Makiwara Training Guide

By
David Somers

Caution : Makiwara training should be learned under a qualified instructor.  These are notes of which , I have acquired over the years to supplement your training . Makiwara practice is not advisable for children , as their bones are still growing .

When you first begin training the Makiwara, you should do so gradually.Start out w/ maybe 20-30 strikes w/ each hand, w/ every technique, then build up.

You should be cautious when training The Makiwara, as to if you start bleeding,Makiwara training should be discontinued, untill you are fully healed.

Also, if you tear, or rip the skin at all, you should discontiue Makiwara training untill you are fully healed, as well .

When striking The Makiwara w/ Seiken, you should concentrate all of your energy on the first Knuckle, that way when you strike the Makiwara, your fist would flaten &

the first 2 knuckles would make contact w/ the Makiwara. If you would aim w/ the first 2 knuckles, I am told that you would end up actually hitting w/ the 1st 3 knuckles.

When striking the Makiwara, you should strike it , and upon impact lock it in place .

Makiwara training is not done for conditioning of the Knuckles, that is only a biproduct.

Makiwara training is done to strengthen the wrist & to develop power from the hips .

Bone Density is increased in the arms & upper body thru Makiwara training ; Vibrations running through the bone tissue induce the production of bone material , which increases the density of the bone tissue .

Masaji Taira Sensei's hands , Bunkai genius from the Legendary Jundokan Dojo

Definition of Makiwara :

Japanese word for the striking post found in many dojos . It is used to practice strikes and condition the body to the impact when striking. Traditionally makiwara are made from bamboo stalks with rice straw wrapped around it (Maki meaning wrap, wara meaning rice straw) .

Training drills :                                                          Supplemental Drills :

1. Reverse Punch                                                     1. Ridge hand

2. Back fist , reverse punch                                      2. Elbow

3. Knife Hand                                                          3. Forearm Strikes

4. Palm Strikes                                                         4. Front Kick

5. Back Hand ( Open )                                            5. Round Kick

6. Hammer Fist                                                        6. Side Kick