Black Dragon Kung Fu Advanced

Training
Sifu Tony Salvitti Copyright © 2014
Tony Salvitti Contents
Introduction–5 Iron bag training–6
Sand palm–15 Hand conditioning–
23 Putting out candles–32 Dragon
claw–40 Iron forearms–43 Iron
body–45 One finger jab–65
Training your reflexes–67
Conditioning your body–70 Primary
weapons–74 Primary targets–80
Common objects as weapons–92
The law and defending yourself–94
Dit da jow formula-98 Glossary–108
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Introduction
Black Dragon Kung Fu is literally very powerful death techniques. It is a
composite system to be used only in life and death situations. This system
may save your life or those you love and care about. It is not for play or to be
practiced on anyone! The techniques are lethal and at the very least will cause
the need for immediate medical attention to the person(s) that have had the
unfortunate attempt to victimize you. One of the key reasons for having very
strict rules, is because the ancient masters were well aware of the human
condition and its predilection for divergent lifestyles and behavior. By setting
a set of rules very strict, the student will not venture too far off the path or
lose their way completely. Even if they do wander during the long years of
growth towards becoming a master themselves.

If you use and apply what you have learned in this book you will walk with a
new sense of confidence and power that others will notice around you. This
air of supreme confidant power will be noticed by your friends and family
and in fact your attackers will avoid you now and not seek you out.
Iron bag training
Iron bag training is the end result of going through months of hard intensive
training first using bags filed with mung beans, then later small pebbles, and
eventually iron fillings or iron shot.

This type of training will also condition your hands and strengthen them
beyond anything you have done thus far in your life. This training will
increase the amount of ch’i circulating in your hands as well. However, this is
only the beginning...

As with some things in nature the subtle or small becomes strong and large
the longer it exists. Your life force or ch’i can also be depleted or expelled by
living the wrong way (Tao) or choosing the wrong lifestyle and path.

The average person in their entire life may not even become aware of ways to
cultivate the life force let alone even learn to use it and then master it. Most
people just live day to day and are more concerned with the self made
construct they call reality. Which is man made and try to feed its demands. It
is only at the end of their life that people understand this “apparent” reality is
nothing but an illusion. When one becomes a master you understand this and
much more.

Hsing-I Chuan (Xingyiquan), or Mind/will- Fist, is to Kung Fu students what

the alphabet is to a language. Developed by Yueh Fei, the famous general of
the Sung Dynasty, and based on the principle of "force against force," this
method focuses on five steps. Each step represents one of the Five Elements.
The deceptive simplicity of this method makes it one of the lesser known
branches of Kung Fu. But without it, a fighter will never be able to apply Chi
energy in combat. Also, the system is ‘linear’ very similar in some respects to
Karate (Ryu) used in Okinawa . Instead of the horizontal and vertical
‘circular’ power used in other systems of combat like; Aikido, and Tai Ch’i
Chuan. There are only five basic techniques in this fighting style: crossing,
pounding, crushing, drilling, and splitting. These five basic moves are
sometimes referred to by the names of the five elements: earth, fire, wood,
water, and metal. Beyond these basic forms, practitioners can be trained in 10
to 12 animal forms. However, these animals forms are based on the first basic
five moves Xing Yi is a powerful internal art that is very useful in a combat
situation. Although it still has some elements of twisting and turning like the
dragon walk that are circular or elliptical in nature.

Tai Chi Chuan, or the Supreme Ultimate fist, is the second method of Internal
Kung Fu. Devised to strengthen the waist, which is used as an axle in the
application of Internal techniques, Tai Chi also activates the circulation of the
Chi energy in the practitioner's body. Above all, Tai Chi teaches the student
how to turn his body in all eight directions and how to shift his weight during
each change. All the movements are done at a slow tempo which allows the
practitioner to master each posture correctly and to coordinate the movements
of his body with those of his arms and legs. The usage of Tai Chi techniques
in combat is shown, as well as several two-man pushing hands exercises.

It is the Hsing-I Chuan and Tai chi (both internal martial arts) that served to
introduce me into Black Dragon Kung Fu ( Ba gua zhang, is the third internal
style of the three main Chinese martial arts. It is more broadly grouped as an
internal practice (or neijia gong). Ba gua zhang literally means "eight trigram
palm," referring to the trigrams of the Yijing (I Ching), one of the canons of
Taoist elements of both arts are present in Black Dragon Kung Fu as well as
many others. The basis of the various styles of Ba gua zhang, and the practice
all styles have in common, is the circle walk. The practitioner literally walks
in a circle while holding various static postures with the upper body or while
executing "palm changes" (short patterns of movement or "forms" which
train the body mechanics and methods of generating power which form the
basis of the styles fighting techniques).

All styles have a variation of a form known as the single palm change. The
single palm change is the most basic form and is the nucleus of the remaining
palm changes found in the Art. Besides the single palm change, the other
forms include the double palm change and the eight palm changes. The
conditioning and training that are most important, for all styles is the major
facet this book will cover.
One method of iron palm training requires the use of bags filled with pellets
or grains of varying densities. (Mung beans or rice is used at first, followed
by gravel or small pebbles, and then finally iron filings or iron shot). The
student strikes these light objects at first for some months, to slowly allow the
body to get used to each substance.

Training in this manner greatly decreases the chance of any long term injury
from the training. Regular training is more important than progressing to the
next stage. First I will detail some of the fillings then I will tell you how you
can make your own bag, you can also purchase them at martial arts supply
stores.

Iron Palm-Beginning students use a canvas bag that measures approximately

10 inches by 10 inches for iron palm training. During the first phase, it is
filled with mung beans, while the second and third phases call for gravel and
iron balls, respectively. The students subject their hands to daily sessions of
impact using four different strikes: open palm face down, open palm face up,
open palm side position and claw hand. Each phase lasts three to six months,
during which time the palm, the back of the hand, the side of the hand and the
fingertips all undergo a hardening transformation. Arthritis is avoided by
daily application of an herbal medication called Dit Da Jow.

Here is a progression of what you can fill your bag with. These are in
accordance with traditional Chinese palm conditioning teachings.
In ancient days it was recommended that you spend a few months on each
stage. 1) Rice, Dried Peas or Mung Beans. Anything similar.
2) Sand. Many start at this point ( Probably best start).
3) Sand and Gravel Mix. 50/50 is good.
4) Small pebbles or Gravel. Just get what you can.
5) Steel Ball Bearing or Iron Shot.
6) Iron sand. ( Basically iron filings, the traditional final external step ).

Remember you are striking all surfaces of the hand and fist weapons, not just
the palm but the difference between this method and traditional karate
methods is your hand will become stronger, and tougher-without damaging it
or any type of disfigurement.

This is in line with Taoist and Buddhist tradition of not mutilating the human
form in anyway. Only developing it to its maximum potential without harm.

The use of a ‘training bag’ is not the only way to develop an extraordinary
skill that you can have with you at all times. One such method is to use many
layers of paper between your hand and a very hard object (stone, brick,
metal) and to strike the hard object threw the paper (a phone book works or
many layers of old newspapers).

You can strike the wall (if brick) for 300-1,000 times per day. Not only will
this increase your toughness in your pam or fist, but increase the strength in
your chest, shoulders and arms. Gradually after weeks you can reduce the
amount of paper between you and the hard object you have been striking.
After many more month no paper will be required and you can continue
striking the hard object directly.

I myself prefer caste iron and ‘used’ to strike it at full power several hundred
times per day. I know of one Kung Fu Master in Canada who immigrated
there from China during the cultural revolution and he strikes a very thick
solid steel block hundreds of times per day. His punch is so, destructive it is
like getting hit with a metal hammer literally-very lethal.

But this direct method will (unlike bag training) increase callouses and
calcium deposits on the striking areas of your hand the knuckles are
especially vulnerable to develop greater size and density.
Back to bag training. My final ‘iron palm bag’ is one made of 10 pounds of
steel shot, and is about 10" x 10" in size. This is in itself very useful for
training as you can throw it back and forth (with or without a training
partner) Or high up into the air and catch it over and over again. After a while
10 pounds will give you a workout and at the same time toughen your fingers
and palm from catching it repeatedly. Combine this with proper breathing
(Ch’i Kung) in a ‘Ma-Bo” (horse stance) and you will have a time tested
exercise to keep you busy for the next six months or more!

During this phase of your training you will also need to find a stable, strong
platform to strike the ‘iron pam bag’ slapping it repeatedly one hand after
another breathing out as you strike and inhaling as you draw up your ‘iron
pal’. I use a solid butchers block that is over one foot thick! If you try to use a
hollow butches block eventually you will smack the ‘iron palm bag’ threw
the one-two inches of wood. Better to use a boulder, rock, or concrete.

Remember the ch’i is what you are also trying to get to flow down and out
your ‘loa kun’ or palm chakra you have in each of your palms. It can be
achieved using just a ‘mung bean bag’ and not even going to sand or iron. It
is the length of time you put into this training that counts not the force
applied in your slapping. Compared to a person not trained in this ‘kung’ you
will have a very distinct advantage in combat.

The reason true ‘iron palm’ is not demonstrated or seen on as much as it was
during the turn of the century is that it does take time to develop. This is not
one or two years but a true master will take up to ten years to develop and
refine their skill. This is just to completely master the physical part of it.
Directing the ch’i can take a lifetime.

Iron palm at this later stage can be used to heal as well as defend yourself and
others. This is worth reaping the fruits of years of practice alone. Some
people are naturally inclined this way and in centuries past have been known
as natural healers using the ‘laying on of hands’ to heal the sick or wounded.
Channeling the ch’i, life force, or in some religious circles ‘Holy Ghost or
Spirit’. All people can develop this skill, it only requires a deep seated
dedication and commitment to self disciplined training.

In my opinion it is worth developing to help heal people and healing requires

much more skill and power than hurting or destroying a living being.
Sand palm
The ‘sand palm’ kung, is a method of chi kung that was taught to me by my
late Sifu Kwan Li. I have not practiced it for very long, but I have had some
very positive results from my training. It was first taught to me as a part of
Black Dragon Kung Fu developed by my Sifu Kwan Li. While my primary
focus in martial arts has been the internal styles of Tai Ch’i Chuan and
Hsing-I Chuan, this was given to me to supplement my training. Specifically,
it is a very structured process whereby one helps open the meridians to allow
chi to pass freely. This, in turn, helps one develop proper structure and a
deeper level of relaxation, and self discipline.

But before the training begins a note on effective fighting techniques. When
fighting a larger enemy, specifically on that has a reach advantage and height.
This should automatically set your training and power to direct it at the
opponents limbs, (hands, forearms, arms, feet, and legs). This is what will be
thrown at you or reaching to grasp you. If you try to go inside towards the
larger opponents body. You will be at a severe disadvantage and get attacked.
You must maintain a ‘cool head’ and think first before you act. Distance
yourself, then if a fist or hand is thrown strike it with all your might, twist the
fingers, punch the firearm, tie up the legs. Once your opponent has no limbs
they will be as helpless as a baby. I have seen too many fighters rush in, and
get destroyed because they did not ‘size up’ the opponent objectively.
Granted this is not always possible as in ambushed, or sudden assaults on the
street. This is why many years of practice in the dojo, kwoon, or dojang. Is
needed so you can be able to make snap decisions and become the victor
instead of the victim!

Sand Palm (also; yellow, red, and black and sand palm) named as such, not
because its practitioners can make their own palm red, rather due to the mark
that is left on the opponent that they strike. The power generated as a result of
this training is, like any internal martial art, subtle yet devastating. Many
people in China are familiar with the name Red Palm, but are not aware of
the depth of the Art. What I will detail later in this article is the first level of
Sand Palm kung. Some systems of Pa Kua use this to increase the power of
their strikes. This works and is great training to get the chi to flow stronger to
the hands and feet. But, what fewer people know is that, in fact, there are nine
levels to this training. The first three levels are referred to as tiger. The
second three levels are referred to as dragon. The last three are tiger and
dragon. There is no way to rush the training process. Each level requires the
student to achieve a certain level of chi flow, either in or out, before he can
progress to the next level. To hurry the process would be a waste of time and
yield nothing.

The benefits of studying Sand Palm are many. This practice will help the
mind focus more clearly. Also, the feeling of chi that one develops will come
rather quickly as compared to other methods. These feelings may vary some
between individuals, but they are real and not the product of mere
imagination. This method of training is excellent for building chi to improve
ones health and one's martial abilities. At higher levels of development, the
student will imagine that his/her body has the clarity of crystal due to the
exchange of chi between the person and the environment. After a while, the
student will naturally be able to absorb chi as well. This absorption is not an
abstract conception or a form of visualization. It is real and can be felt as well
as demonstrated at higher levels. This also helps to build chi. Later, one can
consciously move chi within the body. This direction comes from the mind
and can actually be felt within. Eventually, one will develop the ability to
project chi outside the body Kong Jin). This can have great health/healing
benefits as well as martial application. The body itself will also benefit from
this method of training. The chi will fill the body and energize it. Your hair
will become stronger and brighter. Finger nails will become stronger (and
grow faster). The muscles and ligaments will grow in strength and elasticity.
The bones will strengthen and harden. The circulation within the internal
organs will improve leading to better health. These are but a few of the
benefits to be had from practicing Sand Palm.

To begin the first level of training, one should be comfortable in wuji. The
purpose of wuji is to calm the mind and to allow the natural structure of the
body to settle and release tension. This has the effect of calming both the
mind and the body. Properly done, the ch’i will flow freely throughout the
body and gather in the tan tien. Initially, one must stand with the feet about
shoulder width apart (Ma-Bo or horse riding stance). The weight should
focus on the bubbling well. There are three points which should be aligned.
The bubbling well of the feet; imagine a line connecting the two. The huyin
which is a point between the anus and the genitals. And the bai hui which in
near the crown of the head. To accomplish this, the head will be tilted slightly
forward and it will feel as if you are leaning a bit too far forward. The tongue
should be lightly pressing the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth.
Close your eyes and relax imagining the tension leaving your body. Start
from the head and go down. I practice wuji for a few minutes prior to
beginning the first level.

