it would make for a nice comparative research study: one control group, one group using jow applied lightly, one using jow applied deeply, one group only doing deep massage (you might even have one group using "sham" jow as well, but that would make it even more complex); but you would need at least 20 people per group for statistical power, you'd have to standardize the jow formula, and you'd have to standardize both the training portion (e.g. - specific # of strikes on a bag at a specific force level) and the massage part; then you'd have to have a reliable / valid measurement: probably a subjective reports using some sort of standardized reporting tool, in terms of reorting pain, stiffness, etc.; you might be able to do some sort of functional testing, but that would be tricky to establish; finally, you might test physiological markers of some sort, but again, not sure what that would involve
bottom line - good research is difficult at best, because of all the variables involved; and then, of course, there is the notion that all training of this type is highly individualized, that standardization is not only impossible, it is undesirable; which, of course, is fine - but then one is not able to make an generalized statements regarding the practice or the jow itself - there's always a tradeoff between specificity and generalizability!