So I'm getting back into karate now that I have a four year old son who's training and loves it.

I have been building a training space in my basement and just bought a makiwara board. Link below.

http://www.awma.com/productdetail/1217-pro-makiwara-board-dragon.html

As you can see it is not a clapper, just a simple padded board.

My question is this. Would it be incorrect to simply mount this onto a wooden support post in my basement? I did just that, and the lack of "give" being it mounted to a solid structure seems very hard on my joints/hands. Almost too hard, like I'd be damaging my joints.

Thank you for your input.

You have indeed answered your own question. Makiwara need to give, that's the design. If not, your body will give to your disadvantage.

You have indeed answered your own question. Makiwara need to give, that's the design. If not, your body will give to your disadvantage.

Agreed... You want some give in a makiwara.

There are two approaches or forms of makiwara training. The first and most simple : Rigid. That makiwara on the floor, screwed to the wall or what ever. When struck, it begins the process of conditioning the striking surface's. That's as far as that use goes. The other : flexible. That makiwara pad on a semi-flexible post. This enables techniques to be practiced - with follow through. Working stance and joints etc.

Thank you so much for your input. Much appreciated.

A makiwara does, indeed, need to be flexible--that is how they function, after all. No flex, no progressive resistance. The solid makiwara, like that one, serve their purpose, but it isn't developing power and striking structure, which is what a real makiwara does.