The Complete Training Manual: The Three Stages of Developing Iron Palm - Softcover

Phillip Starr

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1623174341 ISBN 13: 9781623174347

Publisher: North Atlantic Books,U.S., 2020

Synopsis

A comprehensive guide to "Iron Palm" -- a martial arts training protocol for developing a strong striking hand and delivering powerful blows.

Iron Palm is a set of martial art conditioning skills dating back to the Shaolin Temple of fifth-century China. Its purpose is to strengthen the hand while empowering the fighter to strike with force and precision. Skilled practitioners are known for their ability to split a stack of concrete slabs without incurring injury. Training in this traditional method can take years; it is focused and incremental, requiring the guidance of an experienced master. In this book, author, instructor, and five-time U.S. National Chinese Martial Arts Champion Phillip Starr provides the definitive guide to Iron Palm. He meticulously outlines the three sequential steps of training: hardening limbs, developing technique, and engaging Qigong for coordinating breath and mind. The end result is a more powerful and precise strike that can impact the target's internal body (with no trace on the outer body). Lavishly illustrated with over 200 images, this book is ideal for experienced practitioners of gong-fu, karate, and taekwondo.

About this title

About the Author

Phillip Starr began training in the martial arts in 1956, beginning with judo, and going on to earn black belt grades in two styles of Japanese karate (3rd dan in Kyokushin, 1st dan in Shito-ryu). His primary kung-fu teacher was W. C. Chen, a direct disciple of one of China's best-known masters, Zhang Zhaodong. From Master Chen, he learned taijiquan (tai-chi chuan), xingyiquan, baguazhang, and a form of shaolinquan. He eventually earned the title of U.S. National Champion 5 times (the first time in 1976, and the last time at 63 years old in 2011). Starr was named to the National Rules Committee of the United States Karate Association and became the Kung-Fu Chairman. Later, he was named to the list of the Rocky Mountain Top Ten competitors. He went on to train in Arnis (becoming a certified instructor under Tuhon Leo Gaje) and Jeet Kune Do. In 1980, he founded the Iowa Martial Arts Association. And, in 1991, he became the National Chairman for the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Chinese Martial Arts Division and built it into the largest Chinese Martial Arts organization in the U.S. Starr was also named to the Kung-Fu Hall of Fame by Inside Kung-Fu Magazine. He has authored six books on the Chinese Martial Arts. He lived and taught in southern China for 3 years and now lives in Omaha, Nebraska where he continues to teach.

Edition details

• Publisher: North Atlantic Books,U.S.
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1623174341
• ISBN 13: 9781623174347
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304