TIE SHA ZHANG

Palm of Iron Sand | Brief Description

Excerpt from the book: Jin Jing Zhong. Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin >

Shaolin skill “Palm of Iron Sand” (TIE SHA ZHANG) that can be also found under the name of “Hand of Black Sand” (HEI SHA SHOW) serves for strengthening of the external power of the body and rearing the force YANG in it. To acquire that Shaolin skill, it is necessary to employ special methods and means. Besides, special attention should be paid to training QI, which will undoubtedly promote the development and the internal improvement of the body.

We shall speak at first about a secret Shaolin recipe for hand training. It is necessary to take 5 JINs (2.5 kg) of strong spirit, 10 JINs (5 kg) REN ZHONG BANG (Febrifuge made of humane urine in Chinese traditional medicine), and 10 JINs (5 kg) of white vinegar, mix it up and cook it to the state of thick soup. Then cool it and cook again. Each cooking must be within the exact time needed for burning three aromatic sticks . After cooking for the fourth time the thickness of the mixture becomes suitable for use. Then small iron grains (iron chips) should be added to the substance obtained. When doing this, the mixture should be mashed with a wooden dolly. In the beginning the consistency of the mixture resembles mud. It is necessary to add iron chips into it gradually until the substance becomes like a thick medicine. The obtained substance should be put into a canvas bag and place the bag on a wooden bench or stool ...

<  A full description of the training procedure is available in the book: Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin >

...When you exercise in TIE SHA ZHANG, you develop the YANG force in your body, but that method also allows to strengthen the YIN force contained in an arm. When you use the medicine, the “force” contained in it penetrates deep into arm muscles. So, if you use the medicine, you may not smear the hands with ointment MI FAN after you have finished to deliver blows. If the skin of the hand swells or begins to fester in several days, use the ointment in that case and stop training for some time. After the application of the ointment the skin on hand, muscles and bones must become stronger, such a hand can be called “poisonous hand” (DU SHOU). Sometimes the Shaolin “Poisonous Hand” is called GANG SHA ZHANG which means “Palm of Steel Sand”. That skill is also called TIE SHOW FEI SHA, “Iron Hand of Flying Sand” or HEI HU SHOU, “Hand of Black Tiger”.

...As time passed, all left from that skill were hieroglyphs in books. Secret Shaolin techniques which were kept in secret during many centuries are available for a common use now. But those who have been not initiated have no right to teach or advise. When the conversion of the skill into word was finished, people have known only its name, but they have not seen it in action. Really, does not it cause a regret? It is necessary not only to listen words of tutors, but also deepen the true knowledge in the field of WU SHU, investigate and study that ancient Martial Art. However, one does not have to be in hurry.

...The Shaolin skill “Palm of Iron Sand” possesses a huge power which is comparable with the power of fire-arm. But if you try to unite both forces into one, you can cause harm to yourself, as you have to respect individual and unique way of each force. That law is also true for the society. After understanding it in time and being convinced in huge curing ability of the ointment, you will not use the skill “Palm of Iron Sand” maliciously. You must always realize that you are able to break off the thread of human life. Indeed, with the “Poisonous Hand” you can cut the enemy’s head or cause serious body damages.