Makiwara vs Punching Bags

[hazeleyes202]

I want to improve the precision of my punches as well as strengthen my knuckles,should I get just one? Or both? I would get focus mittens but I have no one to really practical with p.s this is for karate

[JusticeZero]

To strengthen the fists, knuckle pushups is what a taiji teacher I had swore by.

To add precision, do the punches reeealy slowly. Also, stand in stance. Reach out and casually point, with good punch form but no power. Do it a bunch, but point *at* something.

[Wastelander]

A heavy bag doesn't really promote precision--they are quite large and bulky, after all. You can get around that by drawing targets on it, but that isn't a perfect option because there isn't a physical difference between hitting the targets and missing them. A makiwara does require some accuracy, but since it doesn't move at all it isn't the best option, either. Both will strengthen your knuckles and the structure of your punches, but so will knuckle pushups, as JusticeZero mentions. There are lots of options, really, but you have to find what fits you best.

For precision on the cheap, a tennis ball on a string is hard to beat. A BOB is also very useful if you are wanting to work on your precision with regards to specific strikes. Focus mitts are a great addition, as well, but you mentioned you don't have partners for that. For developing power, it's hard to beat the heavy bag and the makiwara, but I prefer to use both instead of just one. A makiwara can be made fairly cheaply, and a heavy bag can be found fairly cheaply through online classifieds.

[JusticeZero]

Oh yeah - use low stances and punch at a somewhat high angle. Throw a plastic grocery in the bag and chase/juggle it with attacks, but only if you can keep good form.

[Kuma]

For strengthening the knuckles the makiwara does work but it's a secondary effect, not the primary one. Precision-wise it will help some but putting different colored targets on a heavy bag would be more effective. The makiwara is at one height and you can't train many combinations or kicks with it. The heavy bag and knuckle push-ups would be my recommendation.

[hazeleyes202]

I will definitely try the ball and string as well as makiwara,thank you all.

[Kuma]

Good luck, but please make sure your instructor gives you proper instruction and supervises you from time to time. If your instructor does not know how to use one, I would highly advise against trying to teach yourself. In the long run improper makiwara use does a lot more harm than good.

[Harkon72]

I would definitely recommend a simple makiwara, you don't have to hit it hard; just focus and use it often.

[sensei8]

Both!! Use both the makiwara as well as the focus mitts. Both provide their uniqueness training elements that truly can't be denied.

First time you don't hit the makiwara square; you'll notice it real fast. Stance and posture; pay a close attention to them.

You've, thus far, received some pretty sound advise from others.

[cheesefrysamurai]

Whats the primary effect of using the makiwara?

For strengthening the knuckles the makiwara does work but it's a secondary effect, not the primary one. Precision-wise it will help some but putting different colored targets on a heavy bag would be more effective. The makiwara is at one height and you can't train many combinations or kicks with it. The heavy bag and knuckle push-ups would be my recommendation.