The Benefits of Makiwara Training - The Art of Makiwara - III

Once again another post to provide knowledge and understanding for the art of makiwara.

First 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.

Second 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.

Third 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 legand 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.

In this particular post we covered three distinct areas of concern when researching whether a person would utilize the karate tool, the makiwara. The answers here and in following posts will help karate-ka determine their needs in pursuing the art of the makiwara.