice, nudges, and insistence toward joy and responsibility (not quite the word I want), in equal measure.

With essays like "Dance in Your Car," "Follow Your Desire Lines," and "Always Rent the Red Convertible," Digh urges us to loosen up, take chances, take hold of this "one wild and precious life" (as she quotes Mary Oliver).

But she assumes a life of joy will be a life touched and shaped by other people, and she includes their care in her instruction manual. "Save Face for Someone Else," and "Wear Pink Glasses" offer models of graceful ways of being with, seeing, and upholding other people. "Love Unloveable People" gently offers each of us a daunting challenge: to respond to what is good in everyone.

Digh doesn't overlook the challenges of relationship, including our relationship to self. From "Choose Your Seatmates Wisely," to "Burn those Jeans," "Don't Sell Your Red Shoes" and "Say Wow When You See a Bus," she offers fresh perspectives on familiar situations and straight-jackets of "propriety," inviting each of us to find a way to be a little more authentic.

The essays alone would be engaging and provocative, as Digh has proven in her blog, 37days. In the book a precious few are arranged to illustrate her six-point guide to a life marked by Intensity, Inclusion, Integrity, Intimacy, Intuition, and Intention. Each is followed by a short exercise to help the reader respond to and integrate the example, and a longer "movement" exercise that readers are invited to take up for 37 days: be alone for 30 minutes every day, write ten letters (in longhand) over the course of 37 days, ask yourself at lunch (for 37 days) "Am I becoming someone I respect?"

Digh suggests we take on that last question at lunch, so that we have the afternoon to save ourselves, if we are failing. It is just this kind of gentle wisdom, this confidence in all of us, that leads me to embrace this book.

To have Patti Digh's "37 Days' in BOOK form is to have the most amazing sourcebook for soul sustenance I have ever run across - and I read A LOT! Patti is clearly both gardener and chef; from the seeds she plants to the manna she provides. If your life is lacking color and depth (and humor, ah yes!), if you're missing that feeling of being connected and necessary, or losing your sense of direction or self - this book's for you.
Being a devoted fan of Patti's "37 Days" blog for the past several years, I was anxious to have the book, but didn't expect the additional impact that "Patti in print" would have for me. I lift my head reluctantly from the pages; but need to break and savor all the different sensory stirrings as I read her words. Cerebrally and soulfully nourished as I am by all that this book contains, I'm craving more, and look forward to filling my shelves with the next editions (additions?) of her unique diet of life lessons, personal musings or anything else she might choose to cook up! Bon appetit!

It makes you think about how to live your life better - not necessarily more organized or efficient or more anything, unless the "more" is some part of your own personal "better". The writing exercises are excellent, bite-sized, and spur you to much deeper consideration of the topics. And the writing itself is funny, real, down-to-earth and extremely moving. I've bought one copy and will buy several more as gifts.

Patti Digh has done a marvelous job translating her 37days blog (already a brilliant work-in-the-making, as she posts regularly) into hard copy with all the benefits a printed book can provide. To her publisher's credit, they went all out to make this book beautiful, and it is, and it matches the complexity and simplicity, at turns, her words offer.

There will be lots of reviewers who comment on Patti's amazing talent for getting to the heart of the matter, and thus, to our hearts. What I find just as fascinating about Patti is her sense of humor, one which operates at all levels.

Her ability to offer her joy in addition to her passion for her subject matter is what has hooked me since I first discovered her blog.

Life is a Verb is an in-the-moment perfect snapshot of three years of Patti's wisdom, pain, insight, and sighing admission of shortfalls.

Buy this book. I promise you will be thanking Patti that you did!

This book should be required reading in every college, high school and jr. high to teach kids how to become authentic, compassionate, caring adults. I've read Patti Digh's blog from the get-go and it has enriched and completely altered my life and my way of thinking. I want to be her!!!!! This book is a gold mine, pure and simple.

