Yet another Iron Palm Question. 8-)

[zkd]

I know you should use Jow for Iron Palm training....

BUT are there any consequences if you don't use it?

Is it only for bruising?

-ZKD

[mark]

Not on the bean or gravel bags but on the iron bag - yes. You see the iron balls over a period of time will rust from the environment and the sweat of your hands. As you hit this bag, your hand will absorb some of this rust. Jow made for IP will nutralize the runst on your skin.

[Omaronim]

Now when you say 'neutralize' do you mean 'get it out of your body' ?

[mark]

Yes ... or rather combats the effects of the rust in your body.

[Omaronim]

What effects does the iron rust have in the body?

[wle]

Sifu Lam has told me that the dit da jow is important to use even if you think you don't need it (even at the bean and gravel levels). His reason was that when you do this type of training you can be building up very small injuries that you're not aware of. As you continue to train with these unknown injuries they become progressively worse until they eventually get to the point where you become aware of them. At this point however they are so deep that they take a long time to heal.

***

As for the jow counteracting rust, I've always thought of it as an external tetnus (sp?) shot.

[mark]

Well ... IMHO I would never train IP without the jow.

[baconburgerclock]

Without the Jow, it takes longer to develop iron palm.

[kungfu-monk]

just to clear up any spelling errors, its tetanus.

[tkdmaster]

O.K. I have a tender spot now on the middle of the back of my left hand and middle knuckle on my bird finger and in between my knuckle on my right hand on my fourth finger. I use plenty of jow and massage after training. It has been 5 months since I began and I have not missed a day. I am using the iron bag every time now but only at the end for 50 strikes with each technique. I assume these rough spots are normal and will eventually work themselves out. I use band aids to wrap around the rough spots to protect them as they are tender. Again is this a normal progression? I can break 2 bricks no spacers without problems and find this fascinating as compared to an external style. Any comments or stories welcome. I just want to make sure this is a normal part of the training.
Thanks,
Rob

[teetsao]

yes all of the "sore" and "tender" spots are part of it. bruises are part of it,some pain is part of it. if it was easy everybody would posses the iron palm. i had quit a time with my backhand when i first strated hitting steel,but i stuck with it.working with the pain is just part of it sometimes.just bear it,you will be better for it in the end. i didn't stop when i had bruises or pain,i just applied more jow and kept on hitting. use common sense though and don't damage yourself permanantly,but don't be a wimp either. not saying oyu are,tkdmaster or anyone else,just saying.

[ken]

Lets look at it this way. When you strike something like your IP bag (any level). What is happening? Well for one, you are causing micro trauma to the tissues of the hand. Vibration is sent throughout the hand and "works out" the muscles and the tendons making them stronger. Just like when you work out any part of your body, the muscles are breaking down and building up. Good IP jow should have properties for blood, tissue, bone, and breath. This jow will help bring blood to the tissue, and bone, which will help wash away old cell material and bring in nutrients for the cells to regenerate and grow. This will help heal the area quicker allowing for you to cause this trauma to your hands on a daily bases.

I hope that helped explain things. I am tired....IMHO jow at every level of IP training is important. There is more going on with your hand during IP training....just that is the basics.

ken

[tkdmaster]

Thanks for the advice....I am continuing on a daily basis and being careful with the backhand. I use plenty of jow. I use a hot water bath on my hands when working the iron. I am striking 60 sets each hand but dipping my hands into hot water after each set of 15. Seems to work and keep the blood flowing. I really appreciate the input as after 6 months now I feel like such a rookie....

[raipizo]

Lol it's ok, no one knows everything right?

[tkdmaster]

Just looking for some advice.....I have been steady with IP now for 6 months.....A Rookie by the people here on the forum. I have started breaking blocks and notice some interesting things. Being new to this I can break with either hand easily if it's just one. And I mean easily. It's like no effort and you don't feel a thing. 2 blocks with my left hand some days( I am left handed) but last night no way. I broke with my right hand hand though and it suprised me. Again it felt like no effort. From a horse stance from the forehead drop. I have seen on some videos guys taking what seems to be a full circle swing....not the drop that I practice. Any comments?
Second I have found that using hot water to soak in and I mean HOT before and during the iron bag really helps. Fifteen of each strike....soak and fifteen more and so on for 4 sets. Relax and jow and massage. Is this O.K. ? Has anyone else done this? Thanks for any suggestions.