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CHINESE SWORDSMANSHIP
A Preview of Scott Rodell's Book on the Michuan Taiji Fighting System
by Alexander Chin, SFI Executive Editor
July 31 · Article spans 1 page
Foreword: Scott Rodell was kind enough to send me a copy of the final draft for his long-awaited book. Since it was
a draft, not all the illustrations or photos were included. The book is currently at the printers and will be
shipping
in September 2003.
This book presents an excellent and topical introduction to Yang family jian practice, both to the public (new) form
and the lesser known Michuan (the older Hidden Tradition). Rodell presents material based on research, supported by
historiographic and textual evidence. He further adds experience gained in over twenty years of studying taijiquan
and in the collecting of arms and armor. This preview will give an overview of the book and its contents.
What makes this book unique from others on the subject is its presentation of the Michuan system. It is the older of the
two Yang taiji jian systems and its development and use for the battlefield* are apparent. Movements are
direct and linear, while cuts are designed for quick execution and quick recovery. This is in stark contrast to the
flowing, circular movements and stepping off-line of the public style.
The book begins with the influences-Chinese chivalry, Daoism, and Confucianism — which have shaped taiji
philosophy and jian practice. The context of martial arts training in modern society is related to the concepts of
wen (civil) and wu (martial), i.e. one must balance virtue with power. Also discussed is the duifang, or
"opposite direction" which refers to whomever one is engaging. This is an important distinction, as there is no concept of
an enemy or opponent in taijiquan, but a "force" to be joined with, circularized and returned.
Swords are instruments of potential lethality and should be treated with respect and care. The chapter on drawing and
handling swords emphasizes the use of correct sword etiquette and safety. Instructions for handling dao, or other
single-edged swords, are also given.
Of particular interest to sword collectors is the chapter on jian reality and anatomy. It attempts to dispel some
of the folklore and misconceptions surrounding Chinese swords by examining the construction, metallurgy, and physical
characteristics of jian. An explanation of how the jian edge is sharpened in graduated zones is linked with
examples of how each zone is used in combat.
The next chapter touches briefly on the lineage of the forms. This ties in with material later in the book comparing and
contrasting the Public and Michuan forms and an article in the appendix about the latter. These should all be of interest
to the taiji student as well as the martial historian.
Here we get to the "meat" of the book, i.e. the use of the jian and the two forms. Starting with the basics, the
proper jian grip is covered, along with the "sword talisman hand". The latter is explained in terms of proper body
structure and counterbalancing/reinforcing the sword hand. Next the stances for each form, with an explanation of
weighting and foot placement, are shown and contrasted.
Following this are chapters dealing with the basic cuts, eight for the Michuan style and thirteen for the public style.
Here, the photos for the cuts are nicely paired with photos of their actual applications.
Rodell explains why he has presented the cuts separately from the forms:
"Without a thorough understanding of the taiji jian's basic cuts-the essential ingredients of jian
practice, there can be no initial understanding of the form…If a student moving through the jian form is not
familiar with how a jian cuts, what part of the blade is being employed and when, and the targets aimed at, then he
certainly cannot practice the form in an exact, focused manner."
The Michuan form is presented first. Again, the photo sequence of the form is presented at the top of each page, with the
application shown below. This style of presentation is also used for the public form, reinforcing the intent of each
movement in the forms. Each photo is also clearly captioned, describing the movement and the placement of hands and feet.
The application of movements and cuts from the forms in countering other weapons is discussed, but, unfortunately, not
illustrated. Swordplay, or free sparring, is briefly covered along with suggested drills for developing accurate cuts and
thrusts. Here again Rodell emphasizes safety, as even a wooden waster is capable of inflicting serious injury.
Before the Appendices, Rodell compares the commonalities and differences in the two styles. The movements, cuts, and
goals of each are contrasted as are the milieu in which each developed. The Michuan style developed at a time when hand
combat on the battlefield was still a common reality. It was geared for military personnel and the Qing aristocracy. The
public style came later, when Yang taiji had become available to the public. Social, political and ethical changes
had occurred, along with the introduction of modern firearms to China. Bladed combat had become obsolete.
So why study the public form? Rodell makes the point that practice of this sword form enhances one's empty-hand
techniques by training stepping, strength and the release of power (fa jin). It is a complement to empty-hand
training and challenges the student in ways which the empty-hand cannot.
The Appendices include an article on the development of the Michuan style. A glossary of anatomical terms for jian
and dao precedes an extensive bibiliography. This will prove a valuable resource to martial artists as well as
martial scholars.
I would recommend this book as a reference and training supplement. Overall, this book represents an excellent "first
effort" for Scott Rodell. The material presented on the Michuan style is unique. The topics covered will be enlightening
to
the martial artist, the scholar, or any student of Chinese culture.
*Yang Luchan, originator of the Yang taiji system, was employed as a military trainer and instructor to the Qing
dynasty during a period of intense warfare. He held this position by virtue of martial challenge, i.e. he defeated all
challengers. In particular, the city in which he and his sons were employed, Guanping, was repeatedly besieged. This
presented the opportunity to "field test" the techniques. Any which did not work were quickly discarded.
SPECIAL LINKS
Pre-publication Special Mail-In Order Form -
Scott Rodell's book will be shipping in September 2003. Shipping is free for all pre-publication orders placed prior to
August 31. (Adobe .PDF Format. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free
here.
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