Fundamentals of Chinese Swordsmanship Course 2026

In Semester 1, we’ll be running the Introduction/Beginner’s course again in 2026. We’ll be covering everything you need to start training in traditional Chinese swordplay, including basic cuts, taolu (form), partner drills, and sparring.


Chou-Ge from Section 1 of Duijian

Registration and payment is conducted via the Event page on the UTS Activate website


You’ll get a certification of completion and the course will teach you the following: Registration is for 12 weeks of instruction in traditional Chinese swordplay (jianfa) which includes:


  • Complete instruction in the Sancaijian (Three Realms Sword) taolu (form)
  • Detailed instruction in all 13 basic cuts of traditional Chinese sword arts (as in Wudang Sword)
  • Two person drills
  • Overview of the Sancaijian two person taolu (form)
  • Full application for each move in the taolu (form)
  • Beginners Sword Fighting Tournament in the final week, putting your new skills to use. Participation is optional, like all sparring.

In preparation for sparring practice, there is optional sparring at the end of each class.

Registration also includes a free steel training jian (sword) which is safe to be used in sparring, and correctly balanced for realistic practice.


If you’re not able to make every class, don’t worry, make-up lessons will be available, for no extra fee


Course Details

  • When: Starting 11 April 2026, Saturdays 3-6pm, until 4 July 2026. (No class on 25 April)
  • Where: UTS Ross-Milbourne Sports Hall - Dance Studio (Mezzanine Level above the Basketball Court)
  • Who: Anyone interested in learning traditional Chinese Swordplay (jianfa)
  • Price: $120 (UTS Student), $240 (Regular). Registration and payment HERE.

AWSA and UTS Kung Fu are hosting a 12 week beginner course, is an introduction to traditional Chinese Sword Arts (劍法 – jianfa, literally “Sword Methods”) which provide the practitioner with the skills to move beyond choreographed forms and understand the principles of swordplay, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and engage in sparring and tournaments. The content is based around the traditional Sancaijian (三才劍), the Three Realms Sword form, which allows you to practice alone, and with others, and with techniques from Wudang Sword. Jianfa is a martial art where the user’s skill with the weapon is much more important than the raw strength, size, or gender of the practitioner, allowing everyone to compete fairly against one another in sparring and tournaments.


Registration is for 12 weeks of instruction in traditional Chinese swordplay (jianfa) which will cover: – Complete instruction in the Sancaijian (Three Realms Sword) taolu (form) – Detailed instruction in all 13 basic cuts of traditional Wudang sword based Chinese sword arts – Two person drills, including Sword Triangles – Overview of the Sancaijian two person taolu (form) – Full application for each move in the taolu (form) – All techniques and drills are preparation for sparring practice. Drills will be able to be practiced from the first day of class, while participation in sparring is able to begin as soon as you have appropriate protective gear.


This course also includes free admission to the regular training Kung Fu Club training sessions (Monday and Friday evenings) throughout the week for Semester 1.


What you need to bring: Flat soled shoes (runners/other exercise shoes), and comfortable, easy to move in clothing.


Light Sparring gear (if interested, not required for the course): Fencing mask, Armoured gloves (such as St. George gloves from CFHG).


Full contact Sparring gear (not required for the course): Fencing mask (+ overlay/back of head protection), St. George gloves from CFHG (or better), Forearm guards, 350N rated padded Gambeson (minimum), Shin/knee guards.


Some shared club gear is available for use in class, but sizes are limited and might not fit.


The course will run each Saturday 3:00pm-6:00pm from the 11th of April 2026 through to the 4th of July 2026 (inclusive). (Includes a 1-week break for the Anzac Day long weekend). Everyone is welcome to join in.


FAQ:
  • Q: I missed a week, or a couple of weeks of training, will I be left behind?
  • A: No, we’ll ensure that you’re taught everything on the course.
  • Q: Do I need any martial arts or sword experience?
  • A: No. This is a beginners course and will teach you everything you need to know.
  • Q: How is this different to Tai Chi Sword?
  • A: This course teaches the sword in a traditional way, in much more depth than just form/taolu practice taught at most schools.
  • Q: What is the free steel training sword?
  • A: The training sword is a properly weighted and balanced jian that is safe for sparring.

Further information and questions is available via email at: info@wudangsword.com and wudangsword.com


or on the UTS Kung Fu discord