Martial Study
Traditional Conditioning Tools
Traditional martial practices require training the body in very unique ways. While training Tao Lu (forms or sets – see Empty Hand Sets) and other exercises enhance overall conditioning, flexibility, stamina and more, additional training modalities develop the foundation upon which the various application skills are built. Analogous to building structures which will fail when subject to heavy forces (weather conditions, earthquakes, and others), the absence of a solid foundation (sometimes referred to as being “rooted”), will result in failure when attempting to apply a martial technique.
Building foundation in a martial sense requires dedicated training and comprises a variety of forms such as developing stances and power. Another critical aspect of foundation training – one which is often omitted from the curriculum of more contemporary martial arts - is commonly referred to as “body hardening” or preparing the body to withstand the stresses imposed during training and in application.
Foundation and body hardening exercises can be practiced in a great variety of ways but often include not only tools of some sort, but a knowledgeable Teacher and use of preventive, medicinal herbs to insure no long term contraindications.
As an example of a benefit of foundation training consider the action of executing a defensive blocking movement. The movement must be performed without anxiety, without concern over whether the resulting impact will be painful. If the practitioner executes the movement from a state of anxiety, he will hold back, not delivering the technique at full intensity and commitment. However, with proper training, the practitioner will have developed the confidence to deliver a powerful and effective technique.
Moreover, through the practice of foundation training, the student will have further developed the skill of being mindful of his actions. Eckhart Tolle in his book, “The Power of Now”, assigns the dimension of “time” to the feeling of “fear”. “Fear” is the result of either bringing forward something from the past (…this block hurt the last time I tried it) or projecting into the future (… this block is going to hurt me as much as it will hurt my opponent). By remaining very “present”, the action of blocking is nothing more than… blocking… and can be executed without fear or anxiety.
A few examples of the traditional conditioning tools used in Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu include:
 Iron Palm Training |
Wooden Dummy |
|
|
|
Two methods of forearm training
|
|
Throwing a weighted ball to develop arm speed/power |
Flexibility Station |
Shi Shŏu (Stone Hand)Training |
Iron Fist Training |
Wrist Strength Training |
Sand Bag Training |
Zuò Mă (坐馬 - Sitting Horse Stance) Training |
|
