Train Iron Palm Kung Fu
Iron Body Training is a facet of Shaolin Kung Fu where the practitioner trains his body such that he is able to give or sustain heavy blows without serious injury to various parts of his body. This article tells you exactly how to train for one of the skills of Iron Body, Iron Palm.
Contents
Steps
- Start by making or obtaining a bag filled with mung beans. Such a bag should be made from strong material, such as denim, and should be sewn together with strong thread. When filled to maximum capacity with dried mung beans, it should resemble a square cushion.
- Place the bag on a hard surface. If this is a wall, ensure it is firmly fastened to it.
- Train all manner of open hand strikes on the bag. You can train the following:
- Palm Heel Strike. Use the heel of the palm, on the side furthest from your thumb to contact the bag. Use as much force as you can stand and shout with every strike.
- Edge of Hand/Knife Hand Strike. Open your hand and tuck in your thumb. Use the edge of the hand to hit the bag with as much force as you can stand. Shout with every strike.
- Once you can strike the bag with maximum force, you can replace the mung beans with gravel and repeat the training.
- Once this is done, you can replace the gravel with iron or steel ball-bearings, and repeat the training again.
- The training is finally complete once you can perform the closed hand strikes on the bag with full force without injury and with minimum pain to yourself.
Tips
- Throughout your training, you should use liniment on your fist to prevent injuries. This liniment is called Die(1) Da(3) Jiu(3) in Chinese, and commonly known to the western world as Dit Da Jow. Applying this liniment to the affected area before and after training, rubbing it in well, is thought to prevent injury later in life caused by the Iron Body Training. The liniment is obtainable from Chinese medicinal halls or off the internet. You should make sure the type you use is specifically for training Iron Body.
Warnings
- This art is not something that can be attained quickly - it is for life. Make sure you have maximum commitment before embarking on the training.
- Be careful when striking - know your limit and try not to go over. Start lightly and slowly build up strength.
- Don't show off your skills. If you want to learn Iron Body Kung Fu in order to show off, you should re-examine your motive.
- Such Iron Body Training works by calcifying the bone and thickening the skin. This may cause unwanted deformity. Do not undergo such training without knowing the risks.
- This information is provided for informative purposes only and should only be undertaken at your own risk.
