When is it safe age to practice iron palm?

My son is worrying about his strength and has learned about iron palm training, but im a little concern if hes the right age to train it (14 years old) is it alright to train it even though his bone structure is still growing?

When is it safe age to practice iron palm?
It's best if he starts later on say 18 or so. It also helps if he thinks through why he wants to learn iron palm. Iron palm can deform one's hands to a degree which includes thick skin and calluses. It may look ugly in future. Does he want that. There are some sacrifices to certain martial arts.


14 is a bit early both in terms of age and maturity. Unless he is very determined that this is for him, he should acknowledge that he knows the way to achieve it, but should take time to think before committing himself to it. There are other numerous types and styles of martial arts he can try and practice. Iron palm is not that suitable for the modern day person who doesn't have to have such dangerous and deforming martial arts.
Reply:it's ok... my hands were all beat up by age 16... break boards with fingertips, ridge hand on either side ... palm smash bricks, punch more boards than most 30 yo men in my class.... i broke my knuckles half a dozen times, and have one scar from a piece of brick, that got embedded in my hand... i am now 28 with fully functional fingers ... no problems whatso-ever, and i have been out of the breaking boards and bricks for 10 years... it is probably better at a young age before your body, actually "hardens"... because you reginerate faster.... as a parent myself.. i would hate to watch my child go through that... and if you are concerned, but still want him to get self defense training.... look into boxing or Muay Thai (Muay Thai is what i study now)... but then he will get hit in the face... black eyes, bruised legs.... but realize... your 14 year old son is learning how to become a man... pain is a very good life lesson... and working through pain is an even better one... when he learns to overcome fears or problems to achieve his goals... he will be a great man... good luck
Reply:Is he trying to drive a nail through woods with his bare hand or sumtin? Why not Boxing, Muay Thai, Kick Boxing. Its better with self defence. When you go full contact You'll learn more.
Reply:what is that?
Reply:I had an "iron palm" by age six...I didn't think it was a sport though I just thought it felt good...LOL
Reply:2
Reply:It depends a lot on the method used and weather his instructor knows what he is doing. Done properly it will be good for him. Done poorly it can do permanent damage. I recommend Master Cheung's methods we use them successfully at our school for years with no problems with our practitioners.


http://www.cheungswingchun.com/g/938/iro...