After calming the mind and body in wuji for a few minutes, move your hands
so that the palms face the ground. Keep your arms at your sides, just rotate
the palms so that they face the ground. Take care not to stiffen the wrist while
doing this. From here, exhale and lightly increase the pressure of the tongue
to the roof of the mouth and lightly press your teeth together as you relax and
imagine the chi going from the tan tien to the palms while the ten toes grasp
the ground and two eyes stare forward. As you inhale, simply relax and
breathe deeply into the tan tien. Keep the mind free and remember to watch
your structure. Repeat this nine times.
For each palm position, repeat the exercise the same way. For the next
position, raise and extend your arms so that the palms are facing away from
you at shoulder height. Keep the elbows pointing down and relax the
shoulders. Perform the exercise as mentioned above for nine repetitions.

The third position requires the student to stretch the arms out to each side at
shoulder height so that the palms are facing away to the sides with fingers
pointed upwards. Perform the exercise as mentioned above for nine
repetitions.

To do the exercise in the fourth palm position, raise the hands above the head
to about 45 degrees from vertical. Raise your head so that you are looking at
the space between the palms. Turn the palms slightly inward and extend the
arms. Perform the exercise as mentioned above for nine repetitions.

After practicing for a period of time, if you feel comfortable, you can clench
the teeth harder, increase the number of repetitions not to exceed 36, and
push harder.
While it seems like the exercise detailed above is simple, it is profound in its
results if practiced correctly and consistently. Eventually, one would increase
the repetitions and corrections would be made as required. These are the
basic exercises of the first level of Sand Palm kung. Many internal martial
artists and chi kung practitioners have performed this level and achieved
excellent results in improved chi flow to the hands and feet as well as
increasing ones striking power. For most this is enough. But, this is really
only scratching the surface of this Art for there are actually nine levels. I have
personally benefitted from practice and so have many members of my dojo,
kwoon, or dojang who have been instructed in this to improve circulation. I
hope that some of you will try this exercise for a few months and receive the
benefits that it has to offer.
After som time you may experience various new sensations both in mind and
body. While you become more familiar with the enhanced movement of ch’i
in and around your body. This can be accompanied by physical, and auditory,
and visual phenomena not to worry. It will pass in time or you can even
control it by focusing your will power.
You do understand that where the “will” goes the mind and body follows in
that specific order. By increasing your ch’i and thereby increasing your own
bodies frequency. You can develop “ding jing” or static repelling energy.
When you are relaxed standing you can actually make a person, animal, or
object move back away from you or attract and move toward you. This
phenomena happened to me when a Tae Kwoon Do friend of mine Bob, felt
this energy push him back away from me and against a wall. To this day Bob
cannot explain how he was pushed back.
Hand conditioning
Traditional methods of conditioning the hands and fingers have spread all
over Asia. It was in Japan that I learned this method for ‘conditioning’ the
hands into a much more tougher weapon. Most farmer’s and hard working
people already have a tougher than average skin, and thickness. If you are
already a hard worker you know this is a fact.

If you have soft delicate skin and need it to be more rugged depending on
how often and the beginning or advanced level your hands will develop in
strength as well.
To begin get a large wooden box or 5 gallon bucket and fill it 3/4 full of
uncooked rice. Then every morning or every evening (the time is not critical
just keep a regular time) start thrusting your hands one after another deep into
the rice. If you want to count the thrusts you will need to do about 200-300
times per hand. Or just put on some good music and go at it until exhausted.
Remember to inhale as you draw back your hand and exhale as you thrust
deeply into the rice. The repeated contact with the rice will over days and
weeks make your skin adapt and it will become more durable than before
training.
After each session of thrusting your hands in and out of the rice bucket.
Alternately grab a handful of the rice and attempt to crush it. Then take
handfuls and in a rubbing motion between both palms squeeze and attempt to
pulverize the rice into powder.
The need to go to stage two of this type of conditioning is entirely up to you.
Replace the rice with sifted sand (make sure no foreign objects are in the sand
as you could injure yourself thrusting your hand into it. Repeat the training
process again for another three months and your hands will now be even
stronger and tougher than before. To proceed to stage three is even more
drastic but your hands after this training period will become very deadly
weapons. Replace the sand with small gravel and repeat the process your
should have now become adept at doing even in your sleep.
After this training your skin and hands will be very rugged, calloused, and
strong. One should stretch your hands and fingers and massage them
thoroughly to avoid stiffness and inflexibility. You should do this for 3
months (or longer if you wish). After every training session wash your hands
and then apply a good lotion or oil (olive oil, or peanut oil is excellent) to the
skin let it absorb and dry (this is why it is good to do every night before you
go to sleep). Also, always after every type of training stretch out the body
parts being trained-this includes legs (after kicking) arms (after punching),
back and chest (after bodybuilding), etc.
Remember, training is not recommended at all for those under 16 years of
age. Those individuals under 18 years of age must get permission from a
parent or guardian before starting training. Always consult a physician before
beginning any exercise program.
The iron palm method is the hand conditioning regimen that I prefer. I enjoy
the set schedule for training, the relaxed method, and most of all, the speedy
results. I also prefer this method because it trains the palm heart, or the flat of
the palm. In my opinion, the flat palm slap is the trademark strike of fighting
gung fu. Iron palm is the essence of the gung fu of legend, not the watered
down version that so many modern practitioners bring to fights, only to be
crushed.
There is no mistaking an iron palm slap for boxing, karate, or mindless street
brawling. As for its application in tamashiwari, the iron palm is unrivaled
when it comes to breaking solid objects. Though you might be inclined to
think otherwise, it is much easier to break a brick with the iron palm than it is
with a punch, chop, hammer-fist, or palm heel strike. I know this from
experience. Iron palm is also noted for its capability of breaking the bottom
brick in a stack without spacers. Such a practice is known as selective
breaking.
My Sifu Kwan Li, was a master of the of the iron palm, and could break
bricks selectively in a stack. Iron palm falls short only when it comes to
breaking flexible objects (wood, baseball bats) and objects with spacers. I
explain it to people with this examplethe palm slap can move anything it
strikes one half an inch. Since cement cannot flex, it breaks. If the object,
such as wood, can flex farther than that, it will not break. This is only an
exaggerated example mind you, and only an example of my personal theory
at that. As for spacers, the palm has difficulty sending energy through
"hollow" area.
There are many variations of the iron palm conditioning process and each
usually has a set amount of time for the initial phase. During this first phase,
training must be done daily. After that, maintenance training varies. The first
phase ranges anywhere from one month to three years or more. There are also
advanced levels of the iron palm as well as internal and external conditioning.
The regimen I use is a variation of the traditional 100 day method and
combines both internal and external training. This method produced good
results for me in minimal time. Many others have also reported favorable
results. I will honestly tell you that 100 days is not enough time to produce an
invincible palm, but it will create a hand that is dangerous enough for
combat, as well as allow you to break red bricks. This regimen conditions the
entire hand.
Train at your own pace and exercise caption with good common sense.

Materials Needed:
1) 10" wide x 24" long (or larger) canvas bag
2) approx. 1" round river rocks (enough to fill the bag half way)
3) old towel
4) cinder blocks (support stand)
5) dit da jow, or massage oil (olive, peanut).
The method is as follows:
Set up the cinder blocks so that you can sit on one and the other(s) create a
stand in front of you that is about the height of your naval (while seated). If
the surface of your stand is not level due to the shape of the cinder block, you
may have to lay an additional concrete slab on the top for a nice flat surface.
Place the towel (in single layer) over the support stand. This is your striking
surface.
Fill the canvas bag with the rocks and fold the remaining half of the bag over
to create a side that is double layered. Tape the bag shut (masking or duct
tape will do). Place the bag on the stand and your simple setup is complete.
*When striking for training, it is important to stay relaxed and allow your
hand to drop onto the surface. This should be accompanied with a exhalation
breath and in halation per each slap of the bag. This means 200-300 times per
hand! Which has a daily cumulative training effect on its own.
Do not tense the arm or shoulder, or exert strength while striking. Always
breath out as you strike. Exerting strength or failing to breath out is said to
stress the heart. This has affected some individuals over the years and is
something to keep in the back of your mind, while training.

1) Drop your flat palm on the bag 30 times, shake out the hand, strike another
20 times, shake out the hand and flex.
2) Drop your knife hand on the bag 30 times, shake, 20 times, shake and flex.
3) Repeat for the palm heel surface.
4) Repeat for the back of the hand. Now remove the bag so that you are now
striking the cement/cinder support covered with the towel.
1) Drop your knife hand 30 times, shake, 20 times, shake and flex.
2) Repeat with the palm heel.
3) Repeat with the flat palm.
4) (optional) Strike with back-fist 30 times and repeat with straight fist.
5) This can also be used to give yourself “iron elbows”. Repeated downward
strikes will gradually build up and strengthen your already natural weapons.
Additional training:

You can supplement with a bucket of sand. Straight punch the sand 30 times
and repeat with the back-fist. Do 100 spear-hand thrusts into the sand. You
can also rub the sand between you hands to toughen the skin.

Some iron palm practitioners feel that it is unwise to train the knuckles of the
fist because of possible long term joint damage. This is fine for strict iron
palm fighters, but if you train in any fist striking art, it may be wise to
strengthen your knuckles. Chinese acupressure teaches that training the
fingertips can weaken the eyes. Take this into consideration when training
spear-hand but also realize that plenty of karate stylists train fingertips and
can see just fine.

Different teachers advocate different numbers of strikes per session. Some

use hundreds or even thousands of repetitions. Some say to train three times a
day, others say you must train the exact same time everyday without missing
a day. Maybe these routines are ideal, but with the method I outlined above,
you can train whenever and even miss a day or two. The less days you miss,
the better it will be for you. You should achieve impressive results after 100
days of training. At that point, you should be able to break a single patio
block with a flat palm slap (use a towel padding at first).
Putting out candles
After conditioning you may wish to concentrate on that most amazing
ability... Speed! Not just fast but super fast reflexes that will literally blind
your opponent before he can make a move to block a punch. Or as in the case
of the late Bruce Lee, (who know doubt was a very fast martial artist). But his
‘attempted punches’ were in fact blocked by an equally (if not faster)
opponent Grand Master Victor Moore. This was filmed at the Bruce Lee vs
Vic Moore (Demo & Sparring, 1967 Int. Karate Tournament) . So, the fast
speed can be used to block a enemy that has fast reflexes as well.

I have spoken to Victor Moore about this and a lot of the video footage is
skewed to only showing Bruce Lee without showing the blocks I have seen
(if you research further) and eyewitness testimonies do indeed state that
Bruce Lee’s punches were blocked by Victor Moore.

With that said and done. How to increase your speed will depend on when
you start training. Both Victor Moore and Brice Lee, started training in body
athletic endeavors and martial arts at a young age (Victor Moore,,started even
younger than Bruce Lee at age 6 while Lee was 12-14 years old).

The younger you start training your nervous system the better. You will have
a huge advantage over a ‘couch potato’ that only has a lame job and comes
home and plays video games. If you only did regular athletic training
compared to these ‘couch potatoes’ you would seem like superman. But that
is what we are after advanced flash-like blinding speed! The ability to end a
fight as soon as it begins. Mere seconds are all that a fight should take-never
minutes and the longer a fight goes on the greater risk you have of losing.

Without getting too much into human physiology. What you are going to do
is build or train your body to react before you can even think to throw a
punch or kick or block an enemy or dodge out of the way. This is known as
constructing a ‘reflex arc’.

When you move certain ways and do so over, and over again many thousands
of times. Your nervous system will develop and you will actually develop
new nerve connections and after a time these connections become small
ganglions (nerve clusters) that act as small brains. You actually already have
a huge second brain in your ‘solar plexus’ this large ganglion keeps you
breathing automatically and if you have been punched or kicked there your
‘solar plexus’ is temporarily stunned and you get your breath knock out of
you.

Similarly you can create certain movements by repeated motion and

concentration it will require time and it is worth the effort put forth because
once the training is done and the new nerve ‘reflex arc’ created it will stay
with you a lot longer than your built up muscles. To begin this type of
training you will need regularity in your training everyday at the same time-
set it aside just for your blinding speed training.

To go along with this training you will need control and agility. Just throwing
a fast punch and kick is good, but you have to be able to hit a moving target.
Get a length of rope, or wire that you can attach a tennis ball to and hang it
from a height that the target (tennis ball) will be at. If you wish to practice at
striking the head make it dangle from five to six feet. If you want to practice
the chest or abdominal area hang it lower. You should be able to swing the
ball freely and then observe and throw punches or kicks at hit and see how
many times you can hit it. This is not the speed part of your training however,
it will also help with this too. Use that exercise as a warm up for your super-
fast training which you will begin next light a good size candle and take a
step back allow approximately six inches to one foot away from the lit flame
from either your extended fist, palm or foot (if practicing for kicks). Now
very carefully extend your fastest punch at the flame exhaling as you You are
going to be putting this candle out by the speed of your moving limb without
touching it directly!
Again place the candle on a stable platform or table in the area you will be
making the repeated strikes with your hands or feet. If you are practicing a
side kick, front kick or roundhouse the candle should be just out of your foots
final extended position. If you are practicing forward thrust punch or side to
the head or chest level them place the candle slightly below the area you
would strike normally. This gives you ample time to slightly squat down into
a stance and begin repeated strikes out to the candle. Note the flame will
flutter and depending on your return speed want to follow you hand.

Do not be discouraged if you cannot make the candle flame dance just yet.
Repeated practice will give you results. The foundation you lay down now
will last a lifetime. Do not cheat yourself out of a once in a lifetime chance to
develop a real super-power.

You may be familiar with the saying; “The hand is quicker than the eye.”
This is very true and to add to that the ’untrained eye’. If you have noticed
after playing with a baseball at times you can see the ball traveling as it turns
and while it may have been not noticed by the onlookers in the stands
because you are ‘in the game’ your sphere of focus is more intense and you
can see things more clearly and because of your eye muscles have been
tracking fast moving objects you can now see motion not usually identified
by people.
This is how your can train your eyes, in a similar manner. Get a fist sized ball
or even a rock. Get into a horse stance (Ma-Bo) and then begin tossing the
rock or ball up in front of you. But unlike a juggling act, you are using only
one object. I want you to catch the rock or ball with an overhand grip grab
and thrust down motion.

This will serve to increase your grip reflex you have to be pretty fast and
strong to grasp an object palm down and then re-launch it back out in front of
you or straight up into the air above you and catch it with your other hand.
Repeat this exercise while watching the object and soon you will be able to
see the object turning in slow motion. It takes time and dedication but it will
happen.

