Part swordsman and part martial arts scholar, Rodell must strike a balance between making faithful translations of antiquated Chinese text and distilling useful insight into historical jianfa techniques from this lyrical and esoteric piece of classic Chinese literature.
The original work moves between poetry and prose as it describes various sword “Postures” and their applications. Anyone familiar with the Chinese language is aware of its tendency for polysemy and the simple line drawings included with the archaic text only give scant clues as to their intended direction of movement.
Rodell has his work cut out for him but he manages to bring forth actual useable techniques for the modern practitioners of Chinese Jianfa.
Tig Fong
Stunt Coordinator/2nd Unit Director
Fight Coordinator for Nikita the series
Scott M. Rodell provides an excellent translation of the Shi Jian Pu, and while the main focus of the book seems to be for those who currently practice with the Jian (the Chinese straight sword), Scott’s translation provides much for those who practice other arts to feed from. Unlike many modern Martial Arts books on the market, this particular one remains true to form, much like how the originals would have been. The Inclusion of the forms historical context is great to have in the book as it allows us to better grasp the intent and function of the Jian. Scott’s many years of experience with Chinese Martial Arts is evident from the get go, as the translations are clear, precise, and aid in the overall understanding of the form. Overall I would very much recommend this book as a supplement to anyone not only practicing with the Chinese Jian, but also for those who practice other martial arts forms. This is an excellent update to a classic text that we would not normally be able to obtain. Thank you for this translation Scott; it is and will always be an absolute pleasure to read.
Sensei Ian Alexander, Byakuren Dojo
Muso Shinden Omori Ryu, Canadian Representative of the ITMAF (International Traditional Martial Arts Federation)
There is a resurgence of interest in historical martial arts across several continents and spanning many cultures. Existing source materials are rare. Educated, accurate translations of those texts are even more rare. It is a thrill to see this new translation of a period text, especially when I know the consideration of context, subtleties of dialect and relevant martial arts knowledge have been applied with exacting detail. Laoshì Rodell’s martial arts publications speak for themselves in terms of value to students of historical Chinese martial arts. This piece is no exception and will provide insight to anyone studying the history of the Chinese sword techniques and historical martial arts of any culture.
Steve Frey
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Instructor
Historical Martial Arts Enthusiast
The original work moves between poetry and prose as it describes various sword “Postures” and their applications. Anyone familiar with the Chinese language is aware of its tendency for polysemy and the simple line drawings included with the archaic text only give scant clues as to their intended direction of movement.
Rodell has his work cut out for him but he manages to bring forth actual useable techniques for the modern practitioners of Chinese Jianfa.
Tig Fong
Stunt Coordinator/2nd Unit Director
Fight Coordinator for Nikita the series
Scott M. Rodell provides an excellent translation of the Shi Jian Pu, and while the main focus of the book seems to be for those who currently practice with the Jian (the Chinese straight sword), Scott’s translation provides much for those who practice other arts to feed from. Unlike many modern Martial Arts books on the market, this particular one remains true to form, much like how the originals would have been. The Inclusion of the forms historical context is great to have in the book as it allows us to better grasp the intent and function of the Jian. Scott’s many years of experience with Chinese Martial Arts is evident from the get go, as the translations are clear, precise, and aid in the overall understanding of the form. Overall I would very much recommend this book as a supplement to anyone not only practicing with the Chinese Jian, but also for those who practice other martial arts forms. This is an excellent update to a classic text that we would not normally be able to obtain. Thank you for this translation Scott; it is and will always be an absolute pleasure to read.
Sensei Ian Alexander, Byakuren Dojo
Muso Shinden Omori Ryu, Canadian Representative of the ITMAF (International Traditional Martial Arts Federation)
There is a resurgence of interest in historical martial arts across several continents and spanning many cultures. Existing source materials are rare. Educated, accurate translations of those texts are even more rare. It is a thrill to see this new translation of a period text, especially when I know the consideration of context, subtleties of dialect and relevant martial arts knowledge have been applied with exacting detail. Laoshì Rodell’s martial arts publications speak for themselves in terms of value to students of historical Chinese martial arts. This piece is no exception and will provide insight to anyone studying the history of the Chinese sword techniques and historical martial arts of any culture.
Steve Frey
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Instructor
Historical Martial Arts Enthusiast
