Man develops 3-inch thick palms after 20 years of kung-fu training

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For decades, a 53-year-old man has dedicated himself to the ancient kung-fu practice of Iron Sand Palm. As a result, his palms have become incredibly dense and thick – now measuring three inches across.

In 1998, Zhang Longxiang, a young enthusiast of kung fu, began training with Yang Xinchuan, a master of the Iron Sand Palm. This Shaolin technique involves repeatedly striking objects with the hands to build strength, toughen bones and tendons, and increase resistance to pain.

Longxiang was amazed by his master’s skillful hands and became determined to learn the same techniques. He dedicated seven years to studying them, and then spent another eight years as a formal apprentice under Xinchuan.

Longxiang hit the sandbag 6,000 times a day

Longxiang trained by repeatedly hitting sandbags filled with steel balls. He also used a special wine on his hands to prevent injuries and make the skin thicker and tougher.

He dedicated decades to practicing, often for at least two hours daily. This intense training resulted in remarkably thick and calloused hands. Measurements recently showed his right palm is 8 centimeters thick.

Longxiang admitted that training was grueling and repetitive. “I literally hit the sandbag thousands of times daily,” he explained. “There’s no shortcut to improvement – you just have to put in the work. I’ve lost count of how many injuries my hands have suffered from hitting that steel-filled bag.”

He started as a martial arts competitor, achieving success in many tournaments. Now, he performs demonstrations of his skill, like breaking bricks with his bare hands. He’s become a master, teaching a technique he once learned himself.

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2026-05-31 17:48