When I'm feeling blue, she cheers me up.
When I'm feeling invisible, she rearranges the molecules of my thinking.
When I'm down, she lifts me up.
When I'm sad, she makes me happy to be alive. . . all with her luminous, fabulous, magical essays. Thank you, Patti, for this gift you've given the world. This tattooed grammy loves you fiercely!!!

If you need a book that will enrich your life every single day, then buy this one. And get several copies because you will most definitely want to share with your friends and loved ones.

Great book! Pictures and written instructions both very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get started learning to whittle.

If you are new to whittling (like me) this was a good book to get started on. Lots of things that you can make right away.

This is a lovely little book and written in a very charming humorous manner. Every page is packed with clear coloured photos. Each project is easy to follow and there are loads of ideas for adapting the basics so that you can make your own stuff. There are lots of little tips about being on the trail and camping too. I love it.

Little Book of Whittling is a good book, with a lot of very helpful information in it. it has some really fun projects in it that were quite simple to make. its a great book!

I went to a local wood hobby shop and looked at several carving/whittling books. This one looked good so I bought it on ebay and saved some $s.
I'm a total novice, so this book was perfect. Full of photographs that explain every step. No previous experience necessary. Tip: I've managed to cut myself a few times so I'm wearing gloves until my technique improves. A very relaxing pastime. Highly recommended. If you are wondering which beginners book to buy then buy this.

Creative. Imaginative. Easy to follow directions to make all kinds of prints. There are ideas in here for those with no experience as well as great suggestions for new techniques for those who already make prints in one form or another. The visuals were beautiful and helpful when trying out a new idea. I recommend this for anyone who likes print-making. I think it would make a great text for a class.

Make Your Mark is truly a book to savor for many years. After getting it as a gift, the first thing I did was simply read it all the way through. The author has a warm and encouraging tone, and it is easy to imagine her standing by you as you are guided through a variety of wonderful and interesting techniques.
You don't need to be an artist or good at drawing to make use of this book, although if you are, you'll find these projects interesting and appealing. At the moment, I'm really into the gorgeous techniques that I've gotten spray painting with stencils. I can't believe how beautiful the effect is spraying through lace (cheap lace works really well), which I did on fabric, which is what I had around the first few times I tried this technique.
The other technique that appealed to me from the beginning is spray painting with lemon juice. I just loved the idea of the art work going in the oven for a brief stint, and watching it magically come alive. It's like baking, only the gratification is instant. This technique leaves kind of an aged looking mark on the paper, which is enhanced by darker edges where the lemon juice is sprayed heavily. The variations include adding salt and water. It's pure fun.
I can't wait to try some other techniques. An interesting and wonderful byproduct of working with the techniques in the book is that I just felt relaxed and loosened up creatively, and I was able to transfer that creativity to my work as a chef. I found my creative juices just flowing.
There are also chapters on all kinds of stenciling, rubbings, printing, water printing, paste papers, pattern dyeing, and collage, enough to keep one happily occupied with projects for a very long time. Each technique clearly explains what materials you need, available at most art stores, and the artist thoughtfully provides a glossary of places to get the materials.
I highly recommend this book for people of all ages, whatever your level of creativity is, for just a wonderful way to have a lot of fun!

What a delightful book Margaret Peot has written! It could be titled "Art for Dummies", because this grandmother surely qualifies. However, it is equally inspiring for granddaughters too. The book is fun to read and makes you itch to go and try the diversity of projects included. Ms. Peot convinces you that there is a hidden hint of "artist" you never knew was lurking inside. And not to be overlooked is the fact that you don't need a stash of expensive art supplies to get started!!

Joyce Tice

I have used "Make Your Mark" to help me with my own creative blocks and I have given the book to several friends, some artist and some non-artist, to offer the same benefits. All have enjoyed and used the book extensively and have been thrilled with their individual results. It's really a great resource for anyone wanting to create, but feeling a little inhibited.

