Practical Dadao — China’s Battlefield Saber

Go from form to confident, live saber play—
no local teacher required.

A complete, pressure-tested Dadao program: form, applications vs. bayonet, drills to allow you to step into controlled freeplay with confidence.

Train the last Chinese saber used in battle

Clear 5-module roadmap with checkpoints

Use battlefield-proven applications — verified in sparring

Partner → freeplay progression for timing & distance

Tournament-ready mechanics for modern sparring

Led by Scott M. Rodell (30+ years) • Thousands trained worldwide

Get Instant Access — Just $99! 30-day money-back guarantee • On-demand access

The Complete Practical Dadao System—
Everything Included for $99

The Practical Dadao System was developed for Chinese soldiers in the early Republic to meet a bayonet head‑on when rifles carried only five rounds and were slow to reload. Every army of the era drilled bayonet fighting extensively. China’s answer drew on a long tradition of two‑handed saber work.

This course teaches the full Practical Dadao Form (實用大刀術) compiled by Jin Enzhong in 1933, then turns each movement into partnered martial applications against a bayonet. You also get basic cuts, solo drills, and a safe progression toward modern, full‑contact freeplay.

Module 1: The Form — Learn the full 1933 Practical Dadao form with cues that make the mechanics stick, so you can run it clean under pressure.

Module 2: The Basic Cuts — Blade path, edge alignment, handwork, timing, recovery—cuts stay on line and reset fast.

Module 3: Martial Applications (vs. Bayonet) — Turn each posture into decisive entries, covers, and finishes against a thrusting opponent at rifle length.

Module 4: Form Review & Standards — Use clear checkpoints, timed runs, and a simple self-audit to fix leaks fast—no local teacher required.

Module 5: Using the Dadao in Full-Contact Free Swordplay — Progress safely from partner drills to that plug straight into full contact freeplay and tournament prep.

All this for just $99 with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
No risk — just results.

Get Instant Access — Just $99 30-day money-back guarantee • On-demand access

just $99 with a 30-day money-back guarantee. No risk — just results.

This isn’t just a course — it’s your path for learning real Chinese swordsmanship.

Complete 1933 Practical Dadao Form + Applications — posture-by-posture instruction mapped directly vs. bayonet.
5-Module Roadmap — Form • Basic Cuts • Martial Applications • Form Review • Controlled Freeplay.
Partner-to-Freeplay Progression — graded drills, timing, and safety standards to build contact confidence.
Cutting Lab — targets, stands, angle maps, and troubleshooting to verify power and edge alignment.
Sparring Standards & Tournament Adaptations — mechanics and tactics you can plug into modern full-contact freeplay.

Instant access to the full Dadao course • On-demand lessons in your portal • 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get Instant Access — Just $99 30-day money-back guarantee • On-demand access

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this beginner friendly?

Yes. We start with the full form and basic cuts, then build to applications and controlled freeplay. If you’ve done Chinese swordsmanship or HEMA before, you’ll progress faster.

Do I need a partner?

No. Solo work covers a lot. Partner drills are included so you can scale timing and contact when you have someone to train with.

What gear do I need?

A training Dadao or dao-equivalent, fencing mask, gloves/forearm protection and a jacket for partner work. Approved options are listed in the course.

How soon can I spar?

Once you pass the Module 4 checkpoints you’ll step into controlled freeplay in Module 5. Start light, then build pace.

What exactly do I get when I buy?

Lifetime access to the five-module Practical Dadao course: form, basic cuts, applications vs bayonet, form review, and progression to free swordplay.

How is this different from the Saber & Longsword Study Path?

This is a one-off course you can complete at your pace. The Study Path adds weekly live webinars, wider dao + miaodao curriculum and community coaching. You can upgrade any time.

If I upgrade later, do I keep this course?

Yes. Your Practical Dadao course stays in your account.

Is there online certification?

No. This is a fighting art. If you want to lead a study group, pair your training with in-person seminars.

What’s the refund policy?

30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not for you, we’ll refund you.

Can I use a regular dao if I don’t have a Dadao yet?

Yes. The drills and applications still work. For bayonet-length work a longer trainer like a staff or broomstick is ideal to start off with.

Your Moment to Start is Now!

Start training a real battlefield saber today. The Practical Dadao course gives you the complete 1933 form, posture-by-posture applications vs bayonet, and a clear 5-module path from solo work to controlled freeplay. No local teacher required.

Instant access: all five modules in your Academy portal • on-demand lessons • 30-day money-back guarantee.