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WABUKAN Arsenal · Training tools · Okinawa

Makiwara

A padded striking post from Okinawa, used to harden the fist and perfect the punch.

Makiwara
Makiwara WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

巻藁 · striking post

Origin and history

The makiwara is the classic striking post of Okinawan karate, described by masters such as Funakoshi Gichin and Miyagi Chōjun as essential for developing correct, focused strikes. It is still used in many traditional dojo.

Martial arts that use it

Karate shotokan goju-ryu uechi-ryu Kyokushin

Construction

A flexible board, usually tapering, fixed in the ground or to a wall, about chest height, with a pad of rice straw rope (the original meaning of makiwara) or today leather, rubber or canvas.

Basic techniques

Training

Training tools are used in short, regular sessions: correct technique first, then gradual increases in load or contact so that joints, skin and tendons adapt.

Safety

Increase load and contact gradually, stop if joints hurt (as opposed to normal muscle fatigue), and check the equipment and its fixings before each use.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

Funakoshi wrote that he trained on a makiwara every day; the aim is alignment and penetration, not hardening the knuckles at any cost.

More weapons

Chi ishi and nigiri game Wooden dummy Gada Feder Espada preta (black sword) Punching bag

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Makiwara
  2. Wikipedia — Karate