The book is a quick but dense read, devoid of the self-congratulation  and endless anecdotes that weigh down similar volumes. Rather than trying to impress the reader with all the things he’s done and people he’s met, Rodney jumps right in from the coach’s perspective and begins simply conveying the information in an informal and conversational tone. It is this frank and direct approach that makes the book both accessible  and thought-provoking. In short, it is a timely and excellent work that efficiently presents a tremendous depth of thought.

Much like Rodney’s coaching style the book does not dictate any  particular approach or method directly; rather it creates a framework, mindset and understanding through which coaches can directly meet the needs of today’s clients (note that he always refers to them as Clients and not Students). Its material is as applicable to martial arts and combat sports coaches of any style and also translates into any  performance-based coaching environment. This book is a must have for any coaches library.

Rodney begins by laying out some of the problems and shortcomings of  traditional linear martial arts instruction while thoughtfully resisting the urge to “slam” those that have come before him. He also resists the urge to point out the flaws on the other end of the spectrum in today’s hyper-competitive MMA “fight school” mentality or Reality Based Self Defense fearmongering. In today’s “You Suck” finger pointing culture, it’s a refreshing change.

He simply and insightfully lays the case that these methods do not meet  the needs of today’s clients. While there will always be a place for the traditional practice of culturally-based martial arts for recreation and historic preservation, and young men will always try to best each other in combat sports, Rodney’s biggest innovation in the GAME method may be  the realization that this is no longer what people are looking for or the best way to meet their needs and in him having the courage to devise and develop a new method of Martial Arts-Life coaching that is  responsive, flexible and directly meets these needs.

What follows is a logical and compelling breakdown of the GAME model and  how it manifests itself in coaching, teaching and creating an environment where excellence can occur. Its client-centric and co-creative model, where the client is in the driver’s seat, is  innovative and refreshing. I will avoid going into detail on the model as everyone hates spoilers, however more information on this approach can be found at either the Crazy Monkey website (www.crazymonkeydefense.com) or at the Positive Martial Arts-Life website (www.martialartslife.info).

In short, this is an outstanding book that belongs on any coach’s  bookshelf and will help bring a fresh perspective to your coaching GAME, regardless of style or sport. It passes another true test in that it inspire thought and brings up as many questions as it answers, and much like the model it illustrates allows coaches the flexibility in creating and playing their own GAME!

Phillip Eckman 

CEO The Barefoot Group, USA

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BUY THIS BOOK.

simple as that really. if you are running a school, training at a private studio, want to start your own group up, or are just intrested in these things.

this book is like nothing ive read in relation to the MA in my 15 years of being a complete MA junky and a book worm.

it is laid out well, articulated sensibly and dosent try to preach a perticular style or method, it is simply explained from a position of experience, no judgement is placed on right or wrong.

i have had first hand experience of the attitude and enviroment that rodney is explaining in this book and it is awesome. so good that upon my return from South Africa we made some simple changes at our gym and the difference was outstanding.

well done Rodney

Gareth Rogers, United Kingdom 

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I just finished my first read of Rodney's book, and wanted to second the kudos.

Even though I train/teach at a more typical martial arts academy, I still felt there was a ton of great information in the book that could still apply.

Actually, I felt it re-affirmed a lot of the things that we already do at our school: i.e. focusing on improvement and personal development rather than competition, focusing on positives in coaching, etc.

But I still absolutely learned a lot that I will be applying to my own teaching and coaching. In particular, the points about "not trying to fix the clients' mistakes" and "encouraging experimentation and personal reflection" really hit home.

As Dan Inosanto is fond of saying, "A good instructor creates and environment where knowledge reveals itself." This book was a great reminder of that for me.

Thanks, Rodney!

Matthew Albanese, USA