People in the know, like you the reader, already understand that karate is one of those disciplines that has the potential to cause harm, grave harm or death, even in training and practice. Hojo-undo also as a separate training discipline used in older karate is potentially dangerous and it is best to seek out a sensei who has extensive knowledge and experience in using this equipment. Close supervision is highly recommended and, remember, anyone who attempts to use such equipment, just like the study and practice of karate, must do so with personal responsibility and at their own risk.
Hojo-undo is a supplementary type of training to enhance the body and mind for traditionally practiced karate. I say traditionally because modern gym's and their equipment to strengthen and toughen up the body and mind are superior leaving me to recommend the use of the supplemental gear as add-on's to gain a more traditional historical experience in karate.
Hojo Undo [補助運動]
The first character/ideogram means, "supplement; supply; make good; offset; compensate; assistant; learner," while the second character means, "help; rescue; assist," and the third means, "carry; luck; destiny; fate; lot; transport; progress; advance," and the forth character means, "move; motion; change; confusion; shift; shake."
The word "hojo" when translated into its character/ideogram means, "assistance; support; aid; help; subsidy; supplement; auxiliary; spot (in bodybuilding). The word "undo" when translate into its character/ideogram means, "motion; exercise."
Michael Clarke, who authored the book by the same says, I quote, "Hojo undo means 'supplemental training equipment' for traditional martial artists. ... The value of hojo undo is that the strength building exercises are linked to the motion of the fighting techniques of karate ... "
The conditioning system specifically used in Okinawan Karate systems to develop ambidextrous strength, stamina, muscle coordination, speed and body alignment/posture/mechanics, etc. It uses traditional Okinawan developed devices, classical or traditional, made from a variety of locally produced materials like wood, stone, ceramics and metals.
The classical equipment are "Chi Ishi, Ishi Sashi, Makiage kigu, Makiwara, Nigiri game, Tetsu geta, Jari bako, Kongoken, Tou, Tan, etc. This system follows closely the junbi-undo system of exercises where they are supplemented with the above equipment; that is also specific to karate training and practice. It focuses on specific body development meant to enhance the application of fundamental principles as they apply to marital systems, their methodologies, technique(s), etc.
In the Isshinryu system the basics, upper and lower body exercises/techniques, are the junbi-undo of Isshinryu while the addition of the equipment such as the makiwara are hojo-undo supplement/enhancements to carry development of the mind, body and spirit beyond the limitations of junbi-undo.
The most misunderstood and misused piece of hojo-undo is the, “makiwara.” Karate-ka of those formative years, especially when brought to the America’s by those early karate luminaries, seemed to focus on the makiwara for the hardening of the knuckles. The calloused knuckles became symbolic of a karate person, a black belt karate person and a person who had mastered the system of karate. It become one of those symbols that, like the coveted black belt (obi), the layperson assumed meant the person was a true fighting capable warrior. This is far from the truth of what and how and why one uses the makiwara.
The practitioners of karate got this idea that the purpose of the makiwara is to condition the hands, i.e. build up calluses on the knuckles, etc. along with building the calcium deposits around the knuckles under the skin, etc. This is just not so.
The calluses you may, stress may, develop on the parts of the body used with the makiwara are a byproduct. They are not the goal but just one small thing that you get from “proper makiwara training.” The degree depends on how you practice and train the makiwara. I firmly believe that if you train and practice in a manner that meets the principles of martial systems you will lessen the development of those calcium deposits and calluses.
The use and practice of the makiwara, to my minds eye, is more about training the body, mind and spirit.
You can adjust your training so that you lessen the byproduct of calcium and calluses and still get the full benefit of makiwara training.
When an instructor teaches and informs a practitioner that the makiwara is about developing large knuckles, calluses and calcium deposits for defense, etc. then they are missing out on a larger and more critically important aspect to makiwara undo training.
