{"id":379,"date":"2012-04-06T11:17:57","date_gmt":"2012-04-06T15:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.karate.gregoryzone.org\/?p=379"},"modified":"2012-04-06T11:17:57","modified_gmt":"2012-04-06T15:17:57","slug":"makiwara-platform-type","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backinthegi.com\/?p=379","title":{"rendered":"Makiwara — platform type."},"content":{"rendered":"

A makiwara<\/a><\/em> is traditional Okinawan training tool used for developing \u00a0proper striking technique and power. It serves a similar purpose as a heavy bag, but differs in that it consists of a stationary post rather than a swinging bag. \u00a0A heavy bag swings backward when punched, which means that the highest amount of resistance is encountered on first impact before the bag starts to move. \u00a0By contrast, when a makiwara<\/em> is punched it causes the board to flex such that the resistance pushing back against the fist increases<\/em> the farther it bends. This provides feedback on proper technique (a bad punch will simply bounce back) and helps to develop power because it requires the transfer of force deeper into the punch than is needed to move a heavy bag.<\/p>\n

The term makiwara<\/em>\u00a0literally means “wrapped straw”, which refers to the traditional practice of making the striking target out of straw rope. \u00a0Traditional makiwara<\/em> are often anchored by burying the bottom end of the board into the ground outisde, but this is not particularly convenient in a climate with cold winters. \u00a0There are also several styles of makiwara that can be installed inside a dojo, usually by bolting to the floor or the wall.
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There are also some makiwara<\/em> designs that are more portable, and one of these is what I decided to make first. (I’ll talk about some other styles later). \u00a0The one I made is what I would call “semi-portable”, in that it can be moved from one room to another or taken outside, but it isn’t something you would transport from home to the dojo<\/em>. \u00a0There are versions of this style that can be taken apart for storage, but this one is permanently assembled and, in my case, will be stationed in my home dojo<\/em> in the garage.<\/p>\n

The idea behind this type of makiwara<\/em> is that the striking post is affixed to a raised platform, with the user’s weight holding the platform down as the post is struck. \u00a0The materials required are straightforward and are available at any hardware store:<\/p>\n