The first stage catch bag is filled with a traditional combination of rice, mung beans and an additional small mix of chinese herbs. As the practitioner uses the bag, the contents break down and pass through the canvas into the hands.
 
Rice or Geng Mi in Chinese herbology, mildly tonifies and moves Chi (QI). Mung Bean or Lu Dou are cold in nature helping prevent excess heat and they also expel toxins that can acummulate with increased circulation from repetitive striking. The additional herbs move Qi and blood to prevent bruising and have antiseptic properties. Although not recommended, the bag can be used in the abscence of Dit Da Jow. 
 
The bag is 5'' X 5'', hand constructed using heavy cotton canvas. It weighs 0.75 to 1.0 pounds. The foucs of training with this bag is not on gaining strenght but rather on focusing the strike and grip of the bag as it is in motion. Its size allows it to be used by anyone, male or female, youth or adult, large or small. 
 
How to use:
 
For solo practice: form a horse stance, swing the arm up throwing the bag vertically and  strike and grip as the bag is coming down. First with the same side, changing sides after a certian number of repetitions, A variation of is to throw with one side and catch withthe opposite side. 
 
With 1 or more partners: Throw the bag towards you partner, they catch and throw back to you. With more participants the bag can be thrown to anyoone, randomly. More than one bag can be used at the same time. 
 
Note: The use of a quality Dit Da Jow liniment is highly recommended for all types of Iron Palm/Iron Body/Iron Skills training. This bag is more forgiving given its mediicinal filling, so the occassional practice without Dit Da Jow is ok, however, for best results, always use Dit Da Jow.