This book is great. I did the gouache resist exercise and three of my experiments were selected for the Art Guild Show at City Hall. It is so easy to get caught up in the process of creating someting beautiful and interesting and artistic using Ms. Peot's methods. I love reading the chapters and imagening the end result. Once I get started, I am thrilled at how the methods enhance and facilitate my own creativity. Right now I am looking forward to trying my hand at collage knowing that I can just play with the process and see where it takes me.

Very beautiful unfoldable view of Manhattan from both the East and the West side. Specially good is the utilization of black and white which makes it much more elegant.

I bought this one. Love NY, love illustration, love books. The thing is: it's not really a book. You can't read it, because there are only illustrations. There are no pages, or a logical sequence. You can't even open it, unless you have 12 foot long pair of arms. You can't mount it on the wall, or you'll loose the other side. It feels really stupid to have this "book" on your hands. Because although you know you can't use it, you still got to have it.

I bought Manhattan Unfurled as a gift, and that is how I rate it.
Personally, I was disappointed. I was expecting a more detailed work done is a stronger, classic pen and ink style. The the casual cartoon style however is charming and really does not detract from the impact of the book.
Manhattan Unfurled is best appreciated when unfurled. Anyone who adores Manhattan will love this book, stretching out the pages and oohing and ahhing over the vista.

I bought this book so that my children could one day see the Manhattan skyline as I fell in love with it. It's fun to note the small details in the drawings--I think I notice something new each time I open it up.

Given the excellent presentation with the slipcase, etc., this book is an awesome gift for anyone who loves NYC. The artwork is solid, but not too formal, giving just the right feeling to the buildings. This book would also be a fun springboard for children to use to draw panoramic skylines of their own home towns.

This book is charming, the cover and slipcase make it look special, the reader feels the book has to be very good to be housed in such a well crafted good looking presentation. But once you have looked at the line drawing and followed it from one end to the other you feel a little foolish having spent your money on something so wispy. And yet the book is charming, so it takes all its value when offered as a gift so that its owner can enjoy it without the remorse of the money spent..

For me this book is a little too heavy- too scientific - I'm teaching children most of the time - This book will enrich our knowledge beyond instructions - I like this book but I think I need to read and read again to catch the idea and use it in my class.

I recently had the opportunity to read one of Lawrence A. Kane's books entitled, "Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory and Communication Techniques in the Dojo" and found it to be a fantastic book for anyone involved in the teaching of students and not just those involved in the martial arts. This book is a fantastic source for reference material concerning the art of teaching, and yes, I do feel that teaching is an art form.

The approach Lawrence takes in this book is simple, yet loaded with an abundance of information that shows you various methods that you can easily incorporate into your own particular style of teaching regardless of what the particular subject is. I can almost guarantee you that if you purchase this book and study it for a few weeks, and then start applying the information that you have learned, that you will see a notable improvement in your own teaching ability, while at the same time see a marked improvement in your students.

When I first read this book, I identified with a lot of the mistakes that Lawrence mentioned concerning my own teaching style especially when I first started teaching students a little over 20 years ago. Although it is imperative that we as individuals make our own mistakes, it is not that easy or desirable to make mistakes when you are responsible for the development of another individual. Although Lawrence's focus is on teaching the martial arts, a lot of what he tells you could also be used when teaching your own children. However, you would have to modify your teaching method a bit.

The following is a brief review of each of the six chapters in this book and what there main focus is on.

Chapter One: Understanding Learning Style Differences

In this chapter, Lawrence delves into the different types of personalities that an instructor will undoubtedly find in his students, as well as, how to tailor your teaching style to best suit each individual personality type. He also delves into the use of the five senses in order to enhance your teaching ability so that your students not only retain more information, but also enjoy the lessons being taught.

The five senses are; seeing, hearing, tasting, feeling, and smelling. Although it isn't practical to employ the use of all five in every lesson plan, you should try and devise a few that you could use once every month or so. I used a similar approach once teaching a group of law enforcement officers and the response I received was very encouraging. It works so use it.