Two additional points as well. The first is the purpose of using the makiwara. If your goal is for self defense or tameshiwari then that requires additional professional guidance. Second, if your being taught that makiwara undo is about protecting the hand against hard targets then you need to go back to the basics again. You don’t use the fist against hard targets such as the skull, etc. because even if you develop large calluses and calcium deposits with a strong hand, arm and so on; if you are in the fight you still run a high probability that your hand will break against a hard target. This is why in fighting, combat and most important self defense you use the fist against soft targets and the open hand against hard targets. This may sound unusual but when properly instructed and trained you will readily see the benefits.
Having large deformed hands, at one time, may have been a mark of a professional expert karate-ka but that is also a misnomer. When the chemicals are dumped into your body your large deformed hands, if not properly trained and utilized, will be nothing more than large deformed hands.
Makiwara calluses are a byproduct, not the goal. Makiwara trains you to apply the fundamental principles of martial systems so that you can apply them in a real life self-protection event, i.e. self-defense. Makiwara more than any other device, i.e. heavy bag, returns the lessons of correct and incorrect applications better than anything I have used, except actual experience itself. Use the makiwara correctly and you will enjoy the benefits. Use the makiwara incorrectly and all you do is create large deformed hands that may result in difficulties later in life.
Statement: "The makiwara is not a good tool to train with because it will damage the structures of the hand over time?"
Comment: This is an urban legend as well. Yes, you can damage your hands using makiwara. No, the makiwara will not damage the hand. How? Well, it is like the gun issue. Gun's don't hurt, people using them incorrectly and irresponsibly do the actual damage. Therefore, the makiwara doesn't hurt people, people using the makiwara incorrectly and irresponsibly do the actual damage to the hand, feet, or any other body part applied in the practice.
Statement: "Training with a makiwara at this age, 18 or younger, can damage the growth plates and stunt growth of the arm?"
Comment: I would agree as to the definition I found that damage is possible but as to the makiwara it is best to be cautious when young adults are involved. I do believe that young adults can receive growth plate fractures which remind me of the stress fractures I endured from running as a Marine. This by itself warrants restriction to makiwara to adults only. As to the age where that changes we cannot fall into an assumption that means 18 years which relates, I believe, to some legal age of adulthood which remains subjective and to the degree of maturity at any age. The only definitive answer to age is the statement, "All children who are still growing are at risk for a growth plate injury. These injuries are reported to peak in adolescents. ... Growth plate fractures occur twice as often in boys as in girls. ... Any child who experiences an injury that results in visible deformity, persistent or severe pain, or an inability to move or put pressure on a limb should be examined by a doctor." The question I ask myself, "Do you want to gamble with a young adults body, mind and life?"
Statement: "It develops targeting, and focus, which is the ability to penetrate the target (i.e., opponent) to varying degrees of force?"
Comment: Develops targeting? Nope, since the makiwara, tachi-makiwara as the most commonly used device, is stationary and restricts the movement of the practitioner and becomes the de-facto threat in this view is too limiting and dysfunctional regarding self-protection against violence. The mind set here is still important and translating learned materials away for the makiwara as a development and training tool to actual chaotic application in combat is a distinctive process with great importance. This is worth studying.
Focus is not training to penetrate. Focus is a mind training thing. Some can use focus to mean that energy focused into a target point but that is limiting and not the result of makiwara training. It is a limited experience, teaching and application as to makiwara vs. combative intent.
The varying degrees of force are not governed by focus, penetration or targeting. Force is governed by the fundamental principles of martial systems and is taught, learned and applied in all aspects of karate, not just as a product of makiwara. The degree of force depends on angles, alignments, threat target, the methodology, the bunkai or end result of the applied methods, the body mass and its movement at the applying of the methodology and so many, many more "things." It would better suit the martial artist to not limit their abilities by limiting the explanations and definitions.
Statement: "In the old days, there were vertically hanging makiwara (like a heavy bag), horizontally hanging makiwara, the standing post makiwara, and round standing post makiwara normally used for blocking?"
Comment: Define the old days. Regardless, there are these variants of makiwara.
Statement: "Makiwara is actually a Japanese term, the Okinawan’s called it the "machiwara?"
