刀法 (dāo fǎ) literally means 'blade method' — combining 刀 (dāo), meaning 'knife' or 'sword', and 法 (fǎ), meaning 'method', 'technique', or 'law'. In Chinese martial arts, it refers specifically to the standardized movements, stances, cuts, blocks, and footwork used when wielding a traditional single-edged blade like the dao. These techniques are often practiced in forms (taolu) and emphasize precision, timing, power generation, and fluid transitions between offensive and defensive actions.

While 刀法 is most commonly associated with classical and modern wushu training, it also appears in historical texts, opera performance, and even metaphorical usage to describe skillful, decisive action. Mastery of 刀法 requires years of disciplined practice and is deeply tied to broader principles of qi, balance, and intent. It is distinct from other weapon-based techniques such as 棍法 (gùn fǎ, staff technique) or 剑法 (jiàn fǎ, sword technique), which involve different weapons and movement philosophies.