Customer Reviews

Chinese Swordsmanship: The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition

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I bought this book, read it and was utterly amazed that someone with the knowledge and skill level finally wrote a reference guide for those of us who haven't been able to go that extra mile because of lack of the information available. I really recommend this book for someone who is learning Taiji sword (from a teacher of course), because it will be of big help to you when you need to refer back to it.

The book is about the Yang Family Taiji Sword Tradition. Two different styles are presented: one which most of us are familiar with that was down from Yang Chengfu's lineage and taught to Mr. Rodell by Master T.T. Liang; the second one came from Master Wang Yen-nian of the Yang Jianhou (Yang Chengfu's Father) tradition. Those that are familiar with the history of Yang Taiji will understand that there is a difference between father and son's technique.

The book begins with the Author's Introduction and then History, Sword Ettiquette (which I found particularly interesting), Jian (sword) Anatomy, how to hold the sword and perform the secret sword fingers, basic stance and sword cuts. Then both forms and their applications(!) are shown using real antique weapons from the Ancient China. There is also some interesting stuff in the Appendices.

I hope you buy this book it will be of great benefit to your training.

This is an outstanding contribution to the field of publications dealing with Chinese martial arts. Not only is it a meticulously-written and well-illustrated guide to sword technique, this remarkable book also supports the topic with information which "flesh out" the art's social and historical context. It explains not only the "what", but also the "who", "why" and "when". In this way, it is not only an invaluable guide to serious students of taijiquan and its sword techniques, but will also appeal to those readers who are interested in the role that martial arts played in late imperial China. The author's experience as an instructor and his dedication to scholarship ensure that the information in this book is accurate and well-reasoned, with none of the unsubstantiated and fanciful lore which has been the bane of martial arts writing for years.

This book is one of (if THE) best book on Chinese swordsmanship and taiji sword on the market today. While many practitioners "play" endless solo forms, Rodell has a clear understanding of how the sword is used in combat. I attended a week-long seminar of Rodell's, and I can say from first-hand experience that he can use his skill with the sword in full-speed, totally unrehearsed situations, which is a very special skill nowadays. "Chinese Swordsmanship" has clear photos for every movement in two different Yang Family sword forms along with the application for each movement; the applications show Rodell using the jian against a variety of authentic Chinese arms (not just the jian). If you practice taijiquan or taiji sword, this book is a must-have.

This book was given to me by a student of Scott Rodell's. I appreciate the unique gift. Mr. Rodell does an excellent job of explaining and demostrating chinese swordsmanship. It is interesting to note the differences between the public and private styles and the martial applications of each. This book is a must have if you want to increase your understanding of taiji.

Chinese Swordsmanship is a fascinating chronicle of all aspects of the Chinese Jian traditions and history. Rodell has written an interesting book that provides insight into the Jian and the actual use of the sword in combat. Anyone who practises Taiji will consider this to be a "gem" in their martial art book collection. It will definately add to a deeper understanding of the art, the practical use of the sword and leave your Taiji practice enriched. ENJOY!

In this age of suicide bombs, smart weapons and remote killing looking back at origins and practice of a particular type of Daoist swordsmanship is a welcome respite. If current urban warfare was conducted with swords and followed the traditions of Chinese chivalry developed over hundreds of years, our disputes would be much more cleanly settled. Sword violence would be connected directly to the participants and would presumably be much more of a last resort. This book, through great photographs and detailed descriptions, helps the practitioner of this art begin to use the Taiji Jian as an extension of the body. By providing demonstration of actual applications in the form, Mr. Rodell provides a road map to discipline, precision and martial skill. This tome can provide much value to the modern warrior struggling to master the use of surgical strikes, as well providing context to those studying the history of combat.

This book is a very useful resource, but for who? See below.
The book is detailed, informative, and has many historical sections that are interesting to read. The author, whom I traveled long distance to learn from after reading this book is a genuine sword enthusiast and expert fighter in the use of the Chinese straight sword. He is a historian with extensive knowledge of Chinese antiques and metallurgy. He also is a dealer in antique arms and armor from China, and has a very deep understanding of the fine points of sword construction and usage. A wide range of Chinese sword forges and other sword manufacturers currently approach him to evaluate and do reviews of the quality and authenticity of their contemporary sword productions and several national level museums have employed his expertise in identifying and evaluating difficult museum items. So, about his book...

WHO WILL THIS BOOK BE USEFUL FOR?:
1. People who are learning Chinese straight sword forms who want to learn how their system works and/or who wish to study swordplay REALISTICALLY and SYSTEMATICALLY.

Read the book then attend a seminar with Mr. Rodell. Then read the book again. Then apply what you have learned to whatever lineage you are studying. That's what I did, starting back in 2003, and it has helped me a advance a long way in my study of Chinese swordsmanship.

2.Yang Family Sword Stylists- who want to compare and contrast their interpretations of the widely practiced Yang Style "Public" taiji jian set, and see detailed applications. You will probably gain many insights from this book. You may also want to look at Yang Jwing Ming's Shaolin and Taiji(same form) books on straight sword and "The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship" by Zhang Yun (WU style). All these books complement each other extremely well.

3. Any student of Yang Jia Michuan jian. A must have.

4. People who study any sword style from any culture, or any other weapons system for that matter, who would like to cross-reference what they are doing.

This book, unlike other books about Taiji and weapon forms, describes the sword form from the application point of view. How has the Jian developed to become what it is per today, who used it and what techniques are used in combat? He describes clearly the differences between the Yang family style and the public sword form. What I find remarkable are the differences between the public form described in the book and the public form described by (for example) Chen Wei-Ming. This book is worthwhile studying for those who want to have more background in Taiji sword.

Without a doubt, Scott Rodell has written one of the most accessible and comprehensive books on swordsmanship (Chinese or otherwise) I have read. The book welcomes the novice reader and makes him feel comfortable with the subject, while the seasoned martial artist immediately understands the author's intended message, without feeling lectured to. Scott speaks the language common to traditional martial artists with quiet elegance and confidence.

Andrew Winston

"I believe that the practice of boxing and swordplay ("sword-art") is still quite valuable in these modern times. Boxing is useful both in training the body and as a means of self-protection. As for the sword, of all the weapons it is the most elegant and refined. Chinese scholars have always regarded the sword and the qin (zither) as the companions of the scholar; their praises have been sung in poetry and song, and to practice these is regarded as a refined pursuit. If one can attain the true essence of swordplay, then not only can one, when the moon is bright and the wind calm, draw one's sword and delight in the "dance" of swordplay; one can also use sword skills to fight with short sticks or a cane. Truly, among weapons, the sword is the most elegant and sharp; it is not for no reason that it is called a "treasure"! "

My friend and martial arts brother Master Scott M. Rodell is a modern treasure, a repository of rare skills and subtle informations. So many misunderstand the true meaning and essence of martial art, even fewer understand true meaning and essence of martial cultivations from the traditional Chinese martial perspective. Fewer still attain the wisdom to bridge the teachings over the east/ west divide. Master Rodell is one of the few, gifted in deep understanding through hard won skill.

I encourage anyone who is seeking knowledge and relation with a higher self to read "A Practical Guide to Test Cutting for Historical Swordsmanship" as well as "Chinese Swordsmanship: The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition" by Master Scott M. Rodell.

Kind regards,

Sifu Kisu of The Harmonious Fist School of Traditional Northern Shaolim Swordsmanship.

The Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association
Los Angeles, CA.