Comment: I have no clue as to the accuracy/correctness of this statement. It might or might not be another of the urban legends. I can say that their is a vast difference from Japanese and the Okinawan dialect of Uchi-naguchi or hogan. They call the Tuifa in Japan, Tonfaa.
Statement: "The Chibana method of punching the makiwara is when one punches the makiwara and bends the makiwara, one must hold the bend of the makiwara with that punch?"
Comment: I never used this method. I can not say if it truly was written or spoken by Chibana Sensei. I cannot address the use and validity of this technique. It can be a "strengthening" technique but as to its application regarding the fundamental principles in combat application I cannot give if a value or non-value comment.
Statement: "Karate requires large knuckles and calluses to be proficient in technique applications?"
Comment: Not true from my view. I am proficient in applying my techniques. I don't have large knuckles or extensive calluses on my hands. I remember a returning karate-ka who trained at the honbu dojo for Goju. Sensei required a ton of makiwara. She returned from her year and expressed in a blog entry how she was feeling self conscious with the "deforming of the hands" from her time on the makiwara and was concerned about stopping. Once it was explained how you can continue makiwara with out this extensive formation on the hands and still reap the benefits for karate - this person had the "uh-oh, doah" moment and changed her makiwara practice. Cool!
Statement: "Traditional makiwara contain a rolled straw punching pad?"
Comment: Let me be particularly literal for this answer, who the heck knows what is a traditional specification for a makiwara? Who the heck knows if the classical practice of karate, pre-1900, actually used a straw pad vs. something else. Tatsuo Sensei used specially created "tatami mat material" to place on makiwara. That was in the forties and fifties so more of a traditional view, i.e. post-1900 karate practice.
Statement: "A common misconception is that the makiwara board should be stiff?"
Comment: Hmm, a very subject question warranting a subjective answer. It depends. I used a stiffer makiwara while others the more narrow and flexible version. I also know of some who actually used the hanging, free hanging, type that was a larger, heavier and more like human weight to hit and maneuver around while it swung freely. It depends on what you want and that depends on your level of expertise and ability for the art of the makiwara. As to beginners, have an expert supervise and use the more "traditional" tachi-makiwara to gain ground toward expertise.
Statement: "The makiwara develops ones' striking ability by letting them experience resistance to punches, kicks and other strikes?"
Comment: The makiwara, properly installed and of proper design, will provide resistance as well as rapid feedback as to proper application of a technique as it is applied to the makiwara. The biggest concern here and in all of the following statements/comments is that the practitioners must not lose site of the tools purpose and mistakenly strive to simply develop callousness, large knuckles or what I have determined as window dressing of the hands as a perceived mark of a karate-ka.
Statement: "Usage will condition the hands/feet for delivering force, and train the hips, legs and shoulders to function in a way that generates the most power, and allows the practitioner to maintain a stable position throughout the motion?"
Comment: This is generally a true statement with the caveat's that it is incumbent upon the practitioner's knowledge and application of the principles and their proper application in makiwara training. Then add in the need to have a properly implemented makiwara tool station, i.e. a station where one applies the principles through technique application to a hard, close and resistant target - the makiwara.
Statement: "Makiwara is traditionally used for hand strengthening?"
Comment: A misleading statement from my viewpoint. The strengthening of the hand is more a byproduct of the proper training of makiwara. This would apply to those large calloused knuckles as well. Neither are necessary to the art of makiwara and are just byproducts dependent on whether a practitioner applied the art properly or hurried to fill a need other than the principles and the natural law of makiwara training.
Statement: "It should be flexible so that force is transmitted forward when it is struck and not back into the shoulder, which could result in an injury?"
Comment: I am taking a slightly different perspective on this statement by using a meaning where the flexibility of the makiwara has no relevance to how force is handled. In my reality that depends exclusively on proper application of the fundamental principles of martial power/systems, etc. The true value of a good makiwara is teaching you to do things right or suffer the consequences, i.e. the force being transmitted back and into the body leaving you open to injury. This is why it is so important to get qualified expert Sensei on makiwara training and practice.
