Geri Larkin

from dust jacket Here is a book which breaks entirely new ground in judo teaching. It outlines contemporary theories of learning, class teaching technique, and shows how the various theories and principles can be built into a simple but effective method of introductory methods can be moulded into an intermediate judo skill. Lastly, Japanese terminology is explained in a completely new way, which will be of treat interest to both old and new judo players. The author has evolved this approach to the teaching of judo over the last few years in his capacity as National Coach to the British Judo Association. Compared with the traditional methods of judo teaching, it is quite revolutionary, evern though its intrinsic principles are accepted in educational circles. The results of the new method have been impressive; skill has been acquired far more quickly and on a far broader base than ever before. This method of teaching judo has been used all over the British Isles in clubs, colleges, schools, youth clubs etc., and is also gradually spreading abroad. As yet the spread is thin on the ground, but the object of this book is to help those who have heard of the method and who want to know more. It is unique in explaining fully the history and development of Mr Gleeson's method of teaching judo which fully utilizes the knowledge of the West and the capacities of the Westerner. (Geoffrey Gleeson) Born in 1927. First appearance in British team 1949. Finalist in Open and 3rd Dan European Championships 1951. First special research student of the Kodokan (Tokyo) 1952-55. During this period also studied kendo, aikido and calligraphy. Chief instructor of the budiokwai 1955-60. Captain of first team to win European Championship for Britain 1957; captain of various teams 1949-57. Served on Executive Committee of British Judo Association 1955-60. Read Japanese at London University 1955-58. Honorary National Coach 1958-60. Full-time National CLoahc 1960 to the present. Originally trained as an engineer, holds higher National certificate of Engineering. Swam in County and Soutehern Counties Champions, interest and participation in several other sports. Presently studying motive writing. Contents 1 Teaching Method and coaching Technique Learning by Imitation The utilization of education Instructional Technique-Planning for a Period; Planning for a Session (Skill; Competition; Interest; Enjoyment) A Coach's Characteristics Class Control--Discipline; Hygiene; Class Technique (The Importance of Demonstration; The Use of Floor Area; Class Appreciation of Initial Demonstration; Progress Variation; Use of Habit; Explanations; Use of Voice; Observation; Imagination) Judo Leaders-The Position and Importance of the Instructor, Coach and Teacher Conclusion Bibliography 2 General Factors Types of Throw Speed and Movement--Posture; Movement (Power Point; Power Curve; Control Curve; Acceleration; Body Movement; Chest Contact; Turning; Legs; Feet; Head) Tsukuri-Hands; Arms; Ne-waza General Factors: Conclusion Supplementary Factors-Falling Uchikomi Forms of Training-Randori; Shiai Observation Kinaesthetic Appreciation Aesthetic Appreciation Coaching Hooks Imagination Conclusion Bibliography 3 Elementary Judo The Introductory Group Method Group 1-Dynamic Defence; Combined Attack and Defence; Ukemi Group 2-Major Sub-group; Dynamic Defence; Minor Sub-group Group 3-Dynamic Defence Ne-waza Linked Systems-Coaching Hooks (Elementary) Conclusion 4 Intermediate Judo Example from Group 1: Tai-otoshi Example from Group 2: O-soto-gari Example from Groukp 3: Harai-Goshi Hairi-Kata Coaching Points for Various Techniques Tai-otoshi Tsuikomi-goshi Seoi-nage O-soto-gari O-uchi-gari Ko-uchi-gari Lo-soto-gari Harai-goshi Uchi-mata Hane-goshi Ashi-waza Sutemi-waza Kaeshi-waza Ne-waza--A Ne-waza Sequence for an Intermediate Student Conclusion 5 British Judo Association Coaching Examinations An outline of the requirements for: The Club Instructors Award-The Coach Award; Senior Coach Award Teh Promotion Syllabus, with full explanation and definition The Gokyo Japanese pronunciation Glossary… (mehr)

My favorite spiritual book - a clear-minded, down to earth collection of essays by Geri Larkin on Buddhism and how it can be applied to anyone's life, be they Methodist, atheist, or practicing Zen Buddhist.

She's witty, openly neurotic, but crystal clear and confident in what has worked for her and those around her. It's about the journey, not the destination for Larkin, and that's a refreshing approach to spirituality for someone raised with the carrot-and-stick approach of Southern Baptist dogma (c'est moi).

Larkin's got such a light touch, you feel like you've cozied up by the fire with tea and an old friend, rather than coerced your bare feet into the lotus position for lesson time with The Master.

All of Larkin's books are terrific - this may be her best.… (mehr)

I liked this book, but I like others by Larkin more. This was concerned with her month-long pilgrimage to Korea with her zen master and his newly ordained successor, a woman. It was a grueling tale of "just this" mind and the stripping down of self that can occur on the road with no control of your schedule or surroundings. I found the history of korean zen a little dry, despite rock-n-roll warrior monk stories...they just didn't grab me. My favorite part was the unbelievably touching acts of generosity by others they met [b:on the road|6288|The Road|Cormac McCarthy|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21E8H3D1JSL._SL75_.jpg|3355573] - monks, nuns, staff at various business/monasteries. I will keep with me the bit about a woman running up and flagging down their bus as they were leaving to give them all glasses of orange juice for their trip.… (mehr)

Bubbly, fluffy Buddhist books tend to disagree with me. Even though Lama Surya Das and Brad Warner are talking about the same concepts, I'll take Warner's presentation any day of the week. So it's surprising that The Chocolate Cake Sutra has become one of my favorite modern books on the dharma, because Larkin is so exuberant in her descriptions of learning to recognize all the joy in the world that goes overlooked and it would have been so easy for her to merely turn out platitude after platitude. But Larkin writes about how Buddhism actually transforms practitioners, instead of selling it as some fantasy silver bullet that "guarantees" that they'll never have to experience sadness, jealousy, or irritation again. Rather, Larkin demonstrates how Buddhist practice transforms how we relate to these emotions when they arise, and how that in turn is the real key to living a more skillful life. While some of her anecdotes may come off as precious or slightly obnoxious to readers, I think this has more to do with the fact that she's writing about quintessential "you had to be there" situations in these cases, which are by definition impossible to convey properly to people who weren't there. But even with these moments, this is by far one of the better modern books on dharma out there. Do yourself a favor and give it a read.… (mehr)