Steel Body
The Yang Mian system specialises in what it terms as ‘steel body’. This is an automatic, pressurised response to external contact. This pressurisation is internal
and much the same as a basketball; rubbery and resilient. This internal pressure, combined with Qi, creates internal force which can be manifested externally and controlled by a practitioner. In
the beginning of training, the combined Qi/air pressure is brought under conscious control so that it can be instantly increased or decreased at will. In advanced levels Steel Body is autonomous,
exploding out independently of conscious thought. One moment the body can be relaxed and pliant to touch and then instantly transformed to a resilient form of armour. Steel body can suddenly
explode like an air bag in a car, increasing its surface area with great power and speed.
There is no damage to the student’s own body during training. Each step follows a natural progression to which the body quickly adapts.
For martial arts, Yang Mian has three areas for Steel Body;
Steel Hand
Steel hand training develops the hands, fingers, wrists and arms so they can deliver devastating blows without injury. Yang Mian Steel Hand training differs from other systems in the way its skill is developed and delivered.
Firstly, steel hand is developed in a ‘living way’. By this, we mean that the structural integrity of the hand is retained. There are no calluses, bone deformities, or nerve damage as a result of this training. In fact, the skin on the hands looks fresh and youthful. Moreover, the abilities of the hands are greatly enhanced, increasing your ability to receive and project energy. This lends itself to use not only by martial artists, but also by health practitioners who are using their hands e.g. acupuncturists and massage therapists. Steel hand is supported by the circulation of Qi and blood through the arms and hands and is developed through cell’s memory. Once you have this skill, it stays with you for the rest of your life.
Steel hand has four levels;
Basic
Intermediate
Advanced
...
Reflex Steel Hand
This level requires reflex mind and sensitivity for real-life application.
Steel Forearm
This training is based on the ideology of converting the arms to clubs. Through special methods, Yang Mian can change the physiology of the forearms to become powerful and resilient to blows. In fact, the forearms can be built to a very high level with the ability to break river rocks. This skill is extremely useful in combat applications, for it is the same as wielding two iron bars.
With regular training, and depending upon your physiology, this skill can reach a very good level within 10 months.
More ‘Steel’ Applications
The Yang Mian system can develop other areas of the human body using ‘steel’ skill. The areas included are:
Steel Head
Steel Elbow
Steel Leg
Steel Finger