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SCOTT RODELL
Moderator of SFI's forum on Chinese Swords & Swordsmanship

Scott M. Rodell is the Director of the Great River Taoist Center, which has just celebrated its seventeenth anniversary. The Center, based in Washington, D.C., has branches in Baltimore and across Russia, Estonia and Finland.

He began teaching in the Soviet Union at the request of the Soviet Wushu Federation in 1991 and in 1992 the Moscow school officially opened as a branch of Great River, with satellite groups later forming in other cities. While in Russia and Estonia, Scott has made TV programs about Yang Family Taijiquan and has been featured in various national publications.

He was also one of the first ten Americans to enter the door of the Jin Shan Pai, a traditional school of Taoist Nei Gong. Rodell, initiated into the Jin Shan Pai by Wang Yen-nien, is a sixth generation teacher in this tradition. Through the Center, local students in the Jin Shan Pai are working to create a Retreat Center for the development of Taoist practice.

Advance Praise for the upcoming book "Chinese Swordsmanship" coming soon:

"Scott Rodell's book is not only a long-awaited introduction to the fencing techniques of the Yang Family taiji tradition, but is also an invaluable guide to advanced students as well. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exposition of the practical aspects of the art, along with a concise historical background. This well-organized and profusely-illustrated tome does a great deal to present taijijian as an effective system of combat, in contrast to the "health spa version" of taiji practice which has unfortunately become common today, not only in the West but in the Chinese-speaking world as well. The sections dealing with the sword itself, and its role in Chinese culture, are also useful in dispelling the numerous misconceptions of this subject which have been the staple of various literary and cinematic genres for years. I give this book a most enthusiastic "thumbs up", not only for the martia! l arts practitioner, but for anyone wanting a beter understanding of a sophisticated and enduring elements of China's traditional culture." - Phil Tom (RIGHT: TENTATIVE COVER)

Some highlights of his career include:

Began studying martial arts at the nine years of age. Rodell practiced Karate, Judo, Tournament & Instinct Archery, Wrestling, Olympic Fencing & Marksmanship before devoting his training full time to taijiquan.
Has over 20 years taijiquan training in two branchs of Yang Taijiquan.
Studied with several senior students of Cheng Man-ching, including noted masters William C.C. Chen & T.T. Liang. He studied push hands & free fighting with Chen & push hands & sword with Liang. Rodell is also a disciple student of Master Wang Yen-nien of Shanxi province with whom he studied all aspect of Yang Family Michuan (Secret Teaching) Taijiquan.
During the late '80s was Push Hands Champion at several Nationally Sanctioned tournaments & placed Second in Push Hands at the International Championship held in the Republic of China in '91.
Director & Founder of Great River Taoist Center, founded 1984. GRTC is headquatered in Washington, DC & has branches in the US & across Estonia & Western Russia. (http://www.grtc.org/)
Has been teaching regular seminars from beginners taijiquan to advanced Chinese Swordsmanship in Europe since '91. Rodell began teaching in Europe at the request of the Soviet Wushu Federation.
Awarded 'Honored Judge' rank by the Russia Wushu Federation (their highest rank), '01.
Author of "Taiji Notebook for Martial Artists and "Chinese Swordsmanship in the Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition" (Fall '01).
Proprietor of Seven Stars Trading Co. (http://www.sevenstarstrading.com/), specializing in Imperial Chinese Arms & Armor.
Rodell has a diverse teaching experience. In addition to his regular weekly classes in Washington, DC he has taught taijiquan to Vietnamese refugee children, at the the Alexandria Jail, at Health Clubs & a seniors group at the Library Of Congress.
Moderator of the Chinese Swords & Swordsmanship Discussion Forum of Sword Forum International's website (SwordForum.com)

WEBSITE

Great River Taoist Center - http://www.grtc.org

Seven Stars Trading - http://sevenstarstrading.com