My story with Master Wang Ming
Hello, I’m John Westwood, an artist from the Massachusetts. I have always been curious and respectful towards Chinese traditional culture and history, especially the values represented by the Chinese Longquan sword. Therefore, I decided to go to China to personally study the Longquan sword and gain a deeper understanding of this ancient and mysterious culture.
The moment I arrived in Longquan, China, I felt a unique atmosphere. Longquan is a city in the Zhejiang province of China, and it has been a center for sword making for over 2,600 years. You can read the history of Longquan here. After visiting a professional sword shop, I decided to seek out a traditional master swordsmith to learn this ancient art. I found a master named Wang Ming, an experienced Longquan sword craftsman. His studio was located in a tranquil village surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. I expressed my admiration for the Longquan sword and Chinese traditional culture to him, hoping to become his apprentice.
Master Wang Ming accepted my request and began my training. He gave me a Chinese name: Wang Wu. He said this name sounds similar to my English name and represents the Chinese martial spirit. Over the following days, he taught me how to select suitable materials, forge and polish the blade, and assemble the hilt. I still remember the first time I witnessed the process of making a Longquan sword: he guided me in selecting high-quality steel. Then, together, we heated the steel until it turned red. Master Wang demonstrated how to forge the steel into the shape of a sword with precise and powerful strikes of the hammer on the anvil. Next, we quenched the forged blade in cold water, producing a piercing sizzle. Afterwards, Master Wang subjected the blade to tempering in a furnace to adjust its hardness and toughness. Finally, we meticulously polished the blade until its surface was as smooth as a mirror. I also learned how to decorate the sword, carving exquisite patterns. After several days of hard work, we finally completed a beautiful sword. Master Wang told me that this was not just a weapon, but also a work of art, embodying the dedication and wisdom of the craftsman.
I was deeply moved and came to understand that forging a sword requires not only technical skill but also a craftsman’s love and dedication to the craft. This experience became the most precious treasure of my life and inspired my admiration and pursuit of the craftsman’s spirit.
Throughout the learning process, Master Wang Ming not only imparted technical knowledge but also taught me the core values of the martial spirit. He told me that the creation of the Longquan sword is not just a display of technique, but also a continuation of tradition and spirit. He emphasized righteousness, loyalty, courage, justice, and the protection of the weak, all of which are important manifestations of the martial spirit.
During the process of learning Longquan sword making, I encountered an injured traveler. In this unfamiliar village, there was no doctor to help him. I immediately sought Master Wang Ming’s assistance, and together we did everything we could to care for the injured traveler. During this time, I deeply experienced the true essence of the martial spirit—not just the pursuit of swordsmanship, but also the compassion for humanity and the responsibility to protect the weak.
As time passed, I not only mastered the craft of making the Longquan sword, but more importantly, I internalized the core values of the martial spirit. Loyalty, courage, honor, self-discipline, and humility became a part of my life. I learned to respect others, uphold my principles, and remain calm and resolute in the face of difficulties. As time went on, with each strike of the hammer on the steel, when I completed my first Longquan sword, it was not just a sword; it represented my understanding and respect for Chinese culture and the martial spirit. Through learning the Longquan sword and the martial spirit, I gained not only a skill but, more importantly, I found inner peace and determination. This spirit became the bright light illuminating the higher realms of my life.