| Training in Sword Cutting techniques when using a | | | | When you start on your Sword Cutting journey, |
| sharp blade is a way to develop confidence and | | | | it is best to have a teacher present to show you |
| self discipline at the same time. Shizhan is the | | | | the ropes and to make sure you have your form |
| Chinese Term that is used to represent test | | | | down. Make sure you have boundaries formed in |
| cutting. There are a few general rules you need | | | | your desired Cutting Area, and make sure all |
| to be aware of when starting out. The first one is | | | | spectators are watching through a window. God |
| always have respect for your blade and for | | | | forbid you do lose your sword grip and your |
| personal safety. If you have children or friends | | | | sword goes flying, the last thing you want to |
| make sure they stand at least 20 feet back, just | | | | happen is for it to strike anyone. |
| in case you lose your grip. | | | | Make sure you wear some type of eye |
| Don't just arbitrarily slice. Plan out your targets | | | | protective equipment such as Safety Goggles. A |
| ahead of time, and plan where you are going to | | | | good set of leather gloves will also protect your |
| cut. Next is to make sure that your Edge Angle is | | | | hands. Sword Cutting is a serious discipline, so I'd |
| aligned with the plane of the cut. Next is do not | | | | advise starting out with a Training Sword until you |
| hesitate. When you plan on making a cut you | | | | feel very comfortable. Only you and your |
| need to follow through without any hesitation | | | | instructor will know when this is. Master one cut |
| whatsoever as you control your cut. Make sure | | | | before you try to go onto the next one. If you |
| your blade is wiped down thoroughly before you | | | | mess up on a cut, don't worry about it. Always |
| practice. Also inspect it for any dings it could have | | | | focus in the moment and don't let defeats |
| in the blade. If you see any, consider sharpening it | | | | distract you. |
| first. | | | | |