Maliwara users?

[Freddy]

What do the makiwarausers say about this? is the makiwara really damaging for your karate? http://www.shotokai.com/ingles/gallery/tokitsu/makiwara5.html

[ncole_91]

It is a huge debate, I would personally like to start using a makiwara, and conditioning my body, but I know I will have to start out very very slowly and then slowly progress.

[makiwaraman]

Like has already been said its a huge debate. The reason that Kenji Tokitsu stopped was that he changed the form of punching. It does work the look on peoples face when I strike a focus mit held against their sternum(these are dan grades) and the fact that they jump back to lesson the impact the second time assures me of this. I doubt that this traditional method of training would have lasted for hundreds of years had it not been effective.

regards makiwaraman

[Jussi Häkkinen]

If the hand can't take the makiwara training, person is probably using a too stiff makiwara. Too stiff makiwara can cause deformation of fingerjoints and is bad for the technique. Makiwara mainly helps in the alignment of the joints and learning the proper punching form and power - it isn't designed (and shouldn't be used) as a hardening tool. Joint surfaces cannot be hardened (they only produce extra cartilage to joint area, thus hindering the natural movement of the joint) and the "hardening" benefit of makiwara/sandbag/etc. training should be mainly in getting skin accustomized to striking and learning the proper striking technique.

[AnonymousOne]

I have been using a makiwara for over 30 years. Hasnt effected me negatively thank God.

[GrrrArg]

Yes and no.

If you use it incorectly then it can cripple you. Or rather, you will cripple yourself upon it.

What context are you using it in?

Is it for improving technique or "conditioning" your hands?

If its the later...thats not what a makiwara was meant for.

[AnonymousOne]

Its interesting to note that of all the Karate masters in history, Egami is the only one that I know of, that made those claims about using a makiwara.

I am extremely skeptical of his claim that people who use a makiwara have ineffective punches.

"I many times found people with calloused fists due to makiwara training, where the first knuckles were covered with a black thick hard covering as a heel. They were terrible hands to look at but when I asked them to hit me, their blows were not effective. These experiences made me distrust the makiwara". - Egami

Boxers dont use a makiwara and yet knock people to the ground with gloves on.

[Chirath]

Its interesting to note that of all the Karate masters in history, Egami is the only one that I know of, that made those claims about using a makiwara.

Hironori Ohtsuka was against the use of the Makiwara. Personally I think the makiwara is one of the many things, that makes karate great. My Sensei uses it. And his knuckles are very powerful.

[GrrrArg]

Anon, boxers have also been known to break their hands when punching without their gloves on

[AnonymousOne]

Anon, boxers have also been known to break their hands when punching without their gloves on

yes I know, but thats not the issue