Table of Contents
What kind of wood is used for makiwara?
An easy way to make a makiwara is to start with an 8 ft (244cm) long 4” x 4” lumber post. Select lumber that is as knot free as possible, and in which the grains of the wood run parallel to the length of the post. You have several choices of wood: fir, whitewood, redwood, and others.
What is a makiwara board?
The makiwara (巻藁) is a padded striking post used as a training tool in various styles of traditional karate. It is thought to be uniquely Okinawan in origin. The makiwara is one form of hojo undō, a method of supplementary conditioning used by Okinawan martial artists.
How does a makiwara work?
The (tachi) makiwara is a tapered post that is buried deeply in the ground. On the top of the post, an optional small pad is mounted. The makiwara can be used “bare” to condition the hands and other striking surfaces, or with the pad for higher power work.
How do you make a makiwara?
An easy way to make a makiwara is to start with an 8 ft (244cm) long 4” x 4” lumber post. Select lumber that is as knot free as possible, and in which the grains of the wood run parallel to the length of the post. You have several choices of wood: fir, whitewood, redwood, and others.
Do I need a makiwara board?
These so-called “Makiwara Boards” are not recommended. You are much better off using a real makiwara. The makiwara is essentially a tapered post that is reinforced by cross braces and securely buried in the ground, at a depth of at least 3 feet (90cm) — see diagram below.
How thick should a makiwara be?
At the bottom of the post, you can use the full width of the wood (strangely so-called 4” x 4” lumber is actually only 3.5” wide). At the top of the post, make your makiwara between ½” to ¾” (1.3 – 1.9cm) thick. The tapered shape of the makiwara is very important, as it this shape that gives it progressive resistance.
What makes a good makiwara post?
The tapered shape gives the makiwara post its most important characteristic – providing progressive resistance to the martial artist’s strikes. In other words, the harder the makiwara is hit, the more it will push back.