11/05/2026
Big weekend at RMAA. We hosted the Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship instructor training retreat, keeping the numbers deliberately small so everyone got proper time and attention from Scott M. Rodell.
The bulk of the work was Jianfa. Skipping the basics meant we could spend the whole weekend on free swordplay with constant coaching and corrections. Zooming in and out, pulling techniques, principles and tactics apart. That intensity of bouting and personal coaching gave everyone the chance to push past some of the habits and faults that have been holding us back. It felt like we opened the door to the next level of skill.
We also got into something we rarely get to play with Chinese battlefield formation work. The langxian (狼筅), or "wolf brush", as used in Qi Jiguang's Mandarin Duck Formation, alongside Tengpai Daofa, the rattan shield and sabre pairing. Completely different feel to solo swordplay. Coordinated, chaotic in the right ways, and a useful reminder that the sword didn't always work alone.
This retreat was also a bit of a proof of concept. Now we know the small format works, we're looking to open the next retreat in October to invite more instructors and senior practitioners. More details to come.
Thanks to everyone who travelled in, and to Rodell Laoshi for the depth of teaching. Already thinking about the next one.
