Editing Iron palm (section)

==Direct and indirect methods==

Schools of Iron Palm training are often divided into "direct" or "indirect". Both methods usually consist of striking progressively harder surfaces. Some practitioners also refer to their training as [[Neijin]] ("internal strength") or Li ("strength", also known as Waijin, "external strength"), referring to the [[Qi|Qi energy]] or type of force (jin) used. In the "direct" method the hands are thrust into buckets or containers of the medium; the hands come into direct contact with the substance. In the "indirect" method, the practitioner strikes bags or other containers filled with various materials. As training progresses, the bags or buckets are filled with increasingly resistant substances, starting with beans then sand, progressing onto gravel or river rocks (i.e. smooth pebbles), then finally steel, copper, or iron shot. Practitioners can measure their progress based upon the number of strikes performed in a particular training session or by the amount of clock time spent training. Relaxation while training the strikes and use of good Dit Da Jow medicine is imperative to yielding proper success. Exacting breath control is also essential for maximum effect/success.