Makiwara

Makiwara
Japanese Name
Kanji	巻藁
Hiragana	まきわら
The diagram of most common type of makiwara

The makiwara is a padded striking post used as a training tool in various styles of traditional karate. It is thought to be uniquely Okinawan in origin. The makiwara is one form of hojo undō, a method of supplementary conditioning used by Okinawan martial artists.

Use

The makiwara is used by karate practitioners to practice strikes in much the same way as a boxer uses a heavy bag. The makiwara develops ones' striking ability by letting them experience resistance to punches, kicks and other strikes. A poor punch will bounce off of the makiwara if the body is not in a position to support the energy generated by the strike. It also develops targeting, and focus, which is the ability to penetrate the target (i.e., opponent) to varying degrees of force.

The makiwara is very versatile, and can accommodate practice of open/closed hand strikes, kicks, knee strikes and elbow strikes. Okinawan methods emphasize striking from different angles. Most sources recommend a regimen of hitting the makiwara 50-100 times per day, with each hand. It is especially important to train the weaker side of the body as hard as, or harder than the dominant side. It is important to note that one should not use the makiwara so much that it causes them harm. Like all good training, there should be no lasting damage.

Construction

The most common type consists of a single seven to eight foot long post driven into the ground, so that it is approximately shoulder height. The post is tapered from the bottom to a thickness of 1 cm. at the top. Traditionally, a pad of rice straw was bound to the top with rope to form a striking surface. However, duct tape and foam rubber padding will work just fine, and last longer outdoors.

Soft Makiwara Construction and use

Soft makiwaras are the type of makiwara that beginners use, but they are still essential for daily speed training for both beginners and experts alike. Soft makiwaras are often positioned at a greater angle from vertical and an average punch will straighten the makiwara to a vertical position.

Stiff Makiwara Construction and use

After the user is well conditioned from using the soft makiwaras, they often add additional training on the stiff makiwara to work on power training. The stiff makiwara is constructed by positioning the wood at a small angle from vertical. The average training punch to push the makiwara to a vertical position, or 90 degrees from the ground.

Types of makiwara

Shuri makiwara

The shiru makiwara is a flat board, measured to be as high as the instructor's breast bone. This makiwara is used when punching from a short stance.

Naha makiwara

The naha makiwara is also a flat board, but measured to be as high as the instructor's solar plexus. This makiwara is used traditionally by goju-ryu practitioners, who train in a deep stance.

Ude makiwara

The ude makiwara differs in that it is round on all sides. This allows for the practitioner to use a variety of strikes and kicks on the makiwara, that could not be used on flat boards.

Misconceptions and notes on usage

Many Western Karate practitioners do not include the makiwara as a part of their training, citing the damage that they believe it will cause to the structures of the hand over time. Others train in the "sport" oriented styles that have become popular, which do not emphasize practicality in their training. Improper use of the makiwara can result in damage and deformity, however, proper use will not cause these results.

Usage will condition the hands/feet for delivering force, and train the hips, legs and shoulders to function in a way that generates the most power, and allows the practitioner to maintain a stable position throughout the motion.

Persons under 18 years of age should avoid hitting the makiwara with excessive force, as the bones of the hand are not fully developed until the middle teen years. Training with a makiwara at this age can damage the growth plates and stunt growth of the arm. You should train only under the supervision of an expert until he/she feels you are capable of controlling your training yourself. To begin with, start training with a lower number of low-power repetitions, and use common sense. If any swelling, bruising, laceration/tearing of the skin or loss of function occurs, do not train on the makiwara again until fully healed, or after consulting a physician. Improper posture and hand position commonly results in wrist tendon damage. Any discomfort in the hand or wrist while making everyday motions, such as turning a doorknob, is an indication that wrist/knuckle alignment is off and injury is imminent.

See also

• Hojo undō
• Wolff's law - a possible explanation why bones strengthen with daily makiwara use
• Stress fracture - why must gradually increase training and continue the training daily
• Boxer's fracture - may be caused by incorrect striking technique

External links

• Instructions on creation and use
• More detailed instructions on how to make one
• Makiwara use
• Makiwara & Tamashiwara, with safety tips
• Makiwara construction & Technique
• Makiwara Guide Makiwara Training: The Time Honoured Way to Develop Fight-Ending Power
• Build your own makiwara
• History, construction and usage of the Ude (round) Makiwara
• Creating a Makiwara (good pictures)

References