Makiwara
巻き藁
Okinawan striking board, literally “rolled-up straw”. Strikes are practised on a springy post with a pad, which also conditions the striking surfaces.
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Word breakdown
Definition
Makiwara (巻き藁) means “rolled-up straw”: maki is to roll up, wara is straw. It is a striking aid from Okinawa, traditionally a springy wooden post set into the ground, with a pad of bound straw at its upper end. Today the pad is also made of leather or foam. A distinction is made between tachi-makiwara, set into the ground or fixed in place, and age-makiwara, which is hung. The springy post resists the strike, so the practitioner trains the transfer of force, stance and kime, and at the same time conditions the striking surfaces, above all seiken. Makiwara belongs among the hojo undo implements.