The most ubiquitous and essential training device in Okinawan Karate since ancient times is known as the Makiwara or straw-padded striking post. This ancient training device is considered unique to Okinawan Karate since an identical counterpart was not used in the Chinese kempo system of Fukien Province (one possible reason for the absence of the Okinawan type makiwara from Chinese training equipment is that although Chinese systems did use punching techniques, Fukden kempo styles tended to emphasize open handed thrusting techniques. So makiwara were not nearly as essential a training device in Fukien kempo as it was for Okinawan Te practitioners who emphasized the use of the closed fist). The ancient Makiwara was a simple device used for developing atemi or power in the various strikes used in Karate. These included such techniques as the backfist, elbow and knifehand strikes and punching and kicking techniques. An added benefit of this type of training with the Makiwara was the hardening and toughening of the body parts used in the various techniques.

The Makiwara consisted of a wooden post embedded in the ground which stood about chest height and was covered with padding made out of native materials i.e., sheaved rice straw. This padding was struck in order to toughen body parts such as the fist, feet, shins and forearms. The padding at the top of the post was used mostly for punching and striking while the padding toward the bottom was employed to toughen the parts of the feet used in kicking. Another type of Makiwara was the hanging Makiwara. This type of Makiwara also used a sheaf or a bundle of cut rice stalks bound together but it was hung horizontally by ropes. The hanging Makiwara was also struck, punched and kicked in the same fashion as the other type of Makiwara. Another specialized type of Makiwara was referred to as tou. This Makiwara was designed specifically for nukite practice. It was a simple design and utilized a bundle of cane or bamboo stalks bunched together and bound by straw rope. The training methodology was to aim a nukite thrust at the bundle of stalks which would then penetrate deep into the bundle enhancing the practitioner’s finger strength and trusting power.

TRAINING ON THE MAKIWARA POST:

A student should start working slowly, gradually building in both repetitions and power. Here are some recommended techniques:

From a Seisan stance, place your self so that your fist will extend one to two inches beyond the board. Techniques are snap punch, rotating punch, downward chop and forearm smash. From a Seiuchin stance, use backfist, outside chop, inside chop and ridgehand. You can also practice palm heel and gouges on the Makiwara, but a heavy bag would be more preferable.

Train unwisely, try to show-off, try to rush the process and you can injure yourself, or in later years, you could suffer from calcium deposits, bone chips, damaged joints, or poor circulation.

The board will help you develop distancing as you practice your various techniques. You should stand as though the weapon penetrates one to two inches beyond the Makiwara board. Some boards are more flexible than others, so use a little common sense. It is better for the board to be too springy than too stiff. Timing in focus of power, in your techniques and in relaxing and tightening of muscles is a benefit of the Makiwara. You want to be relaxed when the technique starts, gradually tightening until you are fully focused at the completion of the technique, but it also conserves energy as well as develops speed of technique. Concentration is improved. Control of technique is improved as you hit the exact spot with the exact power that you intended. Power is improved because of the many repetitions of technique. Coordination is developed. You are learning when to bring each muscle group into play. As technique and ability develop your confidence grows in leaps and bounds. Self discipline is certainly not least of the benefits of the Makiwara. You have forced yourself to work on the boards and to follow the rules even when you did not want to. This is self discipline.

In a short time, students will be able to see just what a valuable piece of equipment that Makiwara board is, if it is used correctly. If used incorrectly, you could be nursing sore aching joints on those cold wet winter days and nights.