Hand conditioning?

[martialartist92]

I will be testing for my black belt in October. So far, I have been conditioning my hand using these boards http://umab.com/index.php (I've been using the black board, which is the hardest) I would like to condition my hand for hammerfist, but really don't know what the best way to go about it is. So far what I've been doing is striking the board over and over again. I'm also interested in elbow conditioning for elbow strike. Any tips? Thanks.

[bushido_man96]

I don't think conditioning is all that necessary for the hammer fist strike. That part of the hand is more pad than bone, so conditioning it would be tougher. The elbow you could condition similar to the way you do your knuckles, but don't overdo it. Also, make sure not to use the actual tip of the elbow, but that section of bone just a few inches below it. Good luck for the upcoming test!

[isshinryu5toforever]

bushido_man96 is right, your hammerfist doesn't need conditioning. If you are looking to condition your hands though, the old Okinawan method is to use a makiwara. Here is a quick description of a free standing makiwara:

http://www.ctr.usf.edu/shotokan/makiwara.html

They do make hand held versions that aren't quite as effective, but would work none-the-less.