Karate Instruction: The Makiwara

Robert M. Rivers, 6th Dan, Shihan, ISKU
How to utilize the makiwara in your personal training. The punch is not vertical, though it looks that way because of the camera angle. The punch is the traditional 3/4 punch, consistent with Okinawan Karate. Repeated practice actually teaches the proper alignment and posture. This is just an overview of several methods. Daily consistent moderation is the key. This board is just a 1X4 from Home Depot so it has more flex. My other Makiwara is a King Maki which is a laminated tapered 2X4 made more in the tradition of what is found in Okinawa...very stiff. It is important to have flexible and stiff makiwaras because it teaches you how to adjust your kamae, or posture. The proper height is also important. Your shoulders should be relaxed when hitting. Most people have their's too high. This is just a leather cover from Shuriedo. No padding. You should have several ways of covering. Carpet, leather, and of course traditional rice straw should be utilized to get different feels.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Karate
• makiwara
• instruction
• martial
• arts
• self
• defense
• budo
• jujutsu
• jujitsu

[robertmrivers]

No. I currently study Motobu Kempo, Motobu Udundi, and Shito Ryu. However, my "upbringing" was with Shobayashi Shorin Ryu, Shorinji Kempo, and Goju Ryu. Shobayashi has a similar lineage to Seibukan. Thanks for the comment!

[BitFox]

Very detailed and well taught instruction! I'm wondering about one thing, why practice bringing your hand back faster than it went out? I understand recovery, but with the way you demonstrated, the hand actually stayed out longer when you're trying to pull it back quickly, seems like a bad habit to me, whats your thoughts on it?

[robertmrivers]

@BitFox The hand comes back fast because makiwara training is not just about punching. It is an entire body exercise. Many sanchin type exercises have a fast hikite. This method used with the makiwara parallels methods done in the Motobu family martial arts. It is done like this in the kata as well. To search for the benefit of it, one only needs to look at the bunkai of the kata. Thanks for the comment!

[TrueDominguez]

question, do you always have to put some padding over the board?

why put padding if the whole point is 2 build up the calluses in your knuckles to strengthen them?

wouldent hitting something soft slow down the process??

i dont have a makiwara board but i do have a flat wood block that i hit, is there difference?

[robertmrivers]

@TrueDominguez The purpose of maki training is not only conditioning, it is to promote proper stance and timing as well. Example, a maki must flex to provide resistance to your stance. Also, it has to flex so that you can punch hard without injuring your hand. The makis against the wall are really bad for your joints and do nothing for your technique. Also, there is callous conditioning and bone conditioning. You won't build callous with a hard flat surface.

[robertmrivers]

@robertmrivers Believe me, a stiff maki with rice straw rope/ carpet/ or leather is not SOFT. The makiwara by its very nature is one tool that provides several positive by-products. Thats why its been around for hundreds of years. Hitting a brick wall will also do some things...but its not healthy. True Okinawan karate is not about being a bad ass. Its about total personal wellness. Long life, healthy families, continuing traditions and culture, and confidence in defending yourself and family

[Dowsery]

very different to the Shotokan way of punching

[robertmrivers]

@ScorieDivine Wait till you get hit with it... then you feel real stupid.

[01sidiropoulos]

you can also see my wooden dummy 7 days work cost around 60 $

nice video man ;-)

[ScorieDivine]

@robertmrivers

I'm shaking ...

[ekkenaab]

@robertmrivers

Is your Ryu Okinawan Seibukan Shorin Ryu?

[ZZSFAN]

Makiwara: "ouch".