After six months or more of this type of training you will be able to see faster
moving objects such as arrows flying or a coin tossed into the air. While
these mundane things may seem pointless, the benefits will be that you will
now see a punch or and kick or strike coming at you and have the advantage
of speed of sight. This gives you time to react either move out of the way or
intercept the fist, elbow, or foot. Counter it and attack it directly or redirect
the energy and send them flying or tie them up in a lock or hold.

Lets get back to the candle now. You should be practicing the strike you want
to make your fastest and this should take you anywhere from 20-30 minutes
of non-stop high velocity strikes.

Increase the distance between you and the candle after you are able to put it
out with just the kick or punch you are able to do at first perhaps just back
away one foot. Begin training and you should be well on your way to
increased speed. In fact by now you should be able to gauge your speed as
much faster than before.

A good tip is to always be relaxed. If you are too tense this will slow down
your reflex and if you are too relaxed it will also imped your speed. Inhale
and then exhale with a resounding snap and like a good billiard player put
some English on the ball. You want to put that same snap into your target or
enemy.

This is where kung fu differs from regular boxing or external arts. When you
are hit with regular punch or kick it is like a wood or iron beam hitting you.
But when you are hit by a martial artist especially an ‘internal martial artist’.
It is like getting hit with a iron ball attached to a chain and being swung at
you very hard. The surface damage to you is not that great but the internal
damage done can be devastating and even kill you.

Some people have had exploded spleen’s (ruptured due to a ‘iron palm’ slap).
This may result in a slow bleed and over the course of days the person that
was struck may think nothing is seriously wrong. Internally the spleen’s
membrane could be bleeding into the abdominal cavity and death could be
hours or days away. This is why you should dodge out of strikes to your body
and never underestimate your aggressor.
Anyway, by this time your should be able to hit a enemy several times per
second!

Using both hands and have developed a lot of stamina from the daily practice
of speed punching or kicking.

A lot of ancient legends are built on some truth and over time things are
added to the tales. This is in all cultures and many types of genres , not just
martial arts. So, when you hear of people putting out candles from many feet
away. Take it with a grain of salt and always use good common sense and
objectivity.

To be sure you will develop your reflexes fast and increase your accuracy,
speed, and stamina. What you do with your new ability will determine one of
the many paths you will follow in life. Always keep in mind “right thought
equals right action”.
Dragon claw
Dragon claw ‘kung’ is similar in some respects to the other styles of claw
kungs; Eagle, Mantis, and Tiger. However, this training will transform your
hands in to excellent defensive and offensive weapons. No long tales here
just a plain and simple fact. In fact the longer you practice this dragon claw
kung training the more powerful you will become. Every time you grasp an
enemy, they will feel searing pain .

By now you should be aware of correct breathing methods and the

importance of good developed abdominal muscles. “Breath is the lord of
strength”. You are only as strong as your internal structure will allow. The
development of true strength begins with the internal organs and in this case
your lungs.

So, before you even get to train your “Dragon claws” you must first
(everyday) do one hundred sit-ups and one hundred leg raises. Followed by
standing in a Mo-Bo or horse stance and do some light to moderate deep
breathing and ch’i kung*. After this warmup every day during the morning
hours are best. I get up personally at 3 AM every morning as this is the hour
of the lungs.
* See my book “Secrets of ch’i kung” for more information on this subject.

You will need to obtain a few things to begin your training;

1) A fist size amount of modeling clay.
2) A large mouth glass or ceramic jar that hold 3-5 gallons. (Or a 5 gallon
bucket with an attached dowel).
3) Oil or dit da jow.

Dragon claw kung, will make your hands into an awesome controlling power.
When you grab an enemy they will feel pain all the way to the bone.

Obtain a 5 gallon bucket, then attach a 2-3 inch long wooden dowel or
handle. Mount it vertically so you have to grasp it with just your fingers and
thumb, when picking it up. Or a glass or kiln fired pot with a small neck and
mouth, will work just as well. Practice grasping and raising the bucket or
your jar with just your fingers and thumb of each hand, breathing in as you
lower the training device, exhaling out as you raise it to chest level. Now
everyday add one bowl of water into your bucket or jar. Do this for about 15
minute’s non-stop with each hand.

After only a few months the strength in your hands should have tripled (by
now the bucket or jar should be filled with water). Now you are ready for the
next step, empty all the water out and start to add a bowl of sand every day
until the bucket or jar is full again.

Then once again empty the sand out of the bucket or jar, and add a bowl full
of iron or lead shot (lead can be used because you are not actually touching it
just using it for weight). After you can pick up the bucket or jar now full of
metal the yang half of the dragon’s claw will be complete. Also, during the
day when you are watching a show or reading. Grasp the modeling clay and
squeeze it in every way you can think of an alternate to the other hand. This
is something you can do and it will serve to strengthen the nerve force even
more increasing your gripping power.

Then begin the yin part of training. Every night for at least 15 minutes each
hand. Practice your dragon claw, by pointing your fingers and thumb at the
moon. Try to grasp the distant object and extend your ch’i to it. After this is
done each night your should massage each hand with the other use the oil
(olive or peanut oil) and or some dit da jow. This will relax your hands so
you can get a good nights sleep.

This type of griping practice will bring the ch’i into the fingers. At this point
you should be able to control any animal or man, by your dragon claws alone.
Iron forearms
Iron forearm kung, is one of the faster ways to develop an extraordinary
power. First find a suitable tree in a field, or a deeply buried round wooden
post (I am fortunate enough to have two trees that are growing a few feet
from each other to train on in my back yard) . Stand in a horse riding stance
(ma bo). Every day at the same time, for about 15-20 minutes exhale out as
you alternately slap your inner and outer forearms against it.

After you do this be sure to massage each of your forearms. In six short
months, your forearms will have become a lot harder to the touch and a lot
stronger.
Now find a large rock or boulder, that does not have jagged or sharp edges,
now at the same time everyday start hitting your inner and outer forearms
against the rock, breathing in when pulling away and exhaling, when you
strike the rock. After six months, your firearms will now be like iron. You
can use them to strike or block any blow.
Additional grip strength can be obtained by the following: Get a bucket or
wooden box of sand, filled to about a foot deep.
Take both hands and scoop up the sand. Press both hands together exhaling at
the same time. Flex your chest muscles and try to crush the sand into dust. Do
this every day, or every other day, until your forearms are pumped with
blood. Then take a wrist roller, or make one. Take a wooden dowel about 12
inches long, 1-3 inches thick. Drill a hole in the center, and attach a thick
cord. On the other end of the cord attach a weight 3-10 lbs.
Now again stand in the “ma-bo” stance and holding the dowel with both
hands, raise it to chest level. Now start to twist and turn the dowel, as you do
the weight will come up off the ground wrapping around the middle of the
dowel, until the weight is at chest level. Then reverse the motion and unwind
the weight back down to the ground. Keep doing this until you are exhausted
and can no longer move it. This is done as a nonstop exercise to also increase
your stamina.
That is it, now you should have extraordinary strength in your grip hand
strength, and hardness in your forearms.
Iron body
(Jinzhong zhao or Gold bell cover)
The iron body is acquired by certain well defined training techniques that
include breathing, exercises, abstention from sex, meditation, and a very
intense or focused concentration. The student learns to flow and direct his
ch’i to permeate his muscles with such hardness that no foreign objects can
penetrate. Not only resistant to punctures, the body is also protected against
lacerations, abrasions, and bruises.

This is the key to the iron body: breathing and the associated isometric
contraction that tenses and hardens all the muscles of the body. Once in this
state, the only way an enemy may defeat you is to disturb your breathing or
concentration. Correct breathing is one of the foundations of the iron body.
Ch’i kung breathing involves both correct abdominal breathing, all sides of
the abdominal wall must be uniformly expanded like a balloon when air is
taken in. At the same time the diaphragm must be kept relaxed and down. I
cannot stress enough the importance of mastering breathing and regular
abdominal contractions. This can be done while sitting in a car, or a chair ,
even standing in a lone waiting. This is often forgotten and should be
practiced regularly. My own training at times has become lax due to other
matters in life and I did for a time ‘forget’ to do the breathing exercises and
abdominal contractions. A lot of older martial artists and athletes in general.
As one gets middle age become wound-down and not as active. This is one of
the reasons excess fat accumulates over the abdominal areas that in the
younger years were lean and healthy.

Reverse abdominal breathing involves contracting the abdominal wall,

keeping the diaphragm down and staying relaxed as air is inhaled. Exhalation
is just the reverse of inhalation in both correct and reverse abdominal
breathing.

The chest is not collapsed or raised (as in military attention stance) having a
flat lumbar region, knees bent and both feet firmly placed on the ground.
The next step is the micro-orbit. This orbit consists of two meridians a back
one (governor) and a front one (conception), along which ch’i flows.
The governor channel starts at the perineum, midway between the anus and
the genitals, and follows the spine to the crown of the head and ends at the
palate. The conception channel begins at the tongue and travels down the
center of the body to the perineum. These two channels must be connected by
placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth. This creates a closed loop circuit
which your ch’i will flow. Real iron body training begins after you have
cultivated and nourished your ch’i which can be circulated to the organs and
their protective tissues. This is achieved by combining both correct and
reverse abdominal breathing with contractions of various inner body
musculatures. The next step is to condition the body to accept strikes without
resulting in injury. This conditioning, when combined with ch’i makes the
body impervious to injury.
Iron hand and iron body skills have always intrigued me and I'm not alone.
You can find quite a few articles on the subject and there are more than a few
people selling books, videos, and courses on the subject. The idea of
developing bone crushing power and the ability to take the most power
strikes your opponent can muster is always going to be compelling for the
martial artist. However, I've found that until now there all that has been
available are routines that are either too conservative in their approach, too
extreme, or simply provide an incomplete picture of iron skills training. In
terms of this training I've had hands on instruction, bought books, bought
videos, and even attended seminars. I've practiced what I learned for nearly
ten years now. Over the years I've mixed routines, added drills and exercises,
and dropped things out completely. What I now practice and teach is, I feel,
the most effective and efficient method of iron skill development you will
come across. The method presented in the following pages is the basic level
of iron skill development. Higher level development includes more advance
internal power development exercises. However, what you will find in this
book is much more advanced than most other information on the iron skills .

I feel that a complete course in the development of the Iron Skills should
involve considerable conditioning of the following aspects of the marital
artist: 1) The mind and internal Energy - this can be accomplished through
the use of Ch’ ikung, internal power exercises (nei jing gong), and the proper
use of focus (intent and will).
2) The musculature - This can be accomplished through the use of specific
physical bodybuilding type exercises.
3) The skeletal structure and skin - This can be accomplished through
specific types of impact training.

My method of Iron Skills development includes all three of these aspects. In

the following piece I will describe in detail the esoteric martial arts approach
to Iron Skills Development, I include all the basic drills and exercises for the
development of basic level iron hand and iron body as well as a discussion on
how to set up a routine to get the most out of your training. The following
pages will detail the way you can set up and train on a regular basis. Please
feel free to omit or add your own best suited training exercises that you are
getting the best results with. By all means if a particular exercise or training
method is not working for you-omit it. You will find that some methods work
better than others and as always experience is the best teacher.

Ch’i kung:
1) Open and Close the Gate Ch’i kung - Begin standing up, spine neutral, and
with your feet should width apart. Your arms should be held out in front of
you at chest level. Your palms should face each other and be about a foot
apart. Place your tongue to the roof of your mouth. You will be breathing in
and out of your nose in the Taoist way for both of these Ch’i kung.

First, place your attention on the back of each hand. You should be able to
feel the back of your hands with your mind. Inhale and begin to open your
arms as though you are about to give someone a huge hug. You will open
your arms fully until you are in a cruciform position. At this point you will
begin to exhale, reverse the movement, and switch you attention to your palm
as you begin to close your arms. Once your hands are about six inches to one
foot apart you will to inhale and, once again, place your attention onto the
backs of your hands. This time, however, instead of opening your arms you
will turn your palms so that they face away from you and you will be drawing
your hands in towards your chest. Make sure to keep your elbows down as
you do this. When your hands reach about six inches away from your chest
you will reverse this movement. Remember to coordinate this final
movement with you exhalation and to place you attention on your palms.
When you have returned to the starting position you will have completed one
repetition of this Ch’i kung. You will need to complete a total of nine before
moving on.

Remember to always coordinate your physical movements with your

breathing and stay relaxed. You will place you attention on the backs of your
hands as you open your arms and as you draw your hands to your chest. You
will place your attention on your palms as you close your arms and as you
push out with your hands. Doing this will lead your ch’i (internal energy) to
those areas which is a vital ability for later exercises. 2) Gathering Clouds
Ch’i kung - Begin standing up, spine neutral, and with your feet shoulder
width apart. Your arms will hang loosely at your sides. Place your tongue to
the roof of your mouth. Your breathing will be the same as in the first Ch’i
kung.

Start by inhaling and raising your arms up towards the sky in an arching
motion with your palms facing up. Continue this movement until your arms
are overhead and your palms are facing each other - they should be about six
inches apart. As you begin to exhale turn your palms downward to face the
ground and move your palms along a downward path towards your groin
area. You will keep your hands close to each other and close to your body as
you do this. Once your hands reach your groin area you have completed one
repetition of this Ch’i kung. You will need to complete a total of nine
repetitions before moving on to other exercises.

Muscle Strengthening:

Static Core Work: The following drills, of holding static postures for periods
of time, will greatly strengthen your body - especially your core. While you
hold these postures remember to breathe through your nose with your tongue
held to the roof of your mouth and utilize the Taoist breathing method.
1) Floor Plank - Begin lying on the floor on your stomach. Your forearms
will be under you and you will press up as though doing a pushup except all
of your weight is on your forearms not your hands. You will maintain this
static position for as long as possible, but your goal should be one minute.
You can work up to more than one minute but anything more and a minute
and a half won't be necessary. I'll explain further in the building a routine
section.
A) Ball Plank: You can make this exercise more difficult by using one of
those huge abdominal balls. Simply place you feet on the ball or place your
forearms on the ball. To make it really difficult you can attempt to suspend
yourself between a chair and a ball (feet on chair, forearms on ball) or
between two balls.
B) Side Plank: Another variation I like to throw into my routine is the side
plank. In this variation you will begin by lying on your side with your feet on
top of each other. You will use one forearm to support yourself. Don't let you
hips sag down. This will really strengthen you oblique muscles. Thirty
seconds on each side is a good goal time.

