Master the Art of Chinese Swordsmanship
Unlock your potential with expert training and techniques - its like speed chess but with swords!
About Our School
The Australian division of GRTC is located in Canberra and is led by Apprentice student David McLeary. With over a decade of training in Taijiquan and Chinese swordsmanship under the guidance of Center director Scott M Rodell, David has become Rodell Laoshi's first and sole apprentice in Australia. Laoshi David conducts weekly classes in Canberra and offers seminars in collaboration with affiliate groups throughout Australia, including those in Sydney and Melbourne.
Great River was established in 1984 by a dedicated group of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) enthusiasts. For nearly thirty years, the center has been committed to showcasing the full spectrum of this art, encompassing both its meditative and martial elements. Consequently, Great River provides comprehensive classes that cover essential body mechanics through form practice, interactive push hands training, practical self-defense through full-contact sanshou, and strength conditioning with traditional weapons and historical swordplay. Center Director Scott M. Rodell has trained under esteemed masters such as Wang Yen-nian, T.T. Liang, and William C.C. Chen. Over the past 28 years, the center has evolved from a local community into an international institution, with branches and affiliated schools throughout the United States, Canada, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Australia. Currently, Scott M. Rodell and senior students conduct regular weekly classes in Washington and lead more than 25 seminars annually across Europe, Australia, and America.
"You FACE YOUR FEAR BEACUSE YOUR Goal demands it. that is the god dam warrior spirrit"
Alex Honnold - Free Solo
Our Curriculum
Chinese Swordsmanship
Yangjia and Yanshi Taijiquan Kung Fu
Yangjia and Yanshi Taijiquan Kung Fu
Rodell Laoshi is recognized as one of the leading authorities on traditional Chinese swordsmanship. This discipline is deeply rooted in the weaponry aspect of the Yanjia Michuan Style of Taijiquan, along with insights from other prominent Yang style Taijiquan masters, such as T.T. Liang, and Rodell's own extensive study of historical texts and manuals.
Classes are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their involvement in the empty hand aspect of the System; however, students are encouraged to engage in both disciplines, as the empty hand and weapons training complement each other.
The curriculum focuses on cultivating the five essential elements of Chinese swordsmanship: Basic Cuts/Technique, Solo Forms, Partner Drills, Test Cutting, and Freeplay/Sparring.
The System encompasses a variety of traditional swords and weapons, including the Jian (straight sword), Dao (Chinese Sabre), Miaodao/Dandao (two-handed sabre), Military Dadao, Chang Qian (long spear), and Qiang/Gun (spear/staff)
Yangjia and Yanshi Taijiquan Kung Fu
Yangjia and Yanshi Taijiquan Kung Fu
Yangjia and Yanshi Taijiquan Kung Fu
Yang Style Taijiquan is the most commonly practiced form of Taijiquan and exhibits significant diversity in its subgroups and variations.
It was established by Yang Luchan, who developed his own style after studying the original Chen Taiji in Chen village. There is ongoing discussion regarding the extent and duration of Luchan's training in Chen village, and notably, Yang Taijiquan was the first style to be officially recognized by the term Taijiquan.
The Chen School adopted this terminology much later, as the style was previously known as Pao Chui, or cannon fist. At Great River, we focus on two lineages of Yang Style Taijiquan: the Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan system, as transmitted by Wang Yen Nein, and Zheng Man Qing's modified version of the more widely practiced public form taught by Yang Cheng Fu.
Our curriculum includes push hands drills, san shou, and practical applications, ensuring that students not only master the solo form but also learn to apply the art effectively in a combative setting.
"three days with your students and already you have to see your teacher"
Wan Yen Nein
"As the spirit becomes like water and adaps to it's container, so you must adapt to your opponent. don't be tense"
Minamoto Musashi
"Prctice thousands of sabre movements, rely on one sharp cut"
From the Dan Jiedao by Jin Yiming
"EVEN DURING COMBAT KEEP THE SPIRIT INSIDE CALM. INTERNALLY I WATCH YOU LIKE A CAT. I WATCH YOU CLOSELY TO SEE WHAT IS YOUR NEXT MOVE. OTHERWISE, IF YOUR SPIRIT IS EXPOSED YOUR WHOLE BODY WILL BE TENSE."
"Lessons with Master Liang: Tai-Chi. Philosophy, and Life".
"for each cut delivered it is important to know where you are vunerable. for every deflection, one must understand where to cut"
Scott M Rodell
