click pic
We are proud to announce Plum’s newest publication: “The Bandit Knife”, written by Ted Mancuso.
In this 210 page book, illustrated with over 100 photos, Ted teaches the Shaolin Bandit Knife. This weapon is rarely demonstrated, much fun to play, and—with such movements as “body spin under knife”—also makes a traditional and beautiful performance set. Plus, for the first time in any book, an extensive usage section tests the Knife against its worthy opponent, the Spear.
And there’s more: in articles such as “The Qi of The Bandit Knife”, “Catching the Sense of a Weapon”, “A Catalogue of Weapons”, “Shadows of the Past” and many more, he also goes beyond most standard forms books to outline the history and nature of weapons in the Kung Fu arsenal; discuss the meaning and usage of weapons in both training and combat, personal and military; and offer basics and usage. He even suggests alternative weapons, such as the staff, that a student can substitute for the knife.
This is Plum’s initial offering using short-run printing. This should allow us to publish many more titles—limited editions, books on rare styles, more esoteric information, and special interests.
As we’ve mentioned, this book deals with more than a single form; but for those of you who are already wondering about it, a companion dvd on the form itself is already in the works.
An uncommon weapon, an uncommon book.
I’ve only read the first few chapters and I already have learned more than enough to warrant time and money spent! It is clearly and beautifully written, informative and thought provoking, even visual and visceral in its fine photos and instructions. Far from simply cataloguing facts, this book paints a brief but rich human history of villagers and soldiers, of advances in technology and evolution of technique, even echos of the classic warrior/scholar. All of this in addition to the detailed discussion of the weapon itself.
Even if you never intend to hold a bandit knife, a serious martial student is likely to find this book a very worthwhile read.
Excellent. I think this is a great idea and hope to see more publications in the future.
However, where does one find a bandit knife?
Any projected date for the companion DVD? This looks like a very cool book/DVD combo!
No projected date, although we will make sure that those who have bought the book will get the ‘combo’ rate when the dvd comes out!
Debbie
Just talked to Brendan Lai Supply Company and they have some available…ask for the Horse Cutter Knife.
http://www.brendanlaisupply.com/
This set can also be learned and practiced with a staff…
Ok, thanks. I’ve heard of the horse cutter knife. Bandit knife was a new term for me.
Doubling as a staff set is a bonus.
First, Kudo’s to Debbie for the awesome photographs as they allow one to follow Sifu Ted’s techniques. I don’t own a horse cutter sword but my broadsword works. The breakdown of the different styles of weapons was (for me) very helpful and the Qi section sheds some light on the internal aspect of training with weapons. The Bandit Knife is the only book I know of that introduces this weapon. And before I never heard of it! Well put together and interesting.
Thanks for your kind comments, Charlie. As you say, the Bandit or Horse Cutting Knife is meant to deal with more than just this one weapon. We knew that it could just as easily be performed with a two-handed staff, but good for you for figuring out how to do it with a saber. That’s the stuff! Ted