One Perfect Jian Cut: Bringing Together Speed, Power & Precision
January 13, 2024

Test cutting was a forgotten tradition in Chinese swordsmanship that has been revived at Great River Taoist Center. The jianke (swordsman, 劍客 ) cuts different types of targets to test different skills. A small, unsupported piece of bamboo is widely considered one of the most challenging cutting targets. The cut must be absolutely straight, fast and powerful. If any of these are off, the cut will fail.

Teacher Scott M. Rodell preformed the cuts in this video with the sword he designed, the Hanwei Cutting Jian. He is the director of Great River Taoist Center based in Washington, D.C....