Chapter Two: Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Tool to Understand Student Predilections

This particular chapter is quite complex, yet Lawrence makes is all seem rather simple with his easy to understand explanation of the various personality types and how they are best suited to learn and retain information. In this section, Lawrence supplies you with some very good resource material to have your own personality tested in order to determine what type of personality you have and what method of teaching is more conducive to your ability to learn.

Chapter 3: Applications of the Six Teaching Styles to Martial Arts

The six teaching styles discussed in this section are; modeling, lecturing, cooperative performance, independent performance, knowledge capture, and role reversal.

Lawrence describes in detail each one of these teaching styles and provides good examples of when to teach that particular method and how to apply it to the teaching of the martial arts.

Chapter 4: Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

In my humble opinion there is one section in this chapter that perhaps says it all when it comes to the ability to teach another person, and that is the attitude of the teacher.

This was the single most important thing that jumped out at me when I read this book. Although there is tons of useful information provided within the pages of this book, none of it is going to be worth the proverbial hill of beans without the proper attitude being displayed by the teacher.

Etiquette or respect for oneself and others is so vitally important not only to the learning environment, but also the living environment where we have to co-exist with so many different people from a vast array of backgrounds and cultures.

Another great subject that Lawrence brings up in this section is the importance of a solid emotional and physical environment in which to teach your students. The one undeniable single factor that is prevalent in everything that Lawrence discusses is the teacher. He or she is the one who will make or break a class and/or the students in it. You can have the most exciting subject and something that you are hugely passionate about become the most boring and painful experience if the teacher is horrible. Or you can take the most boring subject and make it interesting if the teacher is passionate and knowledgeable about how to get his/her information across to the students.

Along with a lot more information on the role of the teacher, Lawrence also spends some time going over some very solid information on how to find the martial art and martial arts school that is best suited for you.

Chapter 5: Developing and Implementing Lesson Plans for the Dojo

This section covers not only how to devise, refine and implement a lesson plan, but also how to adapt when the plan you have is not working. It also covers a lot of really solid information on the martial arts itself and the various nuances that are prevalent within it.
Lawrence also has a lot of really solid useful information concerning the martial arts and their use in a self-defense situation. He gives a couple of really good examples from his own personal experience that shows what may be a preferable way to handle a situation rather than resorting to physical means. Although one must always keep in mind that no two situations are going to be identical and what may work well in one situation may not work well in another.

Chapter 6: Conclusion/Stages of Teaching

This section is rather brief as I am sure the author intended and merely goes over that which he has discussed in the previous chapters. However, there are some very good tidbits of information included here and in the next 40+ pages.

This book, like all of Lawrence's books, is filled with solid useful information concerning whatever subject he has written about. There is much that can be learned from them and I highly recommend that you purchase them and study the information contained in each one of his books.

Shawn Kovacich, martial artist/author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

Excellent, Excellent Book. Great insights for using proven teaching methods and applying it to Martial Arts.
Also other cool stuff!!

A good teacher should also be a good student, if they hope to convey and assist the development of correct principles in others. I believe that pertains not only Martial Arts, but to any aspect of life. The challenge, is understanding that not all students learn, process, or retain information the same way (regardless of age).

Lawrence Kane has created a tool for those serious about imparting knowledge to their students in ways they can understand...and excel. The valuable information in this book is essential to those of us who truly care about what (and who) we teach.

A highly recommended book.

Their are many martial arts books outlining the basics of about any martial art you could wish to learn, but Lawrence A. Kane's Martial Arts Instruction: Applying Educational Theory And Communication Techniques In The Dojo is different from the rest. Lawrence A. Kane is a man who has taught and created martial arts classes and business seminars, and who focuses on the teacher of martial arts as much as the technique. Readers will lern just how to motivate and retain students, optimize time, and adjust to individual learning styles and talents using Martial Arts Instruction: is an informatively instructive and very strongly recomended manual.