Traditional Training Techniques

Makiwara

The makiwara is a essential training device for the Okinawan karateka. Makiwara is a punching board. It is a piece of equipment essential in toughening the hands, strengthening the wrists and giving training in hand techniques. Rarely seen outside Okinawan styles, the makiwara is basically a board about 4 feet long, padded at one end and anchored at the other. The makiwara can be an invaluable teacher. From it the karateka can learn proper punching technique, stance, weight transfer, and hip rotation. It sounds cliche', but with the right practice it turns one's fist into a true weapon.

Makiwara technique

The very first thing to remember when working with a makiwara is that it will always win. If you punch it too hard, too soon, you will damage a knuckle...and it will still be there waiting for you the next time! The student of the makiwara should initially just push the pad with their punch, taking care to get all the little things right, for example:

First two knuckles on the pad

Strong wrist

Arm extended but elbow not locked

Shoulders down

Head up

Rear hand well chambered

Hip rotation into the punch

Strong stance

Muscles not used in the techniques are very relaxed

Mind focusing on refining the technique, not the job just left or soon to be started

With practice the pad can be struck harder, but always keep your priorities straight. If you let your enthusiasm carry you away, you'll be hurting...and the maki will still be waiting.

What's important is not how hard it's hit but how many times. Repetition is a hallmark of good training with a makiwara.

Makiwara training may cause injury to certain individuals.

Makiwara usage is not recommended for adolescents while their bones are still developing. The bones in a young person are not hard enough to withstand the stress placed upon them by this type of training.

Use at your own risk!

How to make and install

Dig a hole in the ground three or four feet deep. Place the wide end of the board in it so that the top is at a height near the top of your chest. Pack the bottom of the hole with stones, bricks or concrete. Place 2 two-by-fours as shown in the diagram to brace the makiwara. Fill in the rest of the hole with dirt.

The top of the board should move five or six inches without exerting too much pressure. Having a board too flexible is better than not flexible enough. Attach the striking surface near the top of the board so that the center of the striking surface comes to a height even with your solar plexus.