Makiwara

巻物 / 巻き藁

Traditional Okinawan training post used to develop striking power and condition impact surfaces.

Quick Facts

CategoryEquipment

Pronunciation/[mah-kee-wah-rah]/

Alternative NamesStriking board, Striking post

Definition

Originating in Okinawa, the makiwara consists of a flexible wooden post mounted into the floor or wall, padded at the top with straw rope or leather. Regular practice conditions the knuckles, aligns wrist alignment, and teaches proper energy transfer (Kime) at impact. Unlike a heavy bag, the spring action of the makiwara provides immediate feedback on strike biomechanics.

Related Terms

Jodan上段

Upper level target area of the body in Japanese terminology (head and neck).

Chudan中段

Middle level target area of the body (chest, abdomen, and torso).

Associated Martial Arts

Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Byakuren Kaikan Uechi-ryu Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Kyokushin Budokai Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu