Iron Palm is a Chinese (Shaolin) Kung Fu conditioning method used to assist in strengthening the hands and sometimes forearms. The conditioning is internal - making ones bone structure stronger and able to accept the stress associated with intense and devastating Martial arts strikes. For hundreds of years Kung Fu warriors have used Iron Palm in training. The methods of Iron Palm vary from one art to another, however the core of training remains the same. Martial artists begin by striking canvas bags filled with different contents (another method involves thrusting into buckets of different contents). As the student progresses, the contents change and the strikes become harder. Chi / Ki cultivation and development of the 1"- 2" strike are developed through continued training.
Students training in Iron palm must use Dit Da Jow liniment (see description below) on the hands liberally during the training session or injury could occur.
Dit Da Jow is translated literally as "Hit Medicine" or "Fall Hit Wine" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a liniment that is put on the hands numerous times during Iron Palm training. Most liniment formulas consist of anywhere from 9 to 36 different Chinese herbs. Each ingrediant (herb) has it's special purpose in the Jow formula. Some herbs help to increase "Chi / Ki " flow to the hands, others help to stop pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, while some stimulate circulation and improve healing. Depending on what one is using the Dit Da Jow for will determine what formula will work best. There are formulas that work better for bruises or aches and formulas that work best for Iron Palm training. There are basic formulas for Iron palm and advanced "Chi / ki " Cultivating formulas. One should not attempt to make their own Dit Da Jow unless they have a background in (TCM) or have their instructor show them how and have the proper measurements for each herb ingrediant.
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