The 72 secret Shaolin Temple fighting exercises or ‘Kungs’ involve dramatic training extremes which, if persisted, bring amazing results. ‘Iron-Broom’ Arts develops bodily stability, both when stationary and on the move, and an irresistible floor-sweeping kick capable of uprooting multiple opponents. The training methods and the three key stages involved are detailed below.
Introduction
The 72 Kungs can be classified as: Yin/Yang, Gang/Rou (Hard/Soft), Internal/External and Power/Energy Training in nature. They generally fall into one of two categories: either Yin Rou Internal Energy Training or Yang Gang External Energy Training Exercises (although some incorporate features of both).
Various accounts of the total of 72 exist, and although there are slight differences between equally respectable authorities on minor details of description and method, the general level of agreement as to its essential nature and purpose is remarkable.
Technical analysis
Shaolin ‘Iron Broom’ or Tie Sao Zhou, also known as ‘Iron Legs Kung’, is a Yang/Gang hard external power training exercise. This considerably strengthens the thighs and adds concentrated power to the legs. Leg power is of enormous importance in combat, as it has numerous advantages over fist strikes: kicks can attack the legs, stomach, or upper body of opponents; the legs are longer and stronger than the arms; they can initiate opponents: Master Sun’s (Sun Tzu) ‘Art of War’ advocates ‘surprise attacks… whenever or wherever the enemy is unprepared’. Legacy can cast them. Iron-Broom Arts are particularly effective as a counterattack, with the unsuspecting victim often taken completely by surprise and thrown onto their back unceremoniously.
Shaolin maxims confirm the combat advantages of the legs:
‘Kung Fu beginners without legs are like trees without roots, swaying in the wind’;
‘Fists of Power 30%: Legacies 70%’;
‘The hands protect like two doors, the legs hit the opponent’;
‘Leg skills are not practiced, and the legs are powerless and slow; an opponent can easily hurt or hit him.’
The balls of the feet, the heels, the soles, in addition to the inner and outer thighs and thighs, are used for these purposes.
method
Stage 1 involves prolonged practice of horse stance (Ma Bu) (for example, up to 2 hours daily) gradually challenging feelings of fatigue, lengthening standing times and shortening rest periods. This greatly develops leg strength, stability and power.
Then bury a pole firmly in a suitable place or choose a suitable sapling, stand on Ma Bu at a suitable distance, and kneel on one leg, balancing on the ball of that foot. Firmly plant both palms on the ground and, with the other leg fully extended, kick your foot hard until the top of your foot hits the post or sapling with force. Repeat the exercise immediately and continue until you feel fatigued.
Initially, the post won’t move, it will just vibrate as you practice, until, one day, it moves appreciably when you hit it. Continue until it breaks when sweeping, get a larger diameter replacement, and repeat the exercise.
The final stage of training requires a buried bamboo pole. Although light and hollow, its flexibility makes it difficult to break, but it persists until you do. Lastly, repeat the exercise on a large tree until it vibrates when struck; if this detaches branches and leaves, he has developed an invincible iron broom.!
usually
The three stages described, necessary to acquire Tie Sao Zhou/Iron-Legs Kung, should take approximately three years in total!