2) Iron Bridge - You will need two chairs (or wooden boxes) for this
exercise. You will suspend yourself between the two chairs. Place your feet
on one chair and place your upper back and head on the other. Use only the
muscles necessary to keep yourself straight - no sagging! As you get stronger
move the chairs further and further apart until you are suspended between the
two with only your feet and head. You can further increase the difficulty by
resting small weight plates on your lower abdomen. Start slow and don't
increase the weight too soon! Your goal is one minute.
3) San Shou Bridge - This form of the Bridge is similar to a Wrestler's
Bridge. You begin by lying on your back with you knees bent, feet flat on the
floor, and your hands near your ears. You may need a towel or small pillow
for your head. From this position lift yourself up so that your weight is
supported between your feet and your head/hands. You body will form an
arch. While holding this position you can do some rocking and attempt to
touch your nose to the floor. As your strength and flexibility increase you
will be able to do it. Again strive to reach the one minute mark.
4) Front Bridge - Start doing the bridge on a consistent basis should spend
some time in the Front Bridge as well. Start by lying on your stomach with
your feet spread apart and your hands near your head. Lift your body off the
floor so that you are supported by only your feet and head/hands. Make sure
you touch your chin to your chest. Hold this position for one minute.
You can perform this series of exercises in circuit fashion. You should strive
to hold the positions for 1 minute to one and half minutes. You can rest
anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute between positions. When you
become more advanced you can move through each position with no rest
between them. You only need to complete one circuit of these exercises.
Dynamic Strengthening:
1) Abdominal Wheel - You will need to pick up an ab wheel from your local
fitness retailer. To use it start by kneeling on the floor (you may need a
pillow for your knees) and holding the ab wheel by the handles. The wheel
should be on the floor and near your legs. Keep you core tight and push
forward on the wheel to roll out. Your goal is to reach out as far as you can so
that your body is just hovering over the floor. Then reverse the movement
and return to the starting position. Inhale as you roll out; exhale as you return
to the starting position. Work up to being able to complete multiple sets of
10-25 repetitions.
2) Twisting - Stand holding a weight (I prefer a medicine ball, but a dumbbell
or some other weight will work as well) straight out in front of you and keep
you feet should width apart. Begin twisting your upper body to the left and
right at a fairly quick pace. You can also vary the angle of your twists for a
more complete development.

3) Side Bends - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms
above your head and simply bend side to side. You can make this exercise
more difficult by holding a weight in your hands. At first a weight as little as
2lbs will be sufficient. Start small and work your way up slowly.
4.) Fingertip and Knuckle pushups -You will need to do pushups on both
your knuckles and your finger tips to strengthen the muscles, tendons, and
ligaments in your forearms and hands. When doing knuckle pushups you will
place you weight on the last three knuckles. When doing fingertip pushups
you need to make sure you keep your fingers bent in a claw shape.
Attempting to keep them too straight will result in poor conditioning. Also do
not allow your fingers to bend backwards as this will result in unsatisfactory
conditioning. It may be very difficult to complete a proper fingertip pushups
at first. You can progress from static holds in the kneeling pushup position, to
kneeling fingertip pushups, and finally progress to full fingertip pushups. 5)
Pushing and Pulling Iron Block - Begin by standing with your feet wider than
shoulder width apart and knees bent. You will start with your hands near your
armpits and palms facing outward. Inhale and tense all of the muscles in your
body. As you exhale press your hands forward as though you are pushing a
huge iron weight. Once you fully press out your arms (but, not to lockout),
grab with your hands and pull backward as you inhale. When your hands
reach the starting position you can relax and take a single full breath before
moving on to the next repetition.
6) Fist Clenching -This is a simple exercise to complete. Start with your
hands fully open. Now begin to fully close and open your hands. You will
want to do this as quickly as possible. You should be able to at least complete
100 reps as quickly as possible. 7) Forearm Roller - You can either make a
roller (as I have already described in iron forearms or buy one where they sell
fitness supplies. To make on simply drill a hole in a thick wooden dowel (I'd
use a dowel that is about 2.5' long) and tie a rope in the hole. Tie the rope to
some weight. This setup is simple to use. Simple grip the roller and begin
twisting it as though your are wringing out a wet towel. This will cause the
rope to wrap around the dowel. Continue doing this until the weights reach
the dowel. When the weights get heavy and you need more of a challenge.
Stand on two chairs that are wider than shoulders distance apart and get into a
half squatting position (Ma-Bo or horse stance). Place the roller on your
thighs so the rope hangs between your legs and the chairs. now begin rolling
up the rope and weights.
8.) Gripper Work - I also suggest you make regular use of spring hand
grippers. The best 8.) Gripper Work - I also suggest you make regular use of
spring hand grippers. The best 2010) the first U.S. kick boxer and master of
Okinawan karate) started using the strongest steel spring grippers in America
and had amazing grip strength.

I like to set up my Dynamic Strengthening workouts in the following manner

(a Thai kick boxing friend of mine gave me these suggestions):
1) Warm-up
2) Pushing and Pulling the Iron Block - 10 reps x 3 sets (30 seconds of rest
between sets) 3) Alternate Fingertip and Knuckle pushups - Complete a set of
knuckle pushups (rest 30 seconds) then complete a set of fingertip pushups.
Repeat for 3-5 sets. 4) Dynamic Core Circuit:
5) Abdominal Wheel - 10-20 reps
6) Twisting - 10-20 reps
7) Side Bends - 10-20 reps (I sometimes use just one heavy dumbbell per
side). No rest between exercises, 30 seconds rest between circuits. Complete
3-5 circuits 8) Grippers - 3 sets of 5-10 reps with a heavy gripper
9) Forearm roller - 5-10 sets of rolling the weight all the way up.
10) 150 Fast Fist Clenches.
Impact Conditioning:
1) Self Slapping- To begin your iron body training you will start with regular
palm slapping. This is a very simple ( and to onlookers very amusing). Start
with a slap that is mildly uncomfortable. Over time you can work up to a
harder and harder slap. Begin by slapping the entire surface of your torso
(that you can reach). 5-10 rounds around your body should be enough. I also
suggest slapping your forearms, thighs, and shins to condition them as well.
You can also enlist the aid of a training partner. When using a partner stand
in your typical fighting stance and have your partner slap predetermined areas
of your body (front of the torso, thighs, back, ect...). When being struck make
sure to focus your mind on the spot being struck. You should also tense the
area as it is being struck. You should be proficient in this method before
moving on. 2) Self Punching - The self punching method is identical to the
slapping method except the fist are employed for striking as opposed to the
palms. Remember to start with light strikes and over time begin hitting harder
and harder. I recommend the use of a partner for this method as it is much
more effective. You will have to know when to stop, so don't over do it.
Always exhale just before you are struck in the abdominal region-never
inhale 3) Medicine ball hits - You will need a partner for this method. You
will also need to wear an athletic cup. Simply stand in a high Horse stance
(knees bent but not extremely so) with your guard up high to protect your
face. Have your partner throw the medicine ball at your torso from all angles.
Start light and over time work your way up to harder and harder throws.
Bring your mind to the area being struck and tense to help you protect that
area. You can also try lying on your back and have your partner drop the
medicine ball on you. Start low and work your way up. When you get really
advanced your partner can a bit of force to the drop.
Hands:
1) Paper Iron Hand - You will need to obtain an old, thick telephone book
and some sort of stand to put the telephone book ( or stacks of old
newspapers). The stand should be tall enough for the telephone book to be at
your navel level. Make sure it is nice and sturdy. You will be striking the
telephone book with the following hand surfaces: a. Palms
b. back of the hands
c. knuckles
d. knife hand (shuto)

Some feel it is best to simple drop the hand onto the striking surface while
others feel it is best to add some power to the strike. I feel the most effective
way to develop the iron hand is to actually strike the target (as opposed to
simply dropping your hand on the striking surface). As long as you take it
easy in the beginning and slowly work your way up to striking the telephone
book harder and harder you should never encounter any health problems or
real injuries. Now you have to keep in mind that you will never be striking
the telephone book as hard as you can. Even the Japanese Karate-ka, who are
famous for their amazingly conditioned hands, never hit their makiwara as
hard as they can. You should never need to hit the striking surface with more
than half of you power.

For each surface of the hand you will need to complete 25-50 strikes or 100-
300 strikes total per day.
I like to start with by conditioning my palms and the backs of my hands. I
start with my right hand and strike with the heart of my palm, then
immediately strike with the back of my right hand. I repeat this with the left
hand and keep it up with a nice rhythm until I complete 25-50 reps. Then I
shake out and stretch my hands before moving on to the next hand surface.
Make sure to shake and stretch out your hands after each set of hand surface
conditioning.
2) Heavy bag and focus mitt conditioning - When I work the heavy bag or
focus mitts I wear a pair of leather gloves. When I'm done with my session I
like to take the gloves off and work my strikes. I train the jab, the cross, rear
hand palm strike, rear hand knife-hand strike, lead backhand strike. I focus on
single, hard strikes. I will usually do about 10-25 repetitions in this manner
and my hand (especially my knuckles) are usually really red after this. I
would recommend taking up this practice if you are serious about developing
an iron hand.
After your training session you should do a full body stretch routine. I would
also recommend obtaining a foam roller and use it to give yourself a self-
massage or see a licenced professional massage parlor on a regular basis.
After your workouts you should shower if possible. Get the water as hot as is
tolerable and let it wash all over your body (though, I'd avoid the face and
genitals). Pay special attention to those areas you have conditioned that day
and do not forget to run hot water over your hands. Before you get out lower
the water temperature and let cold water wash all over your body. Again pay
special attention to all striking surfaces including your hands. You can also
opt to apply a good dit da jow liniment, especially on areas were there may
be some bruising. If you are unable to find a good dit jit jow, you can also use
witch-hazel. A witch-hazel rub can be found at any drug store. I find witch-
hazel easier to come by and use it most often.
At first you should train your iron skills daily. Muscle conditioning exercises
and Impact Conditioning will change from day to day. You should split your
routine into "A" days and "B" days. On "A" days you will do your Ch’i kung,
Static Core Work, and Impact Conditioning (hand conditioning). On "B" days
you will do you Ch’i kung, Dynamic Strengthening exercise, and Impact
Conditioning (body conditioning). Notice that Impact hand conditioning is
done on "A" days when only static core work is done as opposed to "B" days
where dynamic strengthening is done. All of the knuckle and fingertip
pushups, and grip work on the dynamic strengthening day will weaken the
musculature of the hand. You don't want to engage in impact hand
conditioning when the musculature of your hands is weak. Damage to the
tendons, ligaments, and bone structure would be much more likely. So,
impact hand conditioning should be done with the static core strengthening
exercises because those exercises stress the musculature of the hand to a
lesser degree. Impact conditioning for the body is less strenuous on the
tendons, ligaments, and bones so you don't have to worry about the dynamic
strengthening exercises being detrimental to your impact training.
So in the beginning your week would look like this:
Monday: "A" Day
Ch’i kung (I do mine at 3 AM as this is the hour of th elungs).
Static Core Work
Impact Conditioning for the Hands
Tuesday: "B" Day
Ch’i kung
Dynamic Strengthening Exercises Impact Conditioning for the Body

Wednesday: Same as Monday

Thursday: Same as Tuesday
Friday: Same as Monday
Saturday: Same as Tuesday (or rest).
Sunday: Rest (or start as Monday).

As you progress into more advanced stages you can incorporate your Ch’i
kung and muscle strengthening exercises into a more traditional routine (I
like to use the Static Core strengthening circuit as a finisher to some of my
workouts). When you have developed your iron hand and iron body you will
not have to condition them on a daily basis. If you do regular sparring and
heavy bag work you should only have to do additional iron training once or
twice a week.

The iron body student can absorb a strike by dissipation or by transferring

this force via the bone structure to the ground. An advanced student will
rebound this force from the ground, pass it threw his body, and back to the
enemy. At more advanced levels of iron body, when an enemy strikes he is
actually helping with your training, in fact the enemy may injure himself
when he strikes you!

Another technique in iron body training is “bone breathing” (not to be

confused with the Japanese ‘koppo’ which is bone breaking at the weakest
point with your strongest weapon or angle of attack). A student draws in
external ch’i from the air to increase the strength of his bones. This is also
called “washing the marrow”. Tai Ch’i classics call this technique or result
“iron wrapped in cotton”. Even with your muscles relaxed, your bones feel as
hard as iron.
One finger jab
Originally I was pulling this chapter but I have a fondness for ancient
legendary ‘kungs’ and rewrote this to make it more practical and interesting.
In the modern military certain groups learn to use the ‘thumb’ as a weapon to
jab certain vital areas of the body. But in ancient China it was the middle or
index finder that was developed as a weapon. In martial arts like Wing Chun
Kung Fu, the forward jab is one (if not the fastest) offensive techniques to the
eyes, or neck area.
The first part of this type of training will work provided you take time and let
your finger and wrist adapt to the new striking method. The training after that
which delves into the esoteric part of the kung. Could be legendary or the fact
that no one is willing to spend the required amount of years training to do this
amazing skill?
The first part of this ‘one finger jab’ training is just standing in an attack
stance in front of a tree and jabbing either the same middle or index finder or
alternating jabbing first the left and then the right middle or index finder. I
would start with 100-300 strikes per finger everyday. After some time your
skin could split (depending on how hard you are actually striking the tree).
This will heal and continue training after a time you will note the skin where
you have been striking will be much harder as well as the bone underneath
and muscles. When you are able tio strike the tree at full power. You can
begin the next phase of training striking a large boulder or brick wall. After
doing this for five years. Begin striking a caste iron plate. When you can do
this at full power. One strike to an enemy directed at his eye, temple, or neck
could kill him instantly. Now if you wanted to go on further still hang an iron
bell or heavy block of iron or steel about five to six feet off the ground (the
metal should weigh 15-20 pounds). Begin striking the metal with the same
finger(s) as before and continue this everyday. Now at some point
(supposedly) you should start to notice that you can move the metal
backwards without physically touching it! This is where the ‘legend’ may be
come a tall tale or you become super-powered and able to merely point and
kill someone. But no, it goes beyond this after you have reached the point of
moving metal by the emission of ch’i threw your finger.
The next five years of training you merely point at a candle about ten paces
away and put it out. Continue this everyday and every week move back three
paces. Until you are able to put out the candle from a distance of over on
hundred feet. Then place a glass cover around the burning candle and when
you can put out the candle without breaking the glass you will have mastered
the one finger jab!
Training your reflexes
The need for superior reflexes is paramount to defeating your opponent. The
younger you start training your nervous system the better you will be and
more advanced fighting can be accomplished. When you train a repetitive
action, over and over again, you develop a “reflex arc” that can almost act on
its own, without conscious thought. Combined with strong intentional
training on what or how your body will react given a certain stimulus is
where we will begin your training. For example; when a punch is throw at
your face or body. You will automatically either; block, dodge, or grab the
arm of the enemy. You must practice this not only physically with your body
but also mentally. While you sit or lie and relax, these exercises will be
deeply embedded into your subconscious. Also a good mental exercise to do
while you are waiting for the bus, on a subway, or walking, is to imagine the
people around you attacking you in various ways. Imagine how you would
react to the different types of attacks and the outcome. This exercise will keep
you aware of all danger around you and train your mind to always be ready!
Being always ready is another rule you should follow. Every morning before
you leave your home, you should do your warm up exercises and be ready for
action. Your home is where you dwell and should be your safe haven.

