A Practical Guide to Test Cutting for Historical Swordsmanship
Teacher Rodell is a swordsman in Yang style taiji jian swordsmanship who almost single-handedly is keeping this branch of historical swordsmanship alive and vital into the future. This guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to develop his or her skill with the jian or dao. This guide is also for the emerging schools of swordsmanship, European and Japanese or other, that are rediscovering the true nature of the sword and the swordsman. If you are searching to better understand your sword or bladed weapon art through test cutting practice, this guide will be an invaluable starting point. ---Paul Champagne, Noted SwordsmithScott Rodell has produced a book here that does not exist elsewhere. The title sums it up, as this is a true, practical guide for students to practice test cutting as a part of their martial arts regimen. It takes a common sense approach, covers the major aspects, and shows the "dos" and don'ts" that many sword practitioners often forget. While the book is coming from a Chinese swordsmanship background, it easily applies to any other form of swordsmanship, from German to Japanese, in regards to safety and proper mindset as well as what materials to use. It is a useful addition to any historical swordsmanship student's library. ---Bill Grandy, head of Historical European Swordsmanship