Discover The Ancient Art Of

CHINESE SWORD FIGHTING

Learn authentic Chinese Swordsmanship as it was meant to be: a living, breathing combat art. Follow a modernized training program that doesn’t sacrifice authenticity, and join a global community of sword fighters.

Perfect for complete beginners or experienced swordsmen.

Develop True Combat Skill (Beyond Solo Forms).

Follow a Personalized Roadmap to Mastery.

Lineage You Can Trust. Results You Can Test.

Never Train Alone – Join a Worldwide Sword Family.

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.

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

Jianfa BluePrint

Start Here

$7 / Month

BEST FOR

Solo learners with no local teacher who want their first safe full-contact rounds within 90 days.

You get:

  • 90-day Jian roadmap to first safe rounds

  • On-demand lessons for every step (no YouTube overwhelm)

  • Monthly live coaching Q&A to get unstuck fast

  • MyWuguan* Starter Plan — personal training map with Phase 1 milestones

  • Forum and global community

Next Step: Move to a Focused Track for weekly coaching and weapon-specific depth.

Most popular

FOCUSED TRACKS

Specialise & Advance

$39 / Month

BEST FOR

Jianfa or Dao & Miaodao practitioners ready to reach advanced levels with focused weekly coaching and drills.

You get:

  • Weapon-specific syllabus from basics to pressure-tested skills

  • Twice-weekly live coaching with full replays

  • MyWuguan* Weapon Plan — personal training map with milestones + weekly tasks

  • Coach video feedback to remove bad habits early

  • Forum and study-group support

Next Step: Upgrade to Sword Scholars for all weapons and 4× weekly coaching.

Sword Scholars

All-Access Pass

$69 / Month

BEST FOR

Ambitious practitioners and future teachers who want the fastest progress across all weapons.

You get:

  • All study paths unlocked — Jian, Dao, Longsword + more

  • Four live coaching sessions every week across all weapons

  • Full webinar archive and deep-dives

  • MyWuguan* All-Access Plan — cross-weapon milestone tracking

  • Priority feedback and leadership opportunities

Next Step: Launch and lead a study group using our curriculums, resources, and support.

Path to Teaching: Jianfa Blueprint → Focused Track → Sword Scholars → Start a Study Group

*MyWuguan = your personal training map — it shows exactly what to practice next and tracks milestones.

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.

CONTACT US

(703) 846-8222

Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship, 3543 Marvin Street

Annandale, VA 22003

Copyright 2025. The Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship. All Rights Reserved.