Hand Strength Part III

Date: Weds, 8 June 2005

If you want to build incredible hand strength there are only about a bizillion different exercises you can use to do that.

This week I want to introduce you to a few more of them.

By the way, after last weeks’ newsletter I received a total of one email informing me that the reader had seen one of the drills I mentioned in a book.  I wrote back to him right away and told him I’d seen it too, he was right, but that I’d seen it other places as well.  (the wire cutting drill can also be done with scissors and several pieces of cardboard – this is a little harder because it’s not a “clean” cut, so you have to work at it more).

Folks, I realize these drills are out there in various places.  I’ve come across them in books, videos, on line, at training camps, from my instructors, from my peers, from my students, from friends, etc. etc.  I’m writing this series assuming everyone has seen some of this, some have seen most, but – hopefully – I’ll cover enough stuff so that everyone will find at least one or two new drills.

The fellow who emailed me was a real nice guy with loads of knowledge (and apparently quite a grip).  He reminded me that we should use Dit Da Jow after grip training, as the training puts such a strain on the muscles, tendons and bones.  I’m glad he wrote.  Not only did he share some good advice, he gave me an idea . . . maybe I should ask my readers to send in tips.

Here’s the deal –

Whoever sends in the best grip training tip (s) gets a free copy of my Kung Fu Conditioning 2 Video Set.  It’s a great program for developing strong basics and getting fit fast through training with fighting combinations.  It only costs $47.00, but it’s free to whoever sends in the best tip.

Now then, for this weeks’ hand strength training drills, here’s a nice mix of modern (or maybe not?) and traditional:

Get a large towel, get it sopping wet, now wring it out.  Do this several times, working the grip both ways.

Now do this as a tug of war with a friend.

For grip, wrist, and forearm strength, get some club bells.  You can also use a sledge hammer, an ax, or a wooden dowel with a rock duck tapped to the end.  The longer the lever, the harder.  Start working lifts and circles.  You’ll get the idea.

Fun partner drill:  If you workout in a gi (Japanese for “uniform”) you can lay on your back and grip the sleeves of your partner’s gi.  Now do pull ups.

One more – for total stamina and an iron grip, climb a rope.  Marines do this with two ropes, one for each hand.  It works great for them, and it will for you.

That should keep you busy.

Have fun. Hope your summer is getting off to a great start.

When alert reader Dale emailed me recently, he signed off with . . .

“Create a great day for yourself and your family.”

I really liked that and wanted to pass it on.

Rob LaPointe