(Approx 2 minute 10 second read)

In 1908, Anko Itosu wrote a letter called the “Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate” to draw the attention of Japan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of War toward karate.
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One particular point in Itosu’s fourth precept stands out: the importance of the makiwara. “In karate, training of the hands and feet is important, so one must be thoroughly trained on the makiwara.”
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The makiwara (巻藁), or striking post, is often misunderstood as a tool solely for hardening knuckles. Its real purpose is to develop a strong punch while conditioning the wrist and hand for impact. Calluses might form along the way, but they’re just a byproduct – not the goal.
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These days, we have all sorts of tools for striking practice: the ‘Bob’, pads, heavy bags, you name it. But there’s something special about hitting the makiwara.
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Back in the UK, I had a traditional straw makiwara in my garden and used to hit it around 500 times a day. In my dojo now, I’ve got the leather-padded kind, but the straw version was always my favorite. I have a second one too, made by myself from an old snow ski with a hard foam pad attached. And let’s not forget the heavy bag.
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Training with something solid to hit is crucial. Practicing in the air or pulling punches won’t prepare you for the shock of striking a real object. The makiwara sharpens your technique, breathing, and form. It doesn’t lie – poor technique becomes glaringly obvious the moment your hand connects.
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The name “makiwara” comes from the coiled straw traditionally used as padding. Some say it has antiseptic properties – though I’m not convinced. These days, you’ll find variations with rubber or leather padding. Leather is often preferred for its durability.
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You’re not limited to just punching, either. While the classic ‘seiken’ (fist) is a staple, there are many techniques you can practice. Beginners should start light, gradually increasing intensity as your hands and wrists strengthen. A word of caution: warm up properly and take your time. Rushing leads to injuries, and trust me, that’s not a lesson you want to learn the hard way.
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Speaking of caution, let me share a story. One of my students, training at home, filled an old canvas punch bag with sand and went at it too hard, too soon. He ended up with a broken wrist. It’s a classic example of why you need to progress gradually and listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain and give yourself time to recover – it’s better to rest than risk long-term damage.
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There are myths floating around that makiwara training causes arthritis or rheumatism. In my experience, I’ve seen no evidence of this – at least not when the training is done correctly.
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The makiwara isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a test of your commitment. It demands effort, consistency, and patience. For me, it’s one of my favorite tools in training.
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Why not give it a try? Just don’t blame me when your neighbors start wondering why you’re punching a wooden post like it owes you money!
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo
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Photo Credit: Teruyoshi Okazaki