From Body Knowing to Breaking Bricks: Beginning Qi Gong and Iron Palm Training

Have you ever wondered how martial artists manage to break bricks or perform seemingly magical feats? To prepare for such acts or contact fighting (both striking and receiving strikes), martial artists often engage in Iron Palm or Iron Palm training. Many might cringe at the thought of what appears to be repetitive self-infliction in a society that avoids pain at all costs. This mindset has mental consequences as well. If you cannot confront pain or challenges, which are inherent parts of life, you become trapped in the pain-pleasure cycle, constantly seeking the next pleasure, the next pill, person, job, or new toy to temporarily forget pain. However, to be a warrior, you must undertake physical and mental training to expose your body and mind in small doses, so that when the real fight comes, you are prepared. In a way, you are taking control of your experience with pain and resilience.

This training isn't about self-harm. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Regular practice of Iron Palm training or external qi gong, with gradually increasing intensity, can leave you feeling invigorated and ready to face the world.

Qi Gong External Training

Qi Gong is a gentle practice aimed at guiding and regulating the flow of "qi" through the body. So, how does this relate to Iron Palm training? Qi gong often involves light tapping, slapping, or gentle hitting of various pressure points and other body areas. The purpose is to strengthen connective tissue, fortify bones, and promote the healthy function of internal organs by unblocking the flow of qi through the body.

Paying attention to often-neglected body areas is similar to massage and offers the same benefits. Qi gong tapping is a refreshing practice to awaken and energize the body first thing in the morning, though it can be done anytime. You can visualize each tap enlivening the skin, tissues, organs, and even the bone marrow. You start by rubbing your hands together to generate heat, followed by a series of gentle taps. You can increase the pressure as the practice progresses. Always be mindful of your breath's movement through the body and where it seems to get stuck. There's no need to bruise the body, and the gradual benefits of practice lead to better health and a more energized you.

Iron Palm Training

Iron Palm training in hard martial arts is more rigorous, but the concept remains the same. The practice aims to direct energy and condition the body. The gradual conditioning is consistent... you don't start by kicking a palm tree with full force

on your shins on Day One. Combat Iron Palm training requires the same patience

and discipline as an internal art like Qi Gong. You may begin similarly, by lightly striking the body. You focus on your breath and posture to direct the impact's path. For Iron Palm, you start by lightly dropping various hand surfaces onto a brick or stone, daily, each time striking harder or with more repetitions.

Later stages of hand conditioning involve hitting a bag of mung beans and moving your hands with gripping and winding movements through a bucket of gravel or even water.

Other aspects of Iron training, depending on which body parts need conditioning (ideally, all of them), include gradually adding pressure to the head or neck, holding and carrying increasingly heavier weights, and withstanding blows to the body with gradually increasing intensity.

Warnings

While Iron Palm training has been used for centuries to enhance health and energy while toughening body structures, you should be very aware of your limits. There should be no bruising or persistent soreness from the practice unless you have underlying medical issues. If you have doubts, do more research before starting the practice. Ultimately, you are responsible for your physical and mental well-being, and taking responsibility means being aware of your body. This awareness, even before you begin generating heat and focusing on your breathing, is actually the first step of practice. You can start practicing body awareness while sitting in your car or office, standing in line, or falling asleep.

Learning skills and practices that enhance body awareness fosters a level of consciousness that can be described as transformational at a cellular and energetic level. The beauty of body awareness and the practices mentioned here is that they are accessible to everyone. You could even consider it a birthright. There is no age limit, and it's never too early or late to start.

Finding a skilled instructor to guide you through these practices is crucial for your success. Look for martial arts schools that teach Iron Palm training, Qi Gong, and techniques to improve body awareness. Some schools, like Sam-Ma in the Seattle area, offer a variety of martial arts, Kung Fu, Iron Palm, Qi Gong, and body awareness training. If financial constraints hinder your training, ask if payment options or scholarships are available.

Would you like to learn the intricacies of body awareness to brick breaking? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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