The one place you can (and need) to relax and be able to let your guard down.
You need this home relaxation time just as much as you do training and
exercise. This will help you remain sharp and strong. If you try to always be
on guard it will wear you down and just like having chronic pain. It will
begin to cause health and mental problems in your life. Make your home your
sanctuary that is a safe clean environment to live, train, enjoy, and thrive in.

Begin upon awakening in the morning, before you even get out of bed stay on
your back and stretch. Then rotate your wrists and ankles. Bend your neck
from side to side gently and then sit up slowly and stand. Your body has been
lying in bed dormant for overnight and needs to gently be warmed up so you
do not injure yourself. This becomes more helpful as one grows older. You
would be wise even if you are still under age thirty to warm up, always as
small trauma will accumulate and cause various arthritis, joints, ligaments,
and tendon problems when you do get older. Ancient to modern techniques
have been used to train and activate your nervous system. This is a key
element to your self defense component. “Hop scotch” was used by ancient
Roman soldiers to develop reflexes and coordination. It is a game that can be
done anywhere and is very effective.

Skipping rope is another excellent method of getting coordination plus

cardiovascular training. In fact skipping rope for only 15 minutes is equal to
running for 30 minutes. It can be done again anywhere and the equipment can
be taken with you in your duffle bag or suitcase. Another good method is to
get a solid rubber ball and push a length of line through the middle of it use a
screwdriver and then tie a knot in the end that exits the bottom. You can then
practice hitting the ball at various heights that you hang the ball from. The
amount of time you spend doing this hitting, kicking, and even dodging the
ball. Your eyes, and body will become accustomed to moving together and
you will become more fluid in motion.

For your grip and hand strength, just obtain a good handful size piece of
modeling clay from any art supply store(as I wrote about earlier). Take and
roll it into a ball and then practice squeezing it over, and over again. You can
do this while watching T.V. or reading swap hands and try to do at least 100-
300 squeezes per day. Some basic warm up exercises should be done before
every workout or in the morning before you leave your home.
1) Pull-ups 2) Side stretch 3) Twists 4) Shake your limbs 5) Proper breathing
6) Arm circles 7) Sit-ups 8) Leg raises 9) Push-ups 10) Squats
Conditioning your body
You need to have a healthy strong body to come out on top. You do not have
to be a huge muscular bodybuilder. But you do need to have a healthy body
that you can rely on to defend yourself and save your life and those that you
care about. Weight training will build up your strength and size the fastest.
However, this may not be an option if you are traveling, or not able to get to a
gym. If this is the case the following exercises will increase your strength,
size, and stamina if followed on a regular basis. Try to include some of the
following exercises at least every other day; push-ups, pull-ups, squats, sit-
ups, crunches, and leg raises. Go to a gymnasium or consult an expert in
physical development to aid you in obtaining and maintaining a strong
healthy body.

You need to eat a healthy diet as well the following are the diet guidelines I
recommend you follow these key points;

1) Eat slowly; it is not necessary to drink much while you are eating. Food
should be thoroughly chewed so it is well combined with moderate amounts
of saliva. Digestion starts in your mouth.
2) Try not to drink with your meals. Do not wash down your food.
3) Drink adequate amounts of water of water upon arising and between
meals. Water is the best liquid needed to purify your blood stream.

4) Eat to live. Do not live to eat.

5) You will find it helpful to eat at planned times. Permit from 2 to 3 hours to
elapse between meals.
6) Do not eat before bedtime. Your stomach needs to rest along with the rest
of your body.
7) It is best not to eat if you are emotionally upset, fatigued, or in pain. Either
postpone or eliminate a meal if you are stressed.
8) Eat several small meals, rather than three large ones. The final meal should
be light and several hours before you go to sleep. This also will allow you to
still defend yourself. If you overeat your breathing will become labored and it
will slow you down in defending yourself.
9) Avoid foods that are too hot or cold.
10) Increase your intake of raw fruits during breakfast. This will be a good
source of enzymes that will aid digestion.
11) Eat more raw vegetables, especially salads, before your main course. This
stimulates and aids digestion.
12) It is most healthy to seek variety in each meal, mix it up and enjoy your
food. Breathing and getting hit; are two of the most unused basic
conditioning exercises that can be done anywhere and anytime. Proper
breathing will help increase the amount of oxygen in your blood stream and
thus increase the amount of energy in your body. Also, when you are being
attacked exhale and contract your abdominal muscles. This will help
minimize the damage to a strike here. If you inhale while throwing a punch or
kick you will be off balance. Always exhale forcefully, perhaps include a yell
to accompany your punch, kick, or throw as well. Inhale while backing up or
circling your enemy. Get in the habit of always going around your enemy and
then attack. Do not let your enemy circle you! Here is the breathing exercise
you should practice all the time. This will also help develop your abdominal
muscles to contract hard and can be done while sitting or standing at anytime.
Diaphragmatic breathing: Stand or sit with your mouth closed, inhale deeply
through your nostrils. Keep your chest rigid and concentrate your thoughts on
your diaphragm “tan tien” area. Let it expand as you count (in your minds
eye) to eight. Hold your breath when you reach eight in your mental count,
then slowly count to four. As you let go of your breath, on the mental count
of four, compress your diaphragm down on your stomach muscles forcibly as
you open your mouth to exhale. The first time you practice diaphragmatic
breathing you may find yourself coughing especially if you are a smoker. Do
not be alarmed. You are simply not used to deep breathing. Repeat the
exercise six times. You may find the sixth breath causes a slight dizziness.
This is only confirms that you are unaccustomed to the absorption of this
volume of oxygen. The oxygen that is absorbed quickly goes to your brain.
You do not need to continue beyond six inhalations the first time you practice
this exercise that increases your oxygen by 500% or more! This will over
time give you a great advantage over an enemy that does not have well
developed lungs and deep regular breathing is the way to achieve this most
healthy of habits.
Primary weapons
The human anatomy has plenty of weapons that can be in fact lethal. The
advantage is that you are always armed with them and can never be disarmed.
If you’re natural weapons is all you use to defend yourself. Then you will not
feel naked or at a loss. Like a person that relies on a firearm, or other external
weapon. This gives you a huge psychological advantage verses a person that
relies heavily on a gun, mace, tonfa, staff, knife, nunchuka, sai, or sword, the
person that uses these weapons as the primary weapons, will always be
reaching for them or have them close by. You will not have this disadvantage
of never being without your weapon of choice with Demoncide-waza.

Here are your primary anatomical weapons that you always have with you.
1) Fingers; can be used to grab, stab, and jab. They are in your daggers.
2) Fist; can be used to pound, smash, and strike. This is your mace, short
sword, and hammer.
3) Elbow; can be used to pound, smash, and strike. This is your pile driver,
crowbar.
4) Knee; can be used to pound, smash and strike.
5) Forearm; can be used to block, and strike.
6) Foot; can be used to kick, block, and feint.
7) Head; can be used to smash with your forehead, and bite with your teeth.
The following six uses of your hands will first be addressed. They are the
most used and the fastest weapon in unarmed combat that you can use to
defend yourself. Great care must be taken when using these tools of
destruction on another human being. You must also care that you flex your
muscles and use these weapons once engaged with the enemy repeatedly, at
the same time screaming or yelling at the enemy. Get in the habit while
training of throwing three successive strikes per arm, when you can do that
for each of the six hand weapons, increase the number to six repeated thrusts
per arm. This will greatly increase your fighting stamina and power when you
do actually have to defend yourself.
Basic fist; is made by rolling your fingers back until your finger tips are
pushing into your palm tightly and then fold over your thumb on the outside
of your now closed fist. You will want to strike your enemy using the first to
knuckles of your fist, or use the edge to smash down like a hammer, or even
use a backhand.
~Basic fist~
Edge of hand; is made by extending your fingers together and flat pressed
against each other. This type of weapon is most effective against the neck,
nose, and throat. ~Edge of hand~

Thumb jab; this is just like the basic fist except you now extend the thumb
outward while still pressed against your forefinger. Effectively used against
the solar plexus, eyes, throat, and temples.

~Thumb jab~
Cupped hands; is made like the edge of hand but cup your palms. Used to
burst your enemy’s ear drums if done correctly slapping both sides of the
enemy’s head at the same time, if done with enough force it will stun the
enemy.
~Cupped hands~
 Finger
jab; is made by pointing either one or two fingers that are held rigidly, most
effective against the eyes or throat. This will inflict severe injury to the
enemy. ~Finger jab~

Heel of hand; is made by bending back slightly the open palm, but close your
fingers down. You want to deliver a powerful strike using the heel of your
hand. It can be used effectively against the jaw (as in an upper cut), directly
to the face, head and solar plexus. ~Heel of hand~

Remember when you are engaged in a fight for your life, the use of any
object can also be used. You can make your enemy duck by throwing things,
or even blind them by throwing dirt or sand in their eyes.

To make these weapons even more lethal, you can condition the striking
points of each of them. This will also allow you to practice the strikes full
force against the training box or bucket. Construct a wooden box about 25-30
inches square or obtain a standard five gallon bucket. Fill it with regular
white rice just shy of six inches full. Stand or sit above it and practice all your
hand strikes into the rice. This training will condition your striking points and
joints, that will help reduce your natural sensitivity to impact. Take your time
and continue this phase of the training for at least a month, then after a month
of daily conditioning training. Empty the rice out and fill your training box or
bucket with sand. This will further condition your striking points and cause
calluses to develop on the striking area of your anatomical weapons.

Remember to inhale while pulling back your strike an exhale forcefully (even
giving out a “ki-ai” shout or scream) and go as deep as you can into the sand
try to hit the bottom. Do this for 10-15 minutes everyday as fast as you can. If
you still think you need even harder striking points. Empty the sand and this
time replace it with small gravel no bigger than the size of a pea. Make sure
to massage your striking points and hands after every training session.

Another method of training is to take a stack of newspapers, tape them

together along the outer edges making it at least six inches thick. You may
then attach this against a brick wall or lay it down on top of a stack of cement
blocks. Over time the newspaper will aid in the conditioning of your striking
points. After a few months you will be able to strike the cement blocks
without the newspapers there. This technique is used at various training
centers throughout China. Like anything worthwhile it will take time to
develop fully. However, these anatomical weapons are lethal even without
the conditioning exercises. They will just make you even more lethal!
Primary targets
Unlike other self-defensive methods, that uses non-lethal nerve centers for
targets. The following are used only for life and death situations. It is the last
resort when all else has failed. You are utilizing your body’s maximum
strength against your enemy’s weakest anatomical points. Which will result
in death or disabling your enemy, attacking rather than defending is critical
for you to be the victor instead of the victim!

Always keep your balance and do not allow your enemy to grab any part of
your body. Strike with the speed of a cobra and the power of a tiger. Strike
and keep striking until you have disposed of the enemy. If you do fall to the
ground or are thrown with your enemy keeps continued strikes to your
enemy. Remember you are in the fight for your life there is no second place
here or “dirty fighting” anything goes. During a fight you will not have time
to stop and think about where to throw your strikes. That is why it is
paramount that you practice, practice and practice! You can do this anywhere
it is what boxers call shadow boxing. Imagine you’re worst or most feared
enemy and then proceed to throw your strikes at him while ducking and
dodging your enemy’s. Rehears in your mind what would you do if the
enemy got you in a lock or hold? You can practice kicks, grabs and throws
and how you would get out of them. This is the basis for what is called “kata”
in the martial arts. A kata is a sequence of learned moves and or combination
of throws, kicks, strikes, ducking and dodging. That was once an actual fight
from the distant past. This was a way in which legendary “moves” that work
very well were preserved and past down through history, so that one did not
have to rediscover them as the original martial arts master did. You can make
up your own unique kata’s of certain combination of “moves” you find are
useful for you to defend yourself with, as everyone is of different size and
shape. Martial arts styles also vary and are suited best to specific body types,
for example; Choi le Fut Kung fu is almost unbeatable if the person learning
it is above a certain height. Tall people and basketball players would be
suited best with is style. Where, Shotokan karate is great for overall
development. But the fact is, the more, well rounded muscular person who
will excel at this style. A person shorter in stature would benefit from the
Wing Chun Kung fu style and be very hard to beat. Then again it is the drive
and person combination of physical and mental ability to win. A heavyweight
boxer that uses only three punches (uppercut, jab and straight punch) will
best a smaller black belt that has over one hundred moves at his disposal. If
you do have the time to take martial arts, do so and learn everything possible.
There is no substitute for actual physical contact and practice with a qualified
martial arts instructor regardless of the style being taught. One myth that has
kept coming up in training various groups of military and civilian personnel
is that a upward strike to the nose will drive the cartilage into the brain and
kill your enemy. Nothing could be father from the truth. The fact is the nasal
cartilage cannot be driven through the skull into the brain. It is much softer
than bone and a strike to the nose will only break the cartilage, cause
temporary blindness (due to watering of the eyes) and some bleeding but
absolutely not a lethal move. It will give you time to strike the eyes, throat
and temples. Always assume your enemy is stronger and faster than you are.
If they are armed with a firearm or knife, stand facing them with only one
side of your body towards them.

