Rediscover the original sword arts, hidden inside the forms for centuries
Take Your Place in the Revival of Real Chinese Swordsmanship
Step into the living combat art behind the forms, learned through real cutting, real drills, and full-contact sparring, alongside practitioners rebuilding it worldwide.
Key Benefits Of Training With Us
Remote Learning, Global Community: Learn at your own pace with online lessons and live webinars. Join a community of enthusiasts worldwide to share progress, get feedback, and never train alone.
Real Sparring Confidence – Build up to controlled, full-contact sparring, so when you face an opponent you’ll know exactly how to handle the encounter.
Clear Progress Roadmap – Stay motivated as you advance through a proven structured syllabus, from fundamentals to advanced swordplay – no more training stagnation.
Tradition Meets Innovation – Study classical sword systems under a legitimate lineage, paired with modern sport science for safe, effective training.
Global Support Network – Whenever you have a question or hit a plateau, turn to hundreds of fellow students and instructors online who will help you break through to the next level.
JOIN 100's OF PRACTITIONERS AND TEACHERS AROUND THE WORLD.
JOIN 100's OF PRACTITIONERS AND TEACHERS AROUND THE WORLD.
About The Academy
Real Chinese swordsmanship — revived, tested, and made accessible.
For too long, Chinese swordsmanship has been treated as a performance art — elegant forms with no fighting context.
We’re here to change that.
Whether you're a lifelong practitioner who's never sparred, a modern swordsman curious about Chinese weapons, or a teacher looking for structure — you're not alone anymore.
Led by Scott M. Rodell, a pioneer with 30+ years of experience, our academy blends historical accuracy with full-contact application.
Through structured weapon paths, live coaching, in-person seminars/retreats, and a global community, we’re building something bigger than a course — we're restoring a living martial art.
Our Mission
Our goal is to build not just a school, but a movement.
To foster a worldwide revival of Chinese swordsmanship, with vibrant study groups, world-class tournaments, and practitioners committed to mastering and preserving the art.
✅ You don’t need a local teacher.
✅ You don’t need to figure it out alone.
✅ You just need to start.
PRICING & Features
Choose Your Study Path
Beginners Jianfa Blueprint
$7/month
"I've been drawn to the sword for years, but I've no school nearby and no idea how to start."
What you get:
A guided 90-day roadmap, foundations to your first controlled bout
On-demand lessons for every step, replay until each movement is natural
Monthly live webinar, replays for 30 days
A worldwide community and forum to train alongside
The Jianfa Study Path
$39/month
"I can do the forms. But I want to know the jian would actually work against a real opponent."
What you get:
A complete three-phase Jianfa system, first cut to advanced swordplay
Coach video feedback on your own swordsmanship
Weekly live webinar, replays for 30 days
A members' community to train alongside and get feedback
Saber & Longsword Study Path
$39/month
"I'm pulled towards battlefield swordsmanship like the dao and Miaodao, and I'm tired of training them like relics."
What you get:
The four-phase battlefield system across Dao and long saber, basics to advanced freeplay
Fighting against spears, shields, and armoured opponents
Coach video feedback, weekly live webinar, 30-day replays
A members' community to train alongside and get feedback
Sword Scholars Study Path
$69/month
"I've gone deeper than most, and one or two weapons isn't enough anymore. I want all of it."
What you get:
Every study path, beginning to advanced, plus every standalone course
The Sword Scholars Vault, over 1,100 lessons and growing, permanent and searchable
Three live webinars every week, Jianfa, Saber, and Sword Scholars
Every community across the Academy, plus the private Sword Scholars circle with Rodell Laoshi and Academy instructors
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Members Are Saying
"Without the Academy, I’d still be mindlessly swinging my Jian. Now, I have structure, proper technique, and the confidence to spar."
- BOB S
"Being able to watch the lessons as many times as I wanted made learning the basics empowering. My forms are now far more practical."
- NEIL W.
"After years of learning forms, I finally understand how to use these weapons for their intended purpose."
- NICOLA B
"This system has streamlined everything we do at our school. The shared blueprint across Academy groups keeps training focused and effective."
- DAVID M
"Studying at the Academy changed how I think about weapons — from flow to countering, it’s completely reshaped my approach."
- LAURA M.
"Joining the Academy helped me re-contextualize everything I thought I knew about the sword, and even inspired me to start my own study group."
- JOHN P
"Laoshi’s focus on practical application and willingness to spar at full speed pushed my skills to a new level. Having the lessons on hand is a huge bonus."
- KYLE F
"It’s having expert teaching in your home on demand. The study paths give students like me a structure to build on."
- TOM D.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t have a sword. How can I start?
No worries! To begin, you can use any stick, bamboo stalk, or even a dowel from your local hardware store. An old broomstick section works too. As you advance, we'll guide you on selecting suitable practice swords.
I’m a total beginner. Is the Academy suitable for me?
Absolutely! Our lessons start from the basics, focusing on foundational cuts. We offer the building blocks essential for establishing a robust practice and preparing you for advanced swordplay. Moreover, each webinar showcases movements from various angles for clear understanding.
Can I genuinely learn swordsmanship online?
Definitely! Many from diverse backgrounds—martial artists, stunt choreographers, and complete beginners—have successfully embraced online learning. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
I’ve been practicing sword forms for years. What’s in it for me at the Academy?
The Academy emphasizes authentic swordplay—full contact, using realistic weapons. With over three decades of experience, Rodell Laoshi's teachings aren't just theoretical; they're derived from facing swordsmen across various traditions. If you seek practical application beyond forms, this is your destination..
What if I change my mind about the membership?
We value your commitment and want you to be sure of your investment. That's why we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. If the Academy isn’t right for you, you can get a full refund within the first 30 days.
How does the 7-day free trial work?
Experience our offerings firsthand with a 7-day free trial. Dive into lessons, webinars, and more. If you're convinced, continue with the membership; otherwise, there's no obligation to continue.
How often is new content added to the Academy?
We're dedicated to providing fresh insights and techniques. New content, including webinars, training modules, and other resources, is added weekly, ensuring our members have a steady stream of new information to enhance their learning journey.
I live in a different time zone. Will I miss out on the live webinars?
Not at all! While attending live sessions allows real-time interactions, all our webinars are recorded. As a member, you'll have unlimited access to the On-Demand Knowledge Library, so you never miss a lesson, regardless of where you are in the world
Can I interact with other members and share my progress?
Absolutely! We have a special Facebook group for members to connect, discuss, and share experiences. Furthermore, every live webinar provides an opportunity for participants to ask questions, seek feedback, and even offer critique, promoting a dynamic learning environment.
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CONTACT US
(703) 846-8222
Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship, 3543 Marvin Street
Annandale, VA 22003
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