Who is Scott M. Rodell?

Scott M. Rodell is the International Director of Great River Taoist Center, which has branches in America, Europe, and Australia. He founded the first branch in Washington DC, in 1984. It began with a group of friends training together in the Yang Family Michuan style of Taijiquan. They sponsored seminars with some notable masters, including, Wang Yen-nian, T.T. Liang, William C .C. Chen & George Hu. The first group grew into a school, and then expanded to other areas of America, followed by schools in Russia, Estonia, Finland, and Australia. Today, Scott M. Rodell is in demand as a guest teacher at taijiquan seminars all over the world. He has featured in magazines, newspaper articles, and television productions. His book Chinese Swordsmanship: the Yang Family Tradition brought about a resurgence of interest in the ancient sword art and it is largely his contribution that has carried it back from the brink of extinction. Hundreds of his students across the world, including Australian children and adults, have become serious about acquiring real skill in Chinese swordsmanship backed by thorough training in the rest of the Michuan system.

Scott Rodell was also one of the first ten Americans to enter the door of the Jin Shan Pai, a traditional school of Daoist Neigong. He was initiated into the Jin Shan Pai by Wang Yen-nian, and is a sixth generation teacher in this tradition. Some highlights of his career include:

Began studying martial arts at nine years of age. Rodell practiced Karate, Judo, Tournament & Instinct Archery, Wrestling, Olympic Fencing & Marksmanship before devoting his training full time to taijiquan (tai chi chuan). Has over 20 years taijiquan (tai chi chuan) training in two branches of Yang Taijiquan. Studied with several senior students of Zheng Manqing, 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-nian 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 1991. Director & Founder of Great River Taoist Center, founded 1984. GRTC is headquatered in Washington, D.C., and has branches in the US & across Estonia & Western Russia. Has been teaching regular seminars from beginners taijiquan (tai chi chuan) 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, The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition". Proprietor of Seven Stars Trading Co. 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 (tai chi chuan) to Vietnamese refugee children, at the the Alexandria Jail, at health clubs and a seniors group at the Library Of Congress. Moderator, Chinese Swords & Swordsmanship Forum, Sword Forum International.

Books and DVDs by Scott M Rodell, available from the Australian Branch of Great River Taoist Centre (postage extra):
Chinese Swordsmanship: the Yang Family Tradition - $48
Taiji Notebook For Martial Artists - $20
Sword Festival DVD (This is only available while stocks last, to students who have attended a Michuan Swordsmanship seminar, and wish to continue learning the form.) - $25
Applications from the Michuan Sword Form DVD - $25

Anyone interesting in hosting or attending a seminar in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Linda Heenan (02) 47826593 email l2i3n9d5a6@gmail.com

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