Keep your distance do not engage them. If they do shoot you and you have
no cover to shield yourself keep facing them and use your arm as a shield. If
fired at you will have a better chance to live by allowing the bullet to first go
through the arm rather than directly into your vital organs in your upper
torso. The main thing to keep in mind is remain out of the line of fire. You do
not have to be faster than a bullet, just move to the left or right out of the line
of fire or where the gun barrel is pointed at. If you are within arms reach and
you know you are going to be shot by your attacker as fast as you can move
to one side and grab the gun and turn it bending your attackers wrist towards
your enemy and if possible twist it out of their hand. If the attacker has a
knife you might want to try kicking under his hand carrying the knife. But if
possible stay away and keep your distance. Your enemy might be larger than
you are. If so then when they attack grab whatever limb they attempt to strike
you with first. For example; if they throw a punch grab and attack their arm.
Or if it is a kick attack their leg. Then attack the “primary targets” you will
learn in this chapter. The rule of thumb is always if your enemy is larger than
you. Do not rush in to attack their “primary targets” If you do this before
striking the enemy’s secondary targets; i.e. elbow and knee joints you will be
at a disadvantage and your enemy will have the reach advantage by virtue of
the anatomical size difference. To cut your enemy down to size, you must
first divide and then conquer. A 6’5” enemy might seem unbeatable. Until
you attack the 2’ ½” arm they throw at you. Break the joint, twist the hand,
and yank in the fingers. Then with lightning speed attack the “primary
targets” and you will defeat the enemy. The same applies to their leg is the
attempt to kick you. Attack the knee joint by kicking at it from either side this
alone has stopped many attackers before any harm comes to you or your
loved ones. Remember most bullies and attackers do not expect you the
victim to fight back with the fury of Black Dragon Kungfu! If possible
retreat, re-evaluate, and then attack, but keep yourself alive at all costs!
Always remember “A.B.C.; Always Be Cool” When someone is staring
directly at you. Do not stare back. This will challenge the person looking at
you and invite violent tendencies. Instead look up or stretch and yaw like you
are bored. Some people are looking for a fight and just seek those out who
they think they can beat up, in order to try to prove to themselves that they
are better than you, because they suffer from low self-esteem and are really
cowards. Remember 90% of self defense is just to avoid the trouble in the
first place. You know what areas of the environment you live in will be
trouble. Crowds always favor confrontations i.e. clubs, bars, concerts, major
events, subway, elevators, trains, etc. Of you are walking and are brushed or
bumped into by a fellow citizen, be the better person and even if it was not
your fault, say “excuse me.” Politely and move on. Do not start a shoving
match or worse. These people coming in contact with you are innocent and
Black Dragon Kungfu is to be used as a last resort always! Just as lethal as a
firearm only it has an unlimited amount of ammo and can never be separated
from you. Just knowing you have two fists full of potential kinetic dynamite,
should give you an air of confidence that will keep away all but the hardcore
thugs. People will notice this and then you can be more relaxed and make
new friends instead of an enemy. To be admired and loved is always better
than to be feared and loathed. Offer people your open hand of the protector,
instead of a closed fist of the ever turbulent warrior. Peace should always be
your goal in both your private and public life.
Front targets
1) Temples; striking one or both of these vulnerable parts of your enemy will
knock out or kill them!
2) Eyes; striking, gouging out the eyes, will stop the enemy. When this is
done immediately strike the throat, which will double over the enemy and
then deliver the kill strike to the back of the neck.
3) Throat; this is a multi target area, where the windpipe (trachea) can be
smashed or stabbed. The neck can be broken, or either side of the neck struck
with the edge of the hand.
4) Solar plexus; this large nerve center will disable the largest enemy. Strike
in an upwards direction for maximum effectiveness. Straight line strikes can
be deflected, always strike in an upward motion.
5) Groin; this area in both males and females if struck will cause instant pain.
If kicked with sufficient force you may rupture the testicles.
Black Dragon Kung Fu is literally very powerful death techniques. It is a
composite system to be used only in life and death situations. This system
may save your life or those you love and care about. It is not for play or to be
practiced on anyone! The techniques are lethal and at the very least will cause
the need for immediate medical attention to the person(s) that have had the
unfortunate attempt to victimize you. If you use and apply what you have
learned in this book you will walk with a new sense of confidence and power
that others will notice around you. This air of supreme confidant power will
be noticed by your friends and family and in fact your attackers will avoid
you now and not seek you out.
Back targets
1) Temples; these may be struck from either side.
2) Ears; while not a lethal strike. Simple “cupped hands or palms” if struck in
a clapping motion with great force will bust the enemy’s eardrums. Another
technique not so well know is the often called the “Mr. Potato head.”
Grabbing one or both ears and yanking on them hard can result in ripping off
the ear(s) and does not require a large amount of strength, this often stops an
attack.
3) Neck; striking here can result at a minimum pain, unconsciousness or
death. Depending on the amount of force generated during the attack.
4) Spine; anywhere along the spine may result in nerve damage and possible
paralysis. The boney part above the middle of the shoulder blades is very
effective.
5) Kidneys; direct striking to the kidney will result in blood loss and possible
permanent damage that may result in death from internal bleeding.
The reason for the low amount of targets is that you do not have to commit to
memory hundreds of other vital striking points that may only cause the
enemy pain. The ones listed do have the most lethal and immediate effect on
any enemy so you can survive your hand to hand combat experience should
the need arise.
When you are surprised or being attacked the most common reflex attack
people do is usually hit the other in the face or jaw. This is not a good idea
the nerves are clustered in the face and even a slap across the face will excite
these nerves resulting in a more aggressive enemy. This is the last thing you
want to have is a more enraged opponent. The adrenal glands will produce
more adrenaline giving your enemy greater strength and speed. Your goal
should be to knock out or kill your enemy as fast as possible. A life and death
combat should not last longer than 30-45 seconds maximum! You want the
attacker to stop as soon as possible so that you can either escape, or defeat
him, by knockout or death.
The more intense the fight the shorter it will be. The less intense the longer it
will last. The longer a fight goes on the greater chance you have to be injured
or killed. You must use everything at you disposal that may include head
butting use the forehead and torque to either the left or right side upon
impact. You want to direct all your energy using the head butting technique
or “nutting” as they call it in the United Kingdom. At your attackers nose or
there eyes for maximum effectiveness. This may come in handy if you are
caught in a bear hug by a larger enemy. If you are caught this way from the
rear arch your back at the same time you smash the back of your head into
your attackers face.
Common objects as weapons
Besides your natural anatomical weapons, if you are attacked. Some common
everyday objects may be utilized as offensive or defensive weapons. Some of
these are; pen/pencil, walking stick or cane, the chair you are sitting on, the
keys in your hand, the cup of coffee you are carrying, some coins you may
have in your pocket, a rolled up newspaper, books you may be carrying, even
rocks on the ground around you. These can be your secondary weapons, as
they are next in line of speed in availability. The reason why most weapons
that are carried for the specific purpose of protection are not used is the
element of surprise! The criminal has the distinct advantage of a laid out and
planned attack on you, in order to assault, mug, rape or murder you! Even a
professional bodyguard, military personnel, or law official, must let their
guard down. Because the fact of the matter is they cannot be using their
weapons that they are carrying on every person that happens to just walk by
them or merely look suspicious. It gives the criminal or terrorist an advantage
that they fully are aware of and exploit it all the time.

That is why you must mentally visualize and attack people as you stay “on-
guard” for the real thing. It is no wonder so many of the armed forces are
getting post traumatic stress disorder (P.T.S.D.) if you are young being
exposed to this constant state of vigilant stress of war, will eventually leave
its ugly mark on the strongest and bravest of military personnel. This is
another reason why Black Dragon Kung Fu is so effective. Plain and simply
it is always with you and will keep protecting you for life.

“Sparing is to what a sharpening stone is to a Samurai sword. It will keep

your reflexes sharp and you on the edge ready to strike” Sifu-Tony Salvitti
The law and defending yourself
This is perhaps one of the most important chapters of information that you
need to know. It could very well save you from financial or criminal disaster.
In the preceding chapters you have learned how to defend yourself and love
ones. But the after effects are far reaching even though you are the innocent
good law abiding citizen that was attacked. The legal system in the United
States of America has been bogged down with so many legal cross references
and amendments. That it is now open to anyone’s interpretation and in the
court of law it is only what you can ‘prove’ that the court will believe is a
fact. This is regardless of zero to one hundred witnesses present at the
‘alleged’ crime. If you are a victim of an attack and a police officer shows up
and begins speaking to you. Do yourself a favor and do not speak to them!
The words “everything you say and do will be held against you.” Are exactly
that, remain silent and do not say anything until your attorney is provided for
you or you use your own legal council. To the police officer you are nothing
but a report he must do, and would rather not be involved in a court case that
could last months. If your attacker is still alive this is very important. You
could become liable for all the medical bills that the ‘alleged’ attacker now
has because you were defending your life.

This has happened to me as well as a number of my friends in recent years.

Plus a few even ended up going to jail themselves for “using excessive force”
to defend their loved ones! The only mistakes they made were giving a
statement to the police officer, at the crime scene while still hyped up on all
the excitement and adrenaline flowing through their veins. Then to make
matters worse taking the witness stand later on in there own defense because
the ‘alleged’ attacker had a much better legal council to defend him. The
information (if you do speak) will not be accurate and everything you say
will be used out of context anyway. Indeed since you are victorious in your
self defense, the police officer may see you as the aggressor! Since the
release of all the adrenaline in your system will take at least 1-2 hours to
metabolize and you will then be in a clam state of both body and mind. This
applies even more so to you ‘if’ you have defended yourself and actually
killed your attacker. Do not speak or give any statement to any law official
until after you have legal council. No matter how intelligent you ‘think’ you
are and your attacker is diseased lying on the ground. The state or country in
which this crime and defense has taken place will represent your attacker in
the court. The only place that you will have the legal right to kill the attacker
is if they are on or inside your property or residence. This still does not
preclude you from speaking to the law official. Again keep silent and inform
the law that you need your legal council provided as soon as possible. That is
all you need to say. Do not resist the law officials or use any vulgar language
or physical actions that could be interpreted as violent. Indeed, cooperate
with them in every other way and be nice and non-threatening to them. Just
do not speak or give any written statement! After you are provided with your
legal council, explain everything to them in a calm manner. Do not leave
anything out about the attack. Your legal council is on your side. If
everything checks out you will be released and there should be no further
problems. However, if the ‘facts’ according to the investigation or the now
deceased or attacker that lived and is now in the hospital, you could find
yourself in the courtroom but only now your legal council must defend you.

You could be sued for thousands of dollars in medical bills, the attackers lost
wages for not being able to go to work, mental stress (PTSD), and a host of
other things that the ‘attackers’ legal council could find you responsible for
and virtually ruin your life financially, and take valuable time from you and
your family by having to be dragged through the court system that is now a
joke.

This is why self defense begins by avoiding all confrontation before it

escalates to violence. When you find yourself in a heated argument take a
step back and a few deep breaths. This simple action could save you hundred
to thousands of dollars. Even a simple shoving match can make you end up in
a ‘anger management’ class that you will have to pay for and the court
enforced ‘anger management’ will only make you really angry when you find
out that you have to take time (that you do not have) and spend money you
cannot afford to learn absolutely nothing! It is this author who has over 36
years in the martial arts and an excellent heavyweight fighter. To give you the
advice of; simply walk away, leave; remove yourself from any violent
situation. Yes, it is very sad case of irony to have spent decades learning arts
in various martial arts and military hand to hand combat techniques,
obtaining several black belts along the way as well as being a Master in both
Tai Ch’i Chuan & Hsing-i chuan Kung Fu and not being able to use it.
Because of the legal system I would instead duck or dodge out of the attack,
let them hit me, or run away! You have now been armed with the knowledge
to defend yourself with Kung Fu and the wisdom to avoid an attack in the
first place.

I wish you peace in all your travels and long life. Sifu-Tony Salvitti
Black dragon dojo
Dit da jow formula
Dit da jow can be bought online and through martial arts catalogs or it can be
directly obtained from a Chinese apothecary or master. Dit da jow is
primarily used by martial artists to aid the healing of Iron Palm training. In
addition natural oils such as olive oil, or peanut oil are excellent for massage
both the top of your hands and palm and fingers. This will allow healing and
recuperation from training your hands (or any other body part) faster because
you help massage out the muscles and lymphatic system.

If you purchase Dit da jow already made, it is best that you purchase it
bottled in glass and not plastic. Authentic Dit da jow that contains herbs like
camphor, frankincense and myrrh, combined with alcohol can leach the
chemicals from the plastic bottle and contaminate the liniment, making it
totally useless or dangerous.

When you purchase the herbs to make your own Dit da jow, is in a glass jar
or fired clay (porcelain or ceramic), and an alcohol medium like vodka or gin
is used. Centuries ago Dit da jow was made by combining the herbs in a clay
vessel and adding rice wine, then burying the vessel in the ground for months
or even years; the longer the herbs sat in the alcohol, the stronger the Dit da
jow became.

Many recipes are available; the ingredients listed here are merely examples.
The best mixture depends on many factors, including the particular intended
use. In particular, there are "toxic" and "non-toxic" recipes—the former must
not be used on open wounds or ingested.

