a lot of questions

[viskous]

my first question is about zhan zhuang, i read up on it but i could only find a detailed description of the first stance, could anybody go into detail on other stances for me, aswell as what is meant by abdominal breathing techniques, also is this really the most effective way to build chi, and what is the most effective routines i should be doing?

the second is about iron palm, i read a site about it that was helpful but it named a bunch of strikes i'm unfamiliar with:

The whole cupped hand

The finger tips

The knife edge

The bottom edge of the palm

The back of the hand

could anybody describe these for me?

theres more stuff i'd like to know but i think this is enough for now. I should also mention that beyond a couple of years of kung fu when i was a child i am pretty much untrained in MA, but i am planning to get into this but i wanted to begin buildin a foundation before hand, so help would be greatly appreciated.

[dtstiachi]

welcome viskous,

Zhan Zhuang is standing meditation. It is also known as Standing on Stake meathods and Posting. It is one of the best ways to develop your chi flow. I have been doing it for almost a year know and the results I have received have been tremendous. Google Zhan Zhuang and you will fijnd a ton of information on the how and where and why of what it is. As far as Iron Palm goes, My knowledge is limited on that subject sorry.

[viskous]

ya ive googled it but all i can find really is the philsophy of it, as for actual instruction it seems limited.......but thanks anyways.........as for the strikes i musta been tired when i read them first cuz they seem pretty self explanatory now i think lol.....but i'd still appreciate more details on the subject

[scottnshelly]

First let me say that I have no formal training in Iron Palm. I have been interested in the Art for a couple years and have been researching it like crazy. From what I have gathered there are several strikes used to strengthen different parts of the hand. The most common are, palm, back of the palm, finger tips, fist and knife hand. Most people say that you should raise your hand and let it fall onto the bag; others say it’s okay to strike the bag.

The most important thing to remember is to take things slowly. Start off with just a few strikes on each hand, and then build your way up. You can do some serious damage if you go all out too soon. Most sources say that you should use a dit da jow before and after each session, but I never have and I’m still alive.

Shop around on the world wide web for some better information, maybe a video. Also, the most important thing about it all is to buy a decent training bag. Start off with mung beans in a canvas bag, then gradually work your way up to pebbles/rocks. I’m still on the mung beans after a year and a half and in no hurry to get to the rocks.

Play it safe.

[granmasterchen]

the strikes that you referred to are pretty self explanatory, the are basically named after the area of the hand used to make the strike, example: fingertips, knife edge is the side of the hand located next to the pinky finger down to the wrist that large "meaty" section, like the old school movies of the "chop", bottom edge of the palm is simply the bottom edge of the palm when used in a palm strike where the wrist is bent at a 90 degree angle and the attack is thrust at the opponent, and so on, I think you get the idea as far as the strikes are concerned.

as far as iron palm ask away, but seriously you should start training in the martial arts under the supervision of a master before trying to pursue the art of the iron palm, if you are training in the wrong way you will end up breaking bones and seriously hurting yourself, the iron palm is one of many advanced techniques of the martial arts, you should get a good foundation of the basics before approaching such matters.

[Kajukenbopr]

"The Way of Energy" by master Lam Kam Chuen - it demonstrates how to practice Zhan Zhuang

you can find it at bookstores or amazon.com

its a great book and it has all you need to know

[viskous]

thanks^^

[Kajukenbopr]

ur very welcome

[viskous]

i just tried some excersises and then i tried the "hugging the tree" or w/e stance and after about 5 mins i ws gettin really tense in my shoulders and legs despite my own efforts and i had to stop........am i doing it wrong or is this just a beginner certainty?

[Kajukenbopr]

you tried to reach too much too fast. As a beginner you wont get very far.... just mastering the first 3 postures takes more than 3 months...

Start by doing the "holding the ball" (or holding the tree) position for 2 mins trying to remain totally relaxed.... then after a week, try to go for 5 min....... and so on....until you get to 20 min. Its not easy, but If you want to learn , take ur time...

you shouldnt try this from internet because it doesnt give you a way to relax your body. Try looking for the book i recommended u.