The Science of Coaching for Growth

More Than Just Teaching Techniques

Our role as kendo coaches goes beyond teaching skills—it encompasses guiding, inspiring, and nurturing the potential of our students. “We don't coach kendo, we coach people” – as you may have heard me say this before! But a recent research suggests exactly how we might make the most of this idea. In fact, a study conducted at Case Western Reserve University offers insights that can revolutionise how we approach coaching in the dojo, nurturing not just skill development but also personal growth.

Using neuroimaging technology, researchers examined participants' brain activity to understand responses that either encourage personal growth or create resistance to change. Their goal was to identify the neural mechanisms that shape how people react to coaching and self-improvement.

The Power of Coaching the 'Ideal Self'

The study involved participants engaging in coaching sessions while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. It revealed that coaching aligned with an individual's 'ideal self'—the person they aspire to be—triggered more positive emotions, receptivity to new ideas, and sustained intrinsic motivation. On the contrary, focusing on their 'real self' limited their ability to envision future possibilities.

According to researcher Angela Passarelli, the implications of this finding suggest that coaches may need to shift away from simply pointing out someone’s shortcomings. "Many who seek to help conflate helping with fixing problems… This research demonstrates that when we begin helping interactions by doubling down on someone's immediate problems, we inadvertently constrain their ability to see future possibilities; and this undermines the very intention of helping."

These findings challenge traditional coaching approaches that focus on technical correction and flaw identification. For example, many kendo instructors default to a method of immediate correction—stopping a student mid-drill to point out a mistake in their footwork or kamae. While this may provide instant feedback, it can sometimes stifle creativity and confidence rather than cultivating long-term growth. Instead, the study emphasises the importance of connecting with an individual's aspirations to unlock their potential.

What This Means for Kendo Coaches

For kendo coaches, this study's implications are significant. It suggests that, instead of relying solely on technical instruction, we can (and should) guide students to explore their 'ideal self' in the context of their kendo journey. Rather than focusing exclusively on their errors or what they should be doing differently in the moment, we can cultivate their vision of who they want to become in kendo. According to the research, this shift encourages a growth mindset, enabling students to stay motivated, open to feedback, and engaged in their training.

Coaching should not merely be a tool to correct flaws but rather a catalyst for personal growth. By embracing and supporting our students’ aspirations, we can guide them towards self-discovery and help them realise their full potential.

To put it simply: by understanding each student's unique motivations, fears, and aspirations, we can tailor our coaching to ignite their passion and bolster their commitment. This approach not only strengthens their technical abilities but also encourages personal growth and long-term dedication to kendo. Herein lies the impact of reminding our students, regularly, of who and what they can become.

Creating a Culture of Aspiration in the Dojo

In the dojo, we are more than instructors—we are mentors, helping our students uncover their 'why' in kendo. Research like this, backed by neuroimaging technology, highlights that negative thoughts and feedback can actually lead to defensiveness and resistance to change. On the other hand, developing an image of one's ideal self enables students to perceive emerging patterns, develop positivity, remain open to new ideas, and sustain intrinsic motivation.

With these insights in mind, how can we apply them practically in our coaching approach?

Ask about their goals: Instead of only correcting their technique, start conversations about what excites them about kendo and where they see themselves in the future.
Frame feedback through their aspirations: Rather than saying, "You're dropping your left hand too much," try "Strong, stable kamae is what will make your men strikes unstoppable in shiai—let's refine that."
Encourage long-term thinking: Reinforce that today’s struggles are part of a bigger picture. Remind them how small improvements lead to large transformations over time.

The Key Takeaway: Coaching for the Future

Consider how you can (re)focus your coaching on your students’ future aspirations. Find out their ‘why,’ or more to the point, their ‘who.’ According to the research, by aligning our coaching with their ideal self, we can encourage a deeper willingness for growth. And as a result, you may even see students become more proactive in seeking advice—especially as it relates to their ‘ideal’ kendo self.

And remember: the dojo is not just a place for technique—it is a space for transformation. By shifting the focus from someone’s mistakes to their aspirations, they can begin training with renewed (intrinsic) motivation, seeing challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks. This shift in mindset is what truly transforms students in the long run. And as coaches, we have the privilege of guiding our students towards becoming not just better kendo practitioners, but better versions of themselves.