Tagged: Maija Soderholm

Maija Soderholm on Language in Physical Instruction

Maija Soderholm, author of The Liar the Cheat and the Thief: Deception and the Art of Sword Play:

I admit it, I talk too much. The pictures and concepts I see in my head want a way out. They want describing, refining, sharing and altering, and words seem to be one of the most accessible ways to do this with others ….. But really, how useful are they when teaching a physical skill set?

Language can explain and inspire, yet it can also confuse and misdirect, it is a true double edged sword – our savior and our downfall

Precision can be hard to convey, especially when personal experience differs to the extent that words mean different things to the speaker and the listener …. and this is assuming that the speaker is explaining clearly, and that the listener is even listening!

Say the word ‘threat’ for instance, and some will not even have a concept of what that might be…

Continue reading at Sword and Circle

Maija Soderholm: Getting Students to Change

Maija Soderholm, author of The Liar the Cheat and the Thief: Deception and the Art of Sword Play:

“Well I hit you too” really means – I do not need to change.
“I expect to be cut” really means – I’m good enough as I am.
“Why would I need to practice this dance-y stuff”? really means – My imagination is too small.

So how do you show someone a reason to change? How do you create the space in their brains to entertain the idea of change? And how do you get them to actually change?

Continue reading at Sword and Circle

A lot of Soderholm’s writing looks like it’s about sword dueling. It is, but it’s not just about sword dueling. Not by a long shot. There’s lots of useful stuff for instructors of any discipline who are willing to look at the principles and foundations that she talks about. Highly recommended.