The herbs and other ingredients are typically coarse-ground, then steeped in
alcohol (vodka or rice wine is commonly suggested), sometimes with heat,
and then aged. Many vendors offer "herb packs" from which Dit da jow can
be prepared, or pre-made Dit da jow mixtures for particular uses.
Traditional Chinese recipes vary greatly; some of the many possible
ingredients are:
Ba Ji Tian (Morinda root)
Bai Bu (Stemona)
Bai Dou Kou (White Cardamon)
Bai Hua She (Pit Viper)
Bai Ji Zi (Mustard Seed)
Bai Shao (White Peony)
Bai Zhi (White Angelica)
Ban Xia (Pinellia)
Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes)
Cao Wu (Aconitum kusnezoffii or Kusnezoff Monkshood or Wild Aconite, a
member of the large Aconitum genus)
Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed)
Chen Pi (Aged Citrus Peel)
Chen Xiang (Aquilaria Wood)
Chi Shao (Red Peony)
Chuan Po Shi (Cudrania, in the genus Maclura)
Chuan Shan Long (Japanese Yam)
Chuan Wu (Sichuan Aconite)
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Root)
Da Huang (Rhubarb)
Dan Shen (Salvia)
Dang Gui (Angelica Root)
Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Root Tail)
Di Gu Pi (Lycium Bark)
Ding Xiang (Clove Bud)
Du Huo (Angelica Pub)
Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark)
E Zhu (Zedoary)
Fang Feng (Siler[disambiguation needed] Root) Fu Hai Shi (Pumice)
Fu Ling (Poria[disambiguation needed]) Fu Pen Zi (Raspberry Fruit)
Fu Zi (Aconite)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis or Chinese Licorice Root) Gan Jiang (Ginger
Root)
Gao Liang Jiang (Galangal Rhizome) Ge Gen (Kudzu Root)
Gou Qi Zi (Lycium Berry)
Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria)
Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed) Gui Zhi (Cinnamon)
Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Stem)
Hong Hua (Carthamus/Safflower) Hua Jiao (Prickly Ash Pepper or Sichuan
pepper(?)) Huang Bai (Phellodendron)
Huang Qin (Skullcap)
Ji Xue Teng (Millettia)
Jiang Huang (Turmeric)
Jiang Xiang (Dalbergia Rosewood) Jie Geng (Platycodon)
Jing Jie (Schizonepeta)
Kuan Jin Teng (Tinospora cordifolia Stem) Li Lu (Veratrum)
Liu Huang (Sulfur)
Liu Ji Nu (Artemisia)
Long Gu (Dragon Bone)
Lu Lu Tong (Liquidambar Fruit) Luo Shi Teng (Star Jasmine Vine) Ma
Huang (Ephedra) or Gui Zhi (Cinnamon) Menthol
Mo Yao (Myrrh)
Mu Dan Pi (Mountain Peony) Mu Gua (Quince Fruit)
Mu Tong (Akebia)
Mu Xiang (Aucklandia lappa or Saussaurea) Niu Xi (Achyranthes)
Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion)
Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen)
Qian Nian Jian (Homalomena) Qiang Huo (Notopterygium incisum) Qin Jian
(Gentian Root)
Qing Pi (Citrus Peel)
Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche) Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) Ru Xiang
(Frankincense)
San Leng (Sparganium or Bur-Reed) San Qi (Panax pseudoginseng) Shan
Zhu Yu (Cornus Berry) She Chuang Zi (Cnidium Seed) Sheng Di Huang
(Rehmannia)
Shu Di Huang (Cooked Rehmannia Root)
Song Jie (Pine Branch)
Su Mu (Caesalpinia sappan or Sappan Wood) Tao Ren (Peach Kernel)
Tian Ma (Gastrodia)
Tian Nan Xing (Arisaema)
Tu Bie Chong (Eupolyphaga or Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker or Wingless
Cockroach)
Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed)
Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root)
Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax)
Wu Ling Zhi (Squirrel Droppings)
Wu Wei Zi (Evodia Fruit)
Xi Xing (Wild Ginger)
Xiang Fu (Cyperus nut)
Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root)
Xue Jie (Dragon's blood)
Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) Yu Jin (Turmeric Tuber) Ze Lan (Bugleweed)
Zhang Nao (Camphor) Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange Peel) Zi Ran Tong (Pyrite) Zi
Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) Zi Wan (Aster Root)

Westernized recipe ;

Some recipes instead use ingredients more readily available in the West.
These are obviously non-traditional, and some practitioners of traditional
Chinese medicine would not consider such recipes "true" Dit da jow. A
Westernized recipe might include ingredients such as:

Arnica Blossoms (anti inflammatory) Blessed Thistle (blood purifier)

Cinnamon bark
Comfrey (anti inflammatory) Ginger Root (circulation/wound healing)
Goldenseal Root (antibiotic) Myrrh (antiseptic/wound healing)
Pseudoginseng (blood dispersion) Rhubarb root
Sarsaparilla Root (blood purifier) Witch Hazel (anti inflammatory)
Glossary
Acupuncture- Chinese system of medicine and healing by the manipulation
of needles on certain key points of the body, known as meridians.
Acupressure-The system of using pressure and manipulation of body parts to
heal itself, G-jo acupressure is just one type of acupressure that can heal or
stop pain without invasive needles.
Aikido - Japenese martial art invented by Morehei Ueshiba, involving
internal and external harmony with nature, the techniques of this system are
circular in movement, and heavy emphasis on development of “Ki” (Qi, or
Ch’i life force).
Atemi - Japenese art of striking the vital points of the body. It is now used in
jiu jitsu, but is illegal in judo contests.
Bandesh - Indian empty hand fighting technique used to defeat an armed
assailant without killing him.
Bando - Burmese martial art involving numerous boxing methods. It is based
upon twelve animals, which are the Boar, Bull, Cobra, Deer, Eagle, Monkey,
Bird, Panther, Python, Scorpion, Tiger and Viper. It was introduced into the
west by Dr. Maung Gyi in 1962. A very effective battlefield tested martial art
that is very aggressive. Bersilat - Martial art of Malaysia, derived from the
Indonesian Pentjaklilat. It is also practised in Java and Sumtra.
Binot- Ancient form of weaponless fighting found in India. This art is reputed
to be more than 3,000 years old. The word means “something to protect”, few
the art is almost extinct today.
Blackbelt - Belt representing the fist significant rank in the martial arts
training. Achieving this level of profincency allows one to teach the art to
others. In the Japenese ranking system it is known as Shodan.
Bo - Six or four foot staff used by Okinawans and Japanese for combat
purposes. Bohidharma - Indian holy man (who was a prince originally from
his small village in southern India, also known as Ta'Mo and Daruma,
credited wth bringing zen buddhism to china by introducing a series of
exercises to the shaolin temple, traditionally regognized as the orgin of all
Shaolin Kung Fu.
Bohokpai - Chinese system of kung fu based upon the mannerisms of the
white crane. Bokken - Solid wooden sword used for training purposes in
kendo and other martial arts. In the hands of an expert it can deliver fatal
blows.
Bokmeipai - White Eyebrow, style of kung fu, named after it's founder, Bok
Mei. It is a very fast style of kung fu, which legend states to have been
banned at the shaolin temple after bok mie killed a fellow student in a fight.
Bushi- Japanese word meaning Martial Man to indicate a warrior who
follows the code of Bushido, way of the warrior. Bushido was a code of
ethnics, followed by the samurai, which stressed honor, loyalty, duty and
obedience.
Cat stance - Stance used mainly in some karate styles, but also seen in Kung
Fu. It places virtually all the body weight on the back leg. The name derives
from it's resemblence to a cat about to pounce or spring.
Centerline - Basic theory of Wing Chun Kung Fu, in which students are
taught to defend and attack imaginary line running down through the center
of the body on which all vital organs are located (along with all yogic
chakras).
Ch’an-(Chan) - Chinese reading of Zen, meaning Meditation. In india it is
known as Dhyana.
Chang-Honyu- School of Taekwondo created by Choi Hong Hi. The name
means Blue Cottage.
Chang San-Feng - Legendary martial arts master and great taoist philospher,
credited with founding Tai Chi Chuan, one of the three internal systems of
chinese boxing. Ch’i - Internal energy, the universal force which is harnessed
through a series of special breathing exercises called Chi-Kung or Qi Gong. It
brings it's users good health and physical strength. It's development is a prime
requirement for practioners of Tai Chi and Hsing-1.
Ch’in-Na - Chinese art of seizing and grappling, identified as a type of
wrestling but much more sophisitated. Great knowledge of anatomy is
required by it's practioners before the techniques can be successfully applied.
Chien - Oldest known style of Tai Chi Chaun. It began in Chien Village and
has 108 postures.
Chi Sao - Special exercise in Wing Chun Kung Fu for developing cordination
and sensitivity in the arms. It is also very important for teaching correct
elbow positioning and economy of motion. It is known in the west as
Sticking Hands.
Choy Li Fut - Southern style of Chinese boxing based uon the Shaolin
Temple system. It was deviesed in 1836 by Chan Heung. If a very tall athletic
person was to master this system it is almost impossible to defeat them.
Chuan-Fa - Chinese term meaning “Way of the Fist”, correct term for Kung
Fu. Chudan - In Japanese Martial Arts the middle area or chest. In Karate this
is one of the three target areas of the body.
Chungdan - Korean term to indicate the mid-section of the body,
corresponding to the japanese Chudan.
Chunin - One of the three ranks in Ninjutsu, the middleman.
Crane - One of the five animal styles of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Daisensei- Title of respect, meaning Great Teacher, given only to a teacher of
high rank. Daisho - Matching set of the Japanese long and short swords, worn
by all Samurai in the Tokugawa era.
Daito- Japanese long sword with a cutting edge, measuring more then 25
inches. It was used by the Samurai.
Daito-Ryu - Style of Aiki Jutsu from which it is said that aikido developed.
Dan - Japanese term for anyone who has achieved the rank of Black Belt or
above. This term is not exclusive to the Martial Arts, but is used in many
sports and Games. Dim Mak - Fabled death touch, a delayed action strike
aimed at an acupuncture meridian, able to cause death to a victim within
hours or days of it's delivery. Dit da jow - Special herbal ointment, the recipe
of which is kept very secret, used to help pervent injury and severe brusing in
almost all the Chinese Martial Arts. Do - Japanese word for Path or Way,
used at the end of the name of a martial art, as in Karate Do or Kendo.
Dojo - Training place or hall, used for the practice of Japanese Martial Arts.
Doshin-So - The founder of Shorinji Kempo, a martial art that is greatly
influenced by Chinese system and is registered in Japan as a religious sect.
Dragon- One of the five animal styles praticed at Sholin. The mythical
Dragon symbolizes the spirit and teaches agility and dynamic strength.
Drunken monkey - Style of Kung Fu based upon the antics fo Monkeys.
Practioners stagger around as though intoxicated to fool their opponents. The
style employs many ground and low techniques.
Elbow - Close quarter weapon used in almost all martial arts stystems. It is of
particular interest to the Muay Thai fighters of Thailand.
Empty hand - Literal meaning of Karate in Japanese.
Escrima - Martial system fo the Philippines that employs sticks, swords and
daggers. The term is spanish and means Skirmish. It's adepts are called
Escrimadors. Five ancestors - Five surviors who escaped during the sacking
of the Sholin Temple, credited with being the founders of the Triad societies.
Five animals- Five animals, The Crane, Dragon, Leopard, Tiger and Snake,
whose movements were imitated in a system of fighting said to be the orgin
of the Shaolin Systems.
Form - Series of choreographed movements in Kung Fu linking together
various martial arts techniques, able to be performed as a solo exercise to aid
the practioner in perfecting his techniuqe. The equivalent in Karate is called a
Kata.
Fu Hsing- Chinese God of Happiness.
Fujow Pai - Tiger Claw, system of Kung Fu, developed at the Sholin Temple.
Full conatct - Form of Karate in which full power kicks are delivered at an
opponent. Participants wear protective hand and foot equipment. The sport
has grown rapidly in western countries in the last 25 years.
Gedan - Lower area of the body, from the wait downwards, in Japanese
Martial Arts. Genin - Lowest of three ranks in the Ninja Heiarchy. A Genin
was the actual field agent, or Ninja, who performed assassinations.
Gi - Term used for traning uniform in Japanese Martial Arts. It is known as a
Karate Gi in Karate and Judo Gi in Judo.
GichinI Funakoshi Founder of the Shotokan style of Karate, and Okinawan
Schoolmaster credited with introducing Karate into Japan in 1922.
Gojo-Kai - Offshoot of Goju-Ryu Karate, founded bye a student of Miyagi
named Gogen Yamaguchi.
Gojo-Ryu - One of the major styles of Karate developed from Okinawan
Nahae. It is a hard-soft system invented by Chojun Miyagi.
Gulat - Type of wrestling found in Jave, greatly influenced by Sumo
Wrestling. Gung Fu - Cantonese pronunciation of Kung Fu.
Guru - Referee at a Sumo wrestling match.
Hachidan - An 8th degree Black Belt, Hachi means Eight. In Japanese
Martial Arts the title denotes a professor of the art.
Hadan - Taekwondo term for the ara of the body below the waist, equivalent
ot the Japanese, Gedan.
Hakama - Long devided skirt,garment covering the legs and feet, used in
Kendo, Aikdo and other Japanese Martial Arts. The long robe is said to mask
the intricate footwork of the practioner, therefore making it difficult for an
opponent to judge his movements. Hapkido - Korean Martial Art involving
many difficult kicks, but also utilizing locks and holds. It is somewhat similar
to the Japanese Aikido.
Hara-Kiri - Japanese ritual suicide by disembowlment, known in Japan by it's
proper name of Seppuku. It was the ultimate act of atinement by which a
samurai warrior regained lost honor.
Harima - Tiger style of Penjak-Silat in Indonesia.
Heian- Name given tot he five basic katas in Karate. In some schools the
Heian Katas are also known as Pinan Katas.
Hojo-Jutsu - Japanese art of binding or rope tying. First praticed by Samurai
on the battlefield to detain prisioners for questioning. Adepts learn intricate
methods of tying up a person with a cord.
Hombu- Headquarters of any Martial Art.
Hop Gar - Style of Kung Fu which became prominent during the Ching
Dynasty of China. It was famous as the official martial art of the Manchu
Emperors. Two distinct styles within the system were, White Crane and Law
Horn. The style is also known bye the name Lama Kung Fu.
Horse stance - Basic stance, resembling that of a horse rider (Ma-Bo). In
many oriental martial arts, especially Chinese Hung Gar and Japanese Karate,
in the latter being known as Kiba Dachi.
Hsing -i - Chinese martial art created by the great warrior, Yueh Fei. It is
sometimes referred to as Mind Form Boxing. The system is based upon the
five Chinese elements. Hung Gar - Style of Kung Fu stressing powerful hand
techniques delivered from low stances. It is based on the movements of the
Tiger and Crane and is one of the original five ancestor styles. Hung is the
creator's anme and Gar means Family or System. Hwarang Do - Way of the
Flowering Manhood, a code of ethnics and a fighting system followed by the
Samurai. The code was also followed in the Silla Kingdom of Korea. Today
it's main advocate in the west is the grandmaster, Joo Bang Lee, who lives in
the United States.
Hyung- Pattern of movements in Taekwondo, simular to a form in Kung Fu
and a Kata in Karate.
Iai-Do - Japanese method of drawing a sword and re-sheathing it, a non
combat art aimed at leading the prationer to intellectual and spiritual
awareness. Iai-Jitsu - Martial System from which Iaido was taken, a
battlefield art which requires the practioner to draw his sword rapidly and
strike to kill, and then replace it in it's scabbard.
I-Ching ( Book of Changes ) - An ancient book of Taoist divination
principles. This book, reputed to be the oldest known book in the world,
contains the philosophicas basis of Tai Chi Chaun, Pakua, and Hsing 1. It
comprises 64 six line symbols, or hexagrams, each composed of two three
line symbols, called Trigrams. Together these symbols represent everything
that exists in the universe.
Iga - Remote region of Japan famous as the home of the Ninja people.
Internal Systems- There are three internal styles of Kung Fu; Tai Chi, Pakua
and Hsing 1. They each cultivate chi energy, and inherent power within all
human beings, largely inexplicable to modern science, which can be
unleashed to awesome effect. Ippon - ippon is awarded for a technique which
is judged as decisive, this is usually a move which connects cleanly, with
good form and with little opportunity for the opponent to defend against it.
Kicks to the head of an opponent or judo throws followed up with a strike to
the downed opponent are particularly likely to be considered a winning ippon
technique.

