Academy of chinese swordsmanship

THE HISTORICAL CHINESE
SWORDSMANSHIP BLOG

I Still Want to Fight. I Just Don't Want to Wreck Myself

I Still Want to Fight. I Just Don't Want to Wreck Myself

Gavin King
Published on: 26/09/2026

After nearly 40 years in martial arts, Gavin King reflects on full-contact training, getting older, and how swordsmanship and push hands are helping him keep the part he still loves without wrecking his body.

Can You Learn Chinese Swordsmanship Without a Training Partner?

Can You Learn Chinese Swordsmanship Without a Training Partner?

Gavin King
Published on: 31/08/2026

Learn how solo drills, accuracy training, pell work and test cutting can build Chinese sword skills before you begin partner training.

NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTROL FOR MARTIAL ARTISTS -  FROM PREPARATION TO CONTACT (PART 3)

NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTROL FOR MARTIAL ARTISTS - FROM PREPARATION TO CONTACT (PART 3)

Gavin King
Published on: 04/02/2026

How nervous system control determines performance under pressure. Part 3 explores perception, organisation, and full-contact training, showing how intensity can be applied without collapse.

Nervous System Control for Martial Artists - Learning to Shift Gears (Part 2)

Nervous System Control for Martial Artists - Learning to Shift Gears (Part 2)

Gavin King
Published on: 23/01/2026

Many martial artists live permanently on the accelerator. In this article, I break down why meditation often fails at first, how to recognise the nervous system brake, and how practical methods like body scans, release work, breathwork, cold exposure, and HIIT build real regulation under pressure.

nervous system control for martial artistsnervous system regulationparasympathetic nervous system trainingsympathetic nervous system martial artsmartial arts nervous system trainingwhy meditation fails for martial artistsHIIT and combat performance

CONTACT US

(703) 846-8222

Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship, 3543 Marvin Street

Annandale, VA 22003

Copyright 2026. The Academy of Chinese Swordsmanship. All Rights Reserved.