Makiwara Training

Seidokan Karate
Makiwara Training


One of the most unique features of real Okinawan Karate is the striking post known as the 'makiwara'. It is the tool on which not only the body's weapons are conditioned, but the spirit is forged, as well. From the posts buried in the ground at Shaolin, to the pillars slapped by Sumo-tori in Japan, to the hand forging methods still in use by some of the military's elite units, nearly every combat oriented martial art uses some method to forge the hands and feet and other body parts into weapons. One cannot read the writings of most any legitimate style without reading of makiwara training, weights, iron palm conditioning, and a broad variety of physical/mental/spiritual toughening techniques. While most commercial schools today shy away from this training tool, or anything else that might cause pain or be perceived as painful, it is indispensable to the true karate man. The traditional Okinawan arts continue these exercises as vital to the development of true karate. They are another link in the chain binding Okinawan karate to its Shaolin roots.


Definitions with respect to makiwara strikes:


Forefist punch (gyaku zuki and oi zuki)

Backfist (uraken)

Knife hand- reverse and forward (shuto uchi)

Elbow (hiji or empi ate)

Roundhouse kick (mawashi geri)

Blade of foot (sokuto, yoko geri)

Toes (ashi no yubi)

Ball of foot front kick (mae geri)

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