Iron body- Also called; “iron shirt”, “gold bell

cover”. “Jinzhong zhao”, is the repeated
(over a long period time) beating and massage of the entire body. Gradually
this is done with harder and denser objects (going from wood to metal)
ending up striking and being struck with iron (caste iron is best). The result is
that the human body will adapt and all tissue’s become much more developed
and conditioned to withstand any punch or kick. One that has been so
conditioned is thought to be invincible. Iron Palm - Lethal technique of Kung
Fu, able to kill wit a single blow. the entire forearm must be conditioned over
a period of several years before a student is able to attain any reasonable
standard. This conditioning makes the adept's hand and arm like an iron bar.
Jeet Kune Do - Style of Kung Fu devised by the late Bruce Lee. It's name
means “Way of the Intercepting Fist”.
JKA - Japan Karate Association, founded in 1955. It is the largest karate
association in the world. It's first chief instructor was the founder of
Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi. Jki Jitsu- Japanese Martial Art based upon the
exploitation of opponents strength against himself. The name means Soft or
Flexable and the art contains both armed an unarmed techniques.
Jodan - In Japanese Martial Arts the top area of the body, from the shoulders
upward. Jonin - Highest rank in the Ninja Hierarchy. A Jonin received
instructions directly from the lord.
Judo - Modern sporting form of Jiu Jitsu, developed by Dr. Jigoro Kano in
1882. Judoka - One who practices Judo.
Jutsu - Japanese word meaning Skill or Art.
Kalaripayit - Indian system of martial training, of which two styles exsist, the
Northern and Southern. It is chiefly practiced by the Tamils in the south and
decedents of the Nayar warriors in the north. The word means Battlefield
Training.
Kali - (or Ki-Ai)Super shout or yell in Japanese Martial Arts, emitted when
applying a technique to add extra power and stun an opponent.
Kihon - Basic training moves, repeated many times in order to reach
proficiency. Ko Budo - Name referring to the ancient martial ways of the
Japanese warrior. Krabi-Krabbong - Twin swords combat system of
Thailand, in which the martial artists fight at lighting speeds using two razor
sharp short swords or a sword and a shield. Kung Fu- A derivative of a
Chinese term meaning “hard work” and “applied skills”, now accepted by
both westerners and orientals as a generic term for martial art skills. Kup- In
Taekwondo one of the eight grades of ranking before the Black Belt
comparable to the Japanese KYU grade.
Kwoon- A training hall in Chinese; dojo-Japanese, dojang-Korean.
Kyokushin Kai - Japanese Karate System founded by the Korean born
Mastau Oyama. It's name means “Way of Ultimate Truth”. Oyama gained
fame by fighting bulls barehanded. He still holds the world record for
breaking the largest number of roofing tiles with one blow.
Kyudo - Way of the Bow, a Japanese Martial Art of archery which
incorperated deep zen concepts. Great emphasis is placed upon the way in
which one applies oneself during the ritual preparing the arrow for flight,
actually hitting the target is of little importance. Lao Tsu- Legendary sage in
Chinese history, credited with founding the principles of Taoism.
Lathi - Indian Art of fighting with a Staff.
Lo Han - Name of any famous disciple of Buddha and also the name of the
exercises that Bodhidharma taught to the monks at Shaolin when he found
them in an emaciated condition. The method of training known as The 18
hands of the Lo Han is the basis of what we now know as Kung Fu.
Lung - Chinese word meaning Dragon.
Mabuni Kenwa - Creator of Shitoryu Kartate, who studied under the same
Okinawan master called Hosu, as Funakoshi.
Makiwara - Striking post used to condition the hands and feet in Karate. Over
a period of time the body part being trained in this manner will become much
harder and denser than a person not trained this way.
Martial Arts - Term denoting the arts of war, taken from mars, the god of
war. It now means a fighting discipline to promote combat proficiency.
Men - Protective face mask or helmet used in Kendo.
Moo Duk Kwan- Korean term for an academy for martial practice.
Mook Joong - Wooden dummy, shaped like a man, used for conditioning and
training purposes in many hard, or external, styles of Kung Fu. It conditions
the body much the same way as a “makiwara board”; notable Wing Chun and
Hung Gar. Muay Thai - Correct term for Thai Boxing.
Naginata - Japanese Halberd, or curved bladed spear, used in the martial way
of Naginata-Do. This art was adopted by woman and is now a thriving
combat sport in Japan. Although the spear tip has been replaced with a piece
of bamboo for safety reasons.
Nahate - One of the three original styles of Okinawan Karate, named after the
town of Naha, where it was first practiced.
Ninja - Secret society of highly trained assassins in old Japan, trained from
birth to become expert in a vast number of martial skills.
Ninjutsu - Martial Art of the Ninja people. The original name was Shinobi.
Nunchaku - Two wooden batons linked by a short chain or cord to make an
awesome weapon. Used originally as a rice flail, it is found in most cultures
throughout Asia. Okinawate- Collective term for the Okinawan schools of
Karate. The name means Okinawa Hand.
Pa-Kau - Style of Kung Fu, based on circular movements with open palm
strikes. It means Eight Trigrams and the concept comes from the classic
Chinese treatise, the 1-Ching, or book of changes. The student constantly
changes directions during an attack. Hence the art is sometimes known as
Eight-Directions Palm Boxing. Pentjak-Silat - Indonesian martial art of
Muslim and Chinese origin. Many hundreds of styles exist.
Praying Mantis - Style of Kung Fu known in China as Ton Long. It is named
after Wong Long, who invented the style after witnessing a fight between a
grasshopper and a praying mantis.
Randori- In judo, free practice or sparring in which the techniques are not
prescribed. Rokushakubo - Okinawan six foot staff or pole made from oak or
similar hardwood. Roku means six, Shaku means about a foot in length, and
Bo means pole or staff. Roundhouse kick - Kick used in virtually all the
martial arts. It's circular path gives it extra power by generating a center force
and it is on of the most powerful kicks in the martial artist's arsenal.
Ryu - School or Style in Japanese Martial Arts.
Sai - Three pronged, fork like weapon, once made of iron, now of steel. It
resembles a short, blunt sword and is a single handed weapon used in pairs.
Samurai- Japanese feudal warrior. The word means one who serves. A
samurai served as a military retainer to a lord and his shogun. A masterless
samurai was known as a Ronin.
Sanchin - Breathing exercise of 20 movements used in Okinawan karate. It
teaches a practitioner to tense his body and control his breathing during
intense combat. Savate - French system of foot fighting, correctly termed La
Savate. It was the forerunner of traditional french boxing, called La Boxe
Francaise, used in Paris by the underworld. It was influenced by Chinese
Martial Arts.
Sensei - Japanese word for a Teacher or Instructor.
Shaolin - Temple in the Songshan mountains of northern China, where Kung
Fu is said to have born.
Shinai - Bamboo sword made of four strips bound together, used in Kendo to
replace the live blade.
Shinobi - Old term from shich the name Ninja derives.
Shinto- Japanese animistic religion, meaning Way of the Gods. It is based on
ancestor worship.
Shorinji Kempo - Japanese Karate system founded by Doshin So, now
deceased. is a Japanese martial art equivalent of Shaolin Kung fu. It was
established in 1947 by Doshin So, a Japanese martial artist and former
military intelligence agent.
Shorinji Kempo is a system of "self-defense and training" ( goshin-rentan),
"mental training" (seishin-shuyo) and "promoting health" ( kenko-zoshin),
whose training methods are based on the concept that "spirit and body are not
separable" (shinshin-ichinyo) and that it is integral to "train both body and
spirit" ( kenzen ichinyo).
Through employing a well organized technical training schedule ( kamoku-
hyo),

Shorinji Kempo claims to help the practitioner "establish oneself" ( jiko-

kakuritsu) and to promote "mutual comfort" (jita-kyoraku'). The philosophy
and techniques of Shorinji Kempo are outlined in their handbook.
Shotokan - School of Japanese Karate founded by Gichin Funakoshi. The
name derives from Funakohsi's pen name Shoto. It is probably the most
widely practiced style of Karate in the world.
Shuai Chiao - One of the earliest organized fighting systems in China, dating
from c.700 BC. It was a form of wrestling, but with few throws. Today it is
an official sport of the People's Republic of China.
Shuriken - Sharp pointed throwing stars, originally made of iron, a favorite
weapon of the medieval Ninja and Taoist and Buddhist martial artists.
Sifu - Instructor in a Kung Fu style (there are over 360 styles od Kung Fu
cataloged in China alone), corresponding to a Sensei in karate. The word
means Father. Sikaran- Martial Art found on the Philippine Island Luzon. It
stresses kicks and leg techniques and resembles some Japanese Martial Arts.
Sil Lum Tao - Primary form in Wing Chun, meaning Little Idea or Little
Imagination. The form teaches elbow positioning and the protection of the
center line. It has no foot movements, only powerful arm motion and
emphasis on the “chain of fists”. Sil Lum - Cantonese name for the Shaolin
Temple.
Soo Bak- A Korean martial art that was combined with kung fu to produce
the modern “Tae Kwon Do”.
Sparring - Combat experience to give a martial arts student the opportunity to
apply the techniques he or she has learned.
Sport combat - Martial arts competition in which combatants fight under
combat rules in a ring or area. They wear protective gloves and foot pads.
Techniques are scored and points are given. Actual combat is prohibited.
Although some leeway is allowed. Sumo - Ancient form of Japanese
wrestling, steeped in religious aspects of Shintoism, contestants build
themselves up to great weights in order to gain an advantage over their
opponents. It is the forerunner of ju-jitsu.
Suntzu - Author of the Chinese Military Classic, The Art of War, believed by
many to be the treatise upon which Ninjutsu is based.
Sweep - Technique in which catches the opponents foot or feet and
unbalances them. Tae Kwon Do - Korean style of empty hand combat very
similar to karate. Great emphasis is placed upon delivering strikes with the
feet and fists. This art was partly indigenous to Korea, being known as Tae
Dyon in it's older version.
Tai Ch’i Chuan - One of the three internal systems of Kung Fu. Much value
is placed upon it's therapeutic properties for the relief of stress and tension. It
is intended to guide one into a state of peace and tranquility. The word means
Grand Ultimate Fist. There is a deadly side to this art, but it is known by only
a few instructors.
Tamashiwara - Japanese technique of using strikes with the body against
materials such as wood, tiles, bricks and ice to test the power of a strike.
Tang soo do - “Way of the Tang Hand”, a Korean Martial Art System very
similar to Japanese Shotokan Karate. The style was developed in 1949 by
Hwang Kee, who claimed to have derived it from the ancient Korean arts of
T'ang Su and Subak. Tao - Chinese term meaning Path or Way. Tao is an
invisible force or energy, present in all things in the universe.
Ta Sheng Men- Monkey boxing, a form of kung fu that resembles the way
monkeys fight (very fast and fierce).
Te - Okinawan term meaning hand which was combined with kung fu to
produce karate.
Thai boxing - Same as Mauy Thai.
Thaing- General term of the Burmese Arts of Self Defense.
Tiger - One of the main animals in most styles of Kung Fu.
Tobok - Suit or Tunic worn by students of Taekwondo, consisting of a loose
shirt and trousers tied in the middle with a sash or belt.
Ueshiba- Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.
Vital points - Certain areas on the body which, when struck in a particular
way, cause great pain or death.
Wado Ryu Karate - Way of Peace, style of Japanese Karate developed from
Shotokan bye Hironori Ohtsuka.
Wazari- In competitive martial arts a score of half a point, awarded to the
skillful execution of a technique.
White belt - The color of belt to a beginner in most Martial Arts.
Wing Chun- Chinese Martial Art invented by a woman named Yim Wing
Chun. It's name means Beautiful Springtime. It is considered by many to be
one of the most effective forms of Kung Fu in existence. the Fundamental
premise of the style is economy of motion. Wing Chun greatly influenced
Bruce Lee when he was formulating his own system of “Jeet Kune Do”.
Wushu- Chinese term for the Military Arts, now use a generic name for the
highly acrobatic martial arts of Mainland China.
Yang - In Chinese cosmetology the positive aspect of the universe relating to
hardness, masculinity and light, one half of the Taoist view of the universe.
Yang Style - Style of Tai Chi, developed by Yang Lu Chan in the early part
of the 19th century. It contains the original 13 Tai Chi postures.
Yin - In Chinese cosmology, the negative aspect of the universe, relating to
emptiness, softness, darkness and female. Yin is represented as a black fish
with a white eye in the famous Yin-Yang symbol.
Yokoaruki - Ninja secret walking techniques. The word means Walking
Sideways. By employing such methods the Ninja did not reveal in which
direction he or she was traveling, thus making it difficult for his enemies to
track him.
Yokozuna - Grand Champion Rank of Sumo Wrestling, the highest of five
ranks. Yudansha - Kendoka who has achieved the rank of Black Belt or
higher, alone permitted to wear an outfit of a uniform color.
Zanshin - State of mind cultivated in many Japanese Martial Arts. The
student is supposed to become calm yet fully aware of his opponent's every
movement. Zen - Religious philosophy that claims that one can reach satori,
or enlightenment, through meditation. Founded by the Indian Monk and Holy
Man, Bodhidharma. Zen makes use of paradoxical poems called Koans to
clear the mind of trivia and so reaches the meditative state required. In China,
Zen is called Chan or Ch'an. Zen was much favored by the Japanese Samurai.
Zen Do Kai- The composite/ freestyle martial art system which originated in
Australia by Richard Norton and Bob Jones when they left the Japanese Goju
Kai karate dojo of Tino Ceberano in 1970. It was this Melbourne martial art
that is excellent for bodyguards and vigilant security work to protect personal
from harm. Zhurkane - Ancient Persian ( Iranian ) term meaning
“powerhouse”. It refers to a system of highly specialized strength exercises
and professes to be a martial art dating back more than 3000 years to the
court of the Darius.