Makiwara or punching bag?

[Iskrax]

Makiwara or punching bag? That's the question.

For speed? Strength? Practicing technique?

What is better to train with.

[JR 137]

They're completely different tools. Makiwara isn't really for speed or strength. It's for technique and conditioning. At least a think it is, as I don't have much experience with one.

If you're looking to build speed, power, combinations and endurance on a lot of different techniques, the heavy bag is your best bet.

I'll let the makiwara guys state the makiwara case.

[Bulltahr]

Both.

I have a small portable Makiwara that travels with me everywhere. Mostly for conditioning tho.....

Bag for combinations etc, Makiwara, as JR says for technique and conditioning.

[JR 137]

We should probably clarify conditioning. Conditioning in the sense of making your hands tougher, not conditioning in the sense of cardio workout.

[Wado Heretic]

I have heard compelling arguments for and against the Makiwara. I still like to use it, but I use it in a very specific manner, and it is but part of my training. It is useful for developing the trip muscles, and proper contraction, for delivering power with your punches; however, you need a bag to develop strength for punching, and to condition the joints to the weight of a target. Grip training devices, and working with light weights can also offer similar results (for the muscles) as makiwara.

Some will talk of the use of the makiwara for developing the knuckles; but really that is just a side-effect, and often one that comes from poor care of the hands. If you intend to use a makiwara, then be prepared for after care for your hands, as you can inflame the knuckles which weakens and make them sensitive over time. Large calluses, and flattened knuckles, often represent a weakened fist rather than a developed one. Look for the triceps and chest for punching ability.

I use a makiwara, as I find it adds to my training; however, for more immediate results I would suggest a heavy bag, hand weights, and grip trainers. I would add though that the famous, or infamous, Kimura Masahiko used a makiwara and claimed that after he began using one he began his undefeated Judo streak.

[sensei8]

Either...both the Makiwara and the punching bag are needed, yet, necessary tools for any serious MA practitioner.

Hit either incorrectly, you'll know it...same with...hit either correctly, you'll know it as well!!

Strength...speed...power...etc...are achieved with either, and imho, it depends highly on what drills are being utilized and with which tool, and if they're used correctly...proper.

I suppose, how I address either tool, differs from others, and this includes those within Shindokan. Call me wrong, but if you've not been on the floor with me, then you can't assume me being wrong. I can train speed on a Makiwara...I do it all of the time.

Many things are worked on across the board with either the Makiwara or the punching bag. As I've told many, you train them how you want to, and so will I...and I do!!

[brickshooter]

Some things can't be done on a heavy bag like a front kick. And some things can't be done on a makiwara such as punching at full power. The best training use both.

[Zaine]

So just to mirror the other comments here: those things focus on different areas. For technique, I would definitely suggest the makiwara. For speed I would recommend the bag. Though for strength I would recommend resistance training, and not necessarily any of the previous two by themselves. The point is, however, that neither one is better than the other because they do different things. I would definitely suggest getting both. You can easily make your own makiwara with a post, some twine, and something to anchor it (like a hole in the ground).

[Kusotare]

We should probably clarify conditioning. Conditioning in the sense of making your hands tougher, not conditioning in the sense of cardio workout.

As I understand it, this isn't correct.

"Conditioning" in this respect does 'NOT' mean the toughening of the skin but rather developing correct form.

The same could be said for judo-ka who practice ukemi - it toughens you but by developing correct form / technique.

K.

[Zaine]

We should probably clarify conditioning. Conditioning in the sense of making your hands tougher, not conditioning in the sense of cardio workout.

As I understand it, this isn't correct.

"Conditioning" in this respect does 'NOT' mean the toughening of the skin but rather developing correct form.

The same could be said for judo-ka who practice ukemi - it toughens you but by developing correct form / technique.

K.

You're both correct here. There is conditioning that refers to the act of "making one's body tougher" and conditioning that refers to developing technique. A makiwara does both of these things in that it does toughen the skin on your knuckles, make a strike less painful to the practitioner while at the same time ensuring that the striker has good technique. If you have ever hit a makiwara with improper form, then you know exactly how painful that can feel.

That being said, a makiwara, as Kusotare has pointed out, is mainly for developing good technique and has the added benefit of conditioning your knuckles in other ways.