Statement: "The makiwara is the single most important tool and true practitioner of martial arts has in his/her arsenal?"
Comment: Important ... depends on what your intent is in practice of martial systems. Important, yes; singularly important, no. There are many important tools, principles and processes in teaching, training, and practicing karate-jutsu-do. Don't limit yourself by assuming one thing is the "single most important" thing cause you might miss other greater opportunities.
Statement: "There are two types of makiwara: sage-makiwara (hung from the ceiling) and the more common tachi-makiwara (secured in the ground)? Of the tachi-makiwara, there are two variations: one flat and one round?"
Comment: Yes. There are more makiwara but not of the type you might recognize unless you practice the art of archery or the art of the Japanese sword - Kendo, etc.
Statement: "Resistance and Response are provided by the makiwara?"
Comment: Yes, a major function of the makiwara. If you have no resistance and receive no response from the training or practice then your not training or practicing. If you do something with intent incorrectly on the makiwara all things being equal the makiwara will return energy and power back into your body at that single and very small point, i.e. like the two fore-knuckles, that will cause pain, discomfort and possibly long-term damage.
Statement: "The makiwara can accommodate practice of open/closed hand strikes, kicks, knee strikes and elbow strikes?"
Comment: Yes, this is a few and you can do additional area's for body conditioning. The additions and the relevancy of them depends on the practitioner's goals in practice, training and application of the martial system.
Statement: "There are two types of makiwara named by location such as Shuri and Naha makiwara?"
Comment: Honestly, I have never heard of this before. I can say that I practice the art of the makiwara and never once found any reference to this naming convention until today while researching my statements for commenting. Apparently, like relating Shuri, Naha and Tomari to the more modern versions of karate we have the Shuri-makiwara being described and the Naha-makiware as another with slight differences in specifications. This one is open to anyone with any actual historical facts that would support the statement. I can tell you that I am inclined to accept the statement, in a very limited and broad fashion, as true until I find something that proves its inaccuracy.
Statement: "A very important device used to develop striking, blocking and kicking mechanics, power, focus and spirit?"
Comment: Once again a true statement and a bit messy as to how it may be interpreted. It is another sound bite that will instill enthusiasm in a novice practitioner of the martial art of karate. As to its overall importance that will depend on the relevancy of a person's practice. I can achieve knowledge, understanding and application of the fundamental principles of the martial systems to achieve speed, power and damage when applying MA techniques - any or all of them to a degree. My view is the art of the makiwara is a "classical or traditional" method that connects us to the history, the past, those masters who brought this to our consciousness. This works for me.
Statement: "The visible signs of makiwara training are callused knuckles and hands though the main idea is to strengthen the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints to improve focus and power in striking techniques?"
Comment: I have discussed those visible symbols or signs of makiwara training. As to the "main idea" being to strengthen the wrist, elbow and shoulders with emphasis on the joints I have many doubts. As to this being a key to power I have greater doubts. This seems to fly in the face of properly understanding and applying the universal martial principles for power. Yes, a byproduct may be stronger joints. I don't agree as the more important principles of body alignments and economic motions along with the conservation of energy and effortlessness seem to garner power more than the limited voice saying it comes from these stated traits.
Statement: "The karateka can learn proper punching technique, stance, weight transfer, and hip rotation?"
Comment: Yes ... No ... Maybe ... but! The karate-ka must have a solid foundation as to proper application of any techniques as well as the nature of stances, weight transfer and hip rotation. This statement seems to promote the idea that if you can do these things while applying a punch, etc. that it will garner these traits. There is more to it than simply this stuff and more to the art of makiwara in benefits and purpose. This simply appears to bolster the urban legend of the makiwara and overlooks the actual purpose and benefit of utilizing the art of makiwara as a tool to teach, train and supplement other basic and fundamental aspects.
Statement: "The makiwara is used to develop kime (focus), timing, good technique and punching power?"
