65. Skill of Sand Bags

SHA BAO GONG

Brief description*

*Excerpt from the book: Jin Jing Zhong. Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin. ISBN: 978-1440474170

Shaolin “Skill of Sand Bags” is aimed at strengthening the “external” power of the body and serves for rearing the YANG force in it. It also develops flexibility and mobility of the body. Thanks to this exercise the YANG force, adroitness and dexterity develop so much that it allows to defeat people easily.
 

Before starting to train yourself, dig into the ground four wooden poles and put four more wooden beams on the top. Fix bags with sand to each beam on the right, on the left, in front and in back. The weight of each bag should be about five or six JINs (about 2.5 – 3 kg). The bags must be tied to the beams with strong cord and hang loosely so that they can swing to sides freely. The bags must be at a height of man’s shoulders ...

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... If you find yourself encircled by a swarm of enemies and no man beside you who could shield you with his body, you can break out of the encirclement by striking practically with every part of your body as if you are encircled with a great lot of sand bags. In the past “Skill of Sand Bags” was one of simplest techniques that was learnt at the Shaolin Monastery. It is one of the most ancient Shaolin techniques preserved till our days.

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