| All rights reserved. |
 | |  | |  | |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Traditional Training in Shotokan
Traditional training in Shotokan often includes the use of tools that help to strengthen
and toughen the body while helping with form, speed, and balance of techniques. As with
any training, caution and control needs to be used when using any of these tools. Most of
the time, slow, deliberate movements are far better then fast movements which are more
likely to cause injury. Here is a description of some of the tools often associated with
traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate-Do:
Makiwara
The makiwara is the most common of tools used in traditional Karate training. The use of
the Makiwara strengthens and toughens your striking points (primarily your
knuckles/hands) while ensuring good form in each technique. Consistent training with the
makiwara will build good kime (timing) and ma-ai (distancing). Funakoshi himself said " I
think I am in no way exaggerating when I say that practice with the makiwara is the
keystone in the creation of strong weapons." (Karate-Do, My Way of Life).
There are many different types of makiwaras, but the tachi makiwara (standing) and the
sage makiwara (hanging) are the two most common. Traditionally, the standing makiwara
is the most used and is made by wrapping rope and/or straw around a wooden pole and
burying it in the ground. In Karate-Do Kyohan, Funakoshi goes in depth about making a
good makiwara.
Tetsu Geta (Iron Clogs)
The Tetsu Geta are heavy sandals used to develop leg and foot strength. The fact that
they are sandals and not strapped to your feet make them much harder to use then ankle
weights (which serve the same purpose). Practicing slow kicks while concentrating on
your form with these (or ankle weights) attached will greatly improve balance and kick
speed.
Sashi (Weights)
The use of hand-held weights such as 3-10 pound dumb-bells while practicing kihon or
kata will help develop strength and speed as well as make your techniques more solid
overall. Because sashi will help to target the muscles that stabilize your movements, you
will notice a huge increase in body control over time. Traditionally, sashi were made of
stone but used in the exact same manner as modern weights.
Chi-Shi
The chi-shi is a small stick or pole with a weight on the top. It is held in one hand and is
used with slow, controlled movements to strengthen the grip, hands, arms, shoulders,
and chest. It also helps to build good balance when practiced in strong stances as it
forces your body to stabilize. Done incorrectly however, the chi-shi can cause serious
damage to bones and muscles, so strong caution needs to be taken when using this tool.
Nigiri Game (Gripping Jar)
A kami can be made out of numerous things. Anything from a mason jar filled with water,
to ceramic pots can be used. The kami is used by gripping only the top of the jar and is
often used in conjunction with moving up and down the dojo floor in deep stances. The
kami is great for building stamina and strength in the grip, as well as legs when used in
strong stances.
Other Tools
Some other tools that are often used include sticks used to toughen arms/legs, jars or
buckets filled with sand used to thrust your hands into and strengthen your fingers, sticks
with weights tied to them to strengthen forearms, and many others. Just about anything,
if used correctly, can be a viable training tool.
Traditional training in Shotokan often includes the use of tools that help to strengthen
and toughen the body while helping with form, speed, and balance of techniques. As with
any training, caution and control needs to be used when using any of these tools. Most of
the time, slow, deliberate movements are far better then fast movements which are more
likely to cause injury. Here is a description of some of the tools often associated with
traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate-Do:
Makiwara
The makiwara is the most common of tools used in traditional Karate training. The use of
the Makiwara strengthens and toughens your striking points (primarily your
knuckles/hands) while ensuring good form in each technique. Consistent training with the
makiwara will build good kime (timing) and ma-ai (distancing). Funakoshi himself said " I
think I am in no way exaggerating when I say that practice with the makiwara is the
keystone in the creation of strong weapons." (Karate-Do, My Way of Life).
There are many different types of makiwaras, but the tachi makiwara (standing) and the
sage makiwara (hanging) are the two most common. Traditionally, the standing makiwara
is the most used and is made by wrapping rope and/or straw around a wooden pole and
burying it in the ground. In Karate-Do Kyohan, Funakoshi goes in depth about making a
good makiwara.
Tetsu Geta (Iron Clogs)
The Tetsu Geta are heavy sandals used to develop leg and foot strength. The fact that
they are sandals and not strapped to your feet make them much harder to use then ankle
weights (which serve the same purpose). Practicing slow kicks while concentrating on
your form with these (or ankle weights) attached will greatly improve balance and kick
speed.
Sashi (Weights)
The use of hand-held weights such as 3-10 pound dumb-bells while practicing kihon or
kata will help develop strength and speed as well as make your techniques more solid
overall. Because sashi will help to target the muscles that stabilize your movements, you
will notice a huge increase in body control over time. Traditionally, sashi were made of
stone but used in the exact same manner as modern weights.
Chi-Shi
The chi-shi is a small stick or pole with a weight on the top. It is held in one hand and is
used with slow, controlled movements to strengthen the grip, hands, arms, shoulders,
and chest. It also helps to build good balance when practiced in strong stances as it
forces your body to stabilize. Done incorrectly however, the chi-shi can cause serious
damage to bones and muscles, so strong caution needs to be taken when using this tool.
Nigiri Game (Gripping Jar)
A kami can be made out of numerous things. Anything from a mason jar filled with water,
to ceramic pots can be used. The kami is used by gripping only the top of the jar and is
often used in conjunction with moving up and down the dojo floor in deep stances. The
kami is great for building stamina and strength in the grip, as well as legs when used in
strong stances.
Other Tools
Some other tools that are often used include sticks used to toughen arms/legs, jars or
buckets filled with sand used to thrust your hands into and strengthen your fingers, sticks
with weights tied to them to strengthen forearms, and many others. Just about anything,
if used correctly, can be a viable training tool.
Funakoshi practicing
with his Makiwara
with his Makiwara
| Koketsu Dojo of Shotokan Karate |