| Training in sword cutting techniques against | | | | covered by the handle of the sword. it could |
| targets, with a sharp blade, is the best way to | | | | easily snap. A real sword has the blade and tang |
| correct edge angle and focus intent in our sword | | | | made out of one continuous piece of forged steel. |
| fighting moves. Test cutting with swords is called | | | | You will also need to train in sword technique |
| Shizhan in Chinese. It has historical precedents | | | | before attempting cutting. Most people need to |
| from the Qing Dynasty. Chinese warriors once | | | | train under the eye of a good teacher in the basic |
| trained in these skills using caoren, or grass men. | | | | cuts of a real system before they are ready to |
| I would hate to think that somebody might take | | | | be let loose with a real sword. It is a good idea to |
| the information written here and try this out at | | | | train in thousands of practises of a basic cut to |
| home with one of those decorative sword sets | | | | gain the strength and precision for real |
| that can be bought at any local market for about | | | | swordsmanship. Most people start with a lighter |
| $50. This is not a game for the untrained. Please | | | | wooden or bunt steel sword, move up to a full |
| see my larger article on this page for a full | | | | weight one, and then, when their arm ligaments |
| explanation of the safety procedures which ought | | | | are strong and they have reliable control, they are |
| to be in place take a look at the Chinese Swords | | | | ready for a real sword. |
| Guide. | | | | Sword cutting isn't a game. It's a lot of fun but it's |
| There was a popular YouTube video showing | | | | serious fun. I strongly suggest you don't do it |
| around last year where a shop assistant was | | | | surrounded by an audience of people who don't |
| trying to prove how strong his swords were. He | | | | understand the risks. It is best not to have any |
| hit into something hard with one of them and the | | | | distractions when you are cutting through plastic |
| blade broke. The next thing we heard was him | | | | bottles, fruit, branches, bamboo or mats with a |
| calling for an ambulance because the broken piece | | | | razor sharp Chinese sword. |
| had lodged in his leg. It was very funny on the | | | | The main purpose for practicing test cutting is to |
| video, but it wouldn't be amusing if that had | | | | improve skill in swordsmanship. Even a water filled |
| happened to you at home. | | | | plastic bottle will bounce or burst, rather than slice |
| The first thing you need to practice sword | | | | neatly, if you hit it with the blade at the wrong |
| cutting, is a good quality properly forged sword. | | | | angle. The cutting edge must remain on the same |
| Just because a sword is sharp doesn't mean it is | | | | plane right through the target. Control is essential. |
| suitable for cutting. I have a very nice Lord of the | | | | The cut must be controlled on the approach of |
| Rings Aeowyn sabre on my shelf. It's sharp, but it | | | | the sharp edge, through the target, and out the |
| would either bend or break if I tried to cut | | | | other side. Sword cutting with Chinese swords it |
| something with it. Your sword needs to have | | | | wonderful fun and good for your practise, but it |
| properly tempered steel. Watch out for cheap | | | | must be done safely under the instruction of an |
| imitations with rat tail tangs. a rat tail tang is a thin | | | | expert. |
| piece of metal welded onto the blade and | | | | |