Short Power

[ManaZe]

Tell you guys what, I'll type up the full routine and post it for ya.

[SevenStar]

dont matter how hard your hands are, to generate power at a short distance involves release and expansion of contracted muscles.

I don't disagree. but the hands must be conditioned enough to withstand the force being issued through it. the hand conditioning was the beginning. the body mechanics were also learned.

[Chaz]

This training method was pioneered in early shaolin training.

[silksword]

true. knuckle pushups on the sidewalk help, so does hitting a striking post.

[ManaZe]

Triple Your Punching Power Overnight.

By Royce Bunch.

Today we are experiencing an upsurge in the health industry. Companies tapping into the cash flow are busy trying to build the ultimate piece of equipment that will give an individual the perfect workout. I have tried and own several oieces of equipment and have found only a few that really work. Most pieces offer, at best, only minimal physcal inprovement, and can be expensive to own. Some people fell compelled to purchase every new piece of equipment made available, even if they have only rarely used the equipment they already have.

The martial arts industry is not immune to the side effects of the growth in the health industry. We strive to develop the newest, most innovative training methods to go along with the newest and most innovative traing devices. I am not saying this all bad.

The Ladder of Success

Dr. John Win Lok Ng, a well-known kung-fu grand-master, once said, " Many peopletraining today in martail arts are like the person who begins to clime a ladder, he sets fire to the bottem of this ladder. He sets the fire so there is no way to go but up, which then forces him to climb very fast. He reaches the platform or level above, only to find there is another level beyond the one reached. He now needs to pull the ladder up to climb higher, but to his dismay, finds his ladder burned abd gone. He is now at a certain level yet cannot go higher, because he cannot go lower."

The ladder and its rungs represent the basics, which have been proven to work time and time again. These basic where born in a time when people faced the threat of death every day. There's nothing wrong with creating new methods, but often we discard old ideas for the sake of the latest invention, even without proof that the latest method has any merit.

There are many ways to develop a mor powerful punch, and probablyjust as many new machines and concepts to supplement this process. Dr Ng posessed almost superhuman power. He has been known to strike an individual from only a few inches with devastating results, hurling the poor soul backward by a seemingly invisible powerful force. People who whitnessed his grasp of power where amazed. But his ability did not come easily; his training began early in his yoth in China and continued into adulthood. His grandfather, Mak Jack Man, tought hin the secrects for developing short power.

Long on results

With short power, you can strike from a short distance with enough power to injure an opponent. Short power is practiced not only in chinese styles, but also in many other styles. The ability, however, is seldom demonstratedand often hidden within the framework of the poison hand arts.

Today, as the veil of secrecy is slowly lifted, more of these special skills are being taught. The ability gained by practicing short power is well worth the effort required. The techniques explained here where taught to me by my sifu master Ricky Pickins, who learned the skill from Dr. Ng. The technique of short power can be used with iron palm, vibration palm, phoenix fist, or any number of other systems. Even if you do not have training in any of the poison hand arts, you will find that you can double, or even triple your punching power by constantly practicing this technique. Best of all, equipment needed for short power is very inexpensive.

For a technique to posses value, regardless of stlye, it must address a need. Short power gives a practitioner the ability to deliver short, explosive punches, allowing the user to conceal his punch untilethe proper opening develops. This is especially important in crowded or cramped situations where movement ins limited, such as allys, elevators, and hallways.

Another important consideration whene gauging a technique is simplicity. The technique should be as simple and direct as possible from the point af origin to the point of impact. Short power fulfills this prerequisite nicely because it is a no-nonsence, no-frills type of strike. The movement is so short that from a distance it looks more like a touch than a strike. The strike almost seems to floattoward the target, because the true power is hidden within the movement.

Third, the technique should be versatile. Short power can be used by any style or no style. It will take the qualities you already possess and make your best technique even better. It can be used with a variety of hand techniques, from fist to finger, or from knuckle to palm. It's speed can be varied as well. When the strike is skow, the target will be propelled backward as the body attemnt to escape from the the shockwave created by the strike. If the strike is throughn quickly, it causes damage inside the target depending in the point struck. Short power becomes the medium through wich all your best techniques can be delivered.

And finally, a good technique should require little equipment so it can be practiced anywhere, anytine. Unlike many martial arts systems, it should be easily mastered, and easily practiced. Short power effectively fulfills these requirements. A good technique should also exibit strength, endurance, and speed.

The following training method may be used to develop short power. Practice twenty minutes per day or longer, every day or three days per week, depending on your schedule.

Section I: Strength and Endurance

Place a pillow or another soft object . Place your fist or palm against the target and push usinf four different ranges: Long, Medium, Short, and very short. Do not lean into the target; turn from the waist into the target. Hold a few minutes at each position, tense the whole body, the press to the point of shaking, At each of the four levels, go into the target in sequense and step backward in sequence. Rember to hold the tension at each level.

Section II: Progressive Resistance

Fill a sack with dried rice, beans, or corn. Start with a weight you can only lift with your wrist, and increase weight periodically as you gain strength. Stand in the stance shown in the photo, hold the neck of the sack. Inhale, then tense as you exhale and Turn from thw waist using only the wrist. Lift the bag and hold for one minute. Relax, then repeat several times.

Section III: Varying Distanceand Tempo

Mount an iron palm bag to a wall or post. (Alternatively you may use a punching bag.) Remember to put dit da jow lotion on your hands before training. Start with your hand one inch from the target. Rotate your waist and renain relaxed until impact. Upon contact, press into the target and exhale, shaking tha hand on impact. At this level you can practice varying speed--fast, slow, slow, fast. Work your way backward a few inches at a time, then work your way in again.

Conclusion

These techniques will pay big dividends as long as you are consistent and persistent. You will be amazed at how hard you can puchafter only six months of training. Work hard and your short power will take you a long way.