If you read my previous post you will see that IP training encompasses much more than just bone density.
In our lineage, the bags are in front, to the sides and on the bottom. There is also the sand bowl, whose purpose is not to teach you how to strike downwards.
There are some real sifus who would disagree with you on that point.
Good point. However, as far as Wing Chun (and other TCMA are concerned) hitting downward exercises such as the bag and the sand bowl, are not practiced in isolation.
But many genuine TCMA masters and grandmasters have done so, but of course, the purpose of this methodology was never about solely to make your "hand harder".
Yes, open hand strikes are effective and their effectiveness is rarely about bone density.
That is why the name "Iron Palm", which refers to the methodology we are talking about is some what misleading.
True. That is Wing Chun as practiced generally, but there are TCMA styles that can do great bit of damage with their IRON PALM without using the body mass in motion method.
Not after you so mercilessly break them, they don't!