The Makiwara

The makiwara is an important training tool in the dojo. The makiwara is used to develop the striking force and toughness necessary for an effective closed fist or shuto hand strike and is also effective to develop the elbow smash. Shoshin Nagamine states in the Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do (Chapter VI) that prior to developing adequate skill in kumite, the student must have developed a sufficient power in atemi (concentrated destructive power) through rigorous training and exercise. The parts of the body used for atemi – fists, knife-hand, elbows, toes and others are traditionally hardened by striking and kicking makiwara to such an extent that they become powerful weapons.

Please note that children are not to use the makiwara or the heavy bag since inj ury may damage developing bone growth plates or sensitive tendons.

Domo Arigato,

Sensei Ron Marchetti