A Practical Guide to Test Cutting for Historical Swordsmanship Paperback – July 14, 2008

I found this book informative, direct and practical. I was pleasantly surprised that this manual on test cutting, was not specifically about Chinese cutting techniques. In fact, only the first nine pages refer directly to taijiquan swordsmanship and Chinese martial history. It isn't bogged-down with an overabundance of Mandarin terminology. Rather, it is an easy-to-read, overview of the primary criteria involved in historical test cutting. Insofar as most of the information is presented scientifically and explained clearly, it is just as valid and applicable to any school or lineage of swordsmanship. I would feel confident recommending it to students of European, Japanese, Korean, Philippine or Chinese traditions of swordsmanship. In short, it is an invaluable reference guide and offers the qualified perspective of an experienced swordsman. I would encourage any student of the sword to crack it open.

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

"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.

Any student of traditional swordplay (whether Asian or European) who is interested in what makes swords cut, and wants to acquire proficiency in cutting, should pick up this book. Author Rodell does an admirable job in covering a topic that he obviously knows very well.

I find the book to be well-organized and clearly-written. The prerequisites for safe practice and productive training are plainly stated, as are pointers on how to select a suitable sword for cutting practice and how to maintain the blade. One of the best things about this manual is its focus: on cutting techniques which have practical use in combat, as opposed to spectacular feats that only serve to showcase the swordsman's strength or the power of a blade. Of course, nothing beats hands-on training in the presence of a QUALIFIED live instructor, but a student who wants to augment his training-hall experience, or an experienced martial artist who wants to add another dimension to his skill-set will be well-served by this useful little volume.