Comment: True and a limited statement. These particular benefits fall into a wider spectrum of fundamental principles of martial systems. Focus, timing, and power all fall into those principles or are a product of proper application of principles in the particular system you may be involved in for training and practice. There is more to power than simply pounding on the makiwara. Many such aspects of martial arts are missed, ignored or lost under the guise of fame, fortune and many trophies associated with the accolades that come along side; not to forget the validations sought after by all types of persons.
Statement: "It toughens the knuckles and skin?"
Comment: Yes it will and no it is not the primary goal of makiwara. This distinction is important to remember. You can gain the knuckles and skin that impresses folks uninitiated in such things and then you will have to realize that power and proper principle application is not a given simply because you wear the physical symbols. These knuckles and skin calluses are not indicative of power, speed and proper function of any technique.
Statement: "The makiwara helps develop concentration and technique to the point where there is a theory that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of your mind and body, meet as one at the exact point of impact, delivering incredible power and penetration into the target?"
Comment: Sounds really great. It would be a good sound bite to put into a martial art movie script that the sage tells the student as they leave the dojo to seek out the inherent evil of the world for applicable vanquishing. Yes, concentration is a product. Yes, it helps with technique as long as all the applicable principles are applied. As to any physical, mental and spiritual parts of the mind and body - more of a philosophical endeavor that can be attributed to any type of effort be it makiwara, tameshiwari, kumite or flower arranging. Chess can do this for you as well.
Statement: "You should train only under the supervision of an expert until he/she feels you are capable of controlling your training yourself?"
Comment: Yes. Yes. and the final answer is "YES!" Take all this posting and information as the basic knowledge you need to find an expert because for every expert there are dozens of non-experts that will gladly take your money and let you pound on their makiwara.
Statement: "Makiwara training will cause arthritis and other similar diseases as we age?"
Comment: I disagree. I am sixty-five. I used makiwara extensively for the first ten or so years. I did lots of breaking. I still use the makiwara on a limited basis and can say I have not experienced anything that could be called arthritis or any other similar ailment (not disease, arthritis is not a disease but a condition). I will continue to do this until I die at around 150 years ;-)
Statement: "The purpose of the makiwara is to build fists of iron that can stop any attacker with one punch?"
Comment: My answer, not! This is a urban legend as many of the stories of prowess are today. The legends live but are they viable of the myth I think they are. I can say that the variables necessary for one punch ability are nothing like either a social or anti-social threat, i.e. fighting or predatory violence.
Statement: "If one hits a makiwara that is too stiff, one could develop 'kime', but without penetration?"
Comment: What is focus without power and what is power without penetration and what is all this without all the applied principles of martial systems?
Statement: "The tendons run over the knuckles on the fist and many damages can result from being overeager and impatient?"
Comment: I am not so sure about where the tendons run in the hand but damage to the hand is attributable mostly to being overeager, impatient and subject to both ego and pride with a dash of validation from your peers. The monkey has taken over the bus.
Statement: "Repetition is a hallmark of good training with a makiwara?"
Comment: I believe repetition is the hallmark of good training in martial systems, arts or what ever you name it, i.e. karate, kung fu, aikido, etc. Practice, practice, practice and when you think you have it; practice, practice, practice!
Is it actually true to say, “This tool is paramount to good karate?” Is the makiwara more important than anything else in karate? I think we can assign importance to many things within karate training and practice. It sometimes depends on the manner and reason of study often crossing over into two or more ways, i.e., sport to self-defense to combative and so on.
I also, personally, feel that it depends on what you use the tool for and what you get back from using it, i.e., is it about power; is it about timing; is it about body conditioning and so on. I tend to think in today’s karate that the makiwara serves as a means of learning, testing and experiencing the how and why of fundamental principles usually encompassing such things as stated above.
It is a basic tool to test your understanding and use of those fundamental principles such as structure, alignment and energy generation and transference, etc. You can find more on the principles by searching the blog and Internet.
In short, the makiwara is not paramount to karate but not more or less important to any other aspect of karate training, it can be a matter of perspective. I do believe that for traditional karate, call it classical if you wish, and as it applies to self-fense the makiwara is a great tool that provides a lot of physical feedback at the basic, novice, levels.
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