Makiwara

This is a classical tool used by traditional karate practitioners. It is said to have originated in Okinawa and is used to develop punching and kicking power. It strengthens the muscles, joints, and bones. The tool can be damaging to the body and cause permanent damage if used incorrectly, so find quality instruction before beginning training with this type of equipment.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Several items are needed and most can be picked up at your local hardware store or laying around your house if you are into building things yourself. Do not forget this is just one type of Makiwara. There are many different shapes and sizes. List of items: 4x4 post- length varies due to size and placement. Mine is inside the dojo, so it was 6'. Cost apprx $7.00 Floor mount: needed to hold the post. Cost apprx $18.00 Concrete anchors: 3/8" bolt 2 1/4" long, 5/8" anchor. Cost apprx $5.00 Sandpaper: 60gr, 100gr, 180gr, 320gr. Cost apprx $10.00. Sand paper is optional and not needed to be functional. Stain or paint: 1 pint is more than enough. Cost apprx $6.00. again optional. Padding and covering: this is a must. I used a green felt table cloth from a Texas Hold em game and styrofoam from a package I received. Cost free. There are nicer and more professional ones that a person can buy off of the internet. I also used liquid nail to glue the felt to the styrofoam. It was left over from a previous project. Many options. 10' rope: used for the lower kicking pad. Cost $1.00 at harbor freight. Optional add on.

Step 2: Tools

Will need a few tools. I recommend these. Saw: I used a circular saw and a saw saw. Drill: power drill with 5/8" concrete bit Saw horse: two is sufficient to make your cuts on. But most any stable surface will do. Sander: optional. Can power sand, hand sand, or not sand at all. But it helps to prevent splinters and beautifies the project. Wrenches for mounting the hardware.

Step 3: Build

Start off by measuring the 4x4. The height of it should be apprx solar plexus high from the ground. If the Makiwara will be mounted in the ground add an additional 18"-24" to be buried. I recommend using concrete outside. An 80 pound bag of quickcrete would work fine. Measure the top at 1", go down 48", and make the base 3". I measured mine 1" at the top, measure down 48" and made my 3" mark. That gave me a mounting 4x4 base 8" tall, that then a 3" that tapered up to 1". Make the cut. Sand smooth and stain. Mount the hardware inter desired location while waiting for the stain to dry. If the color is not right re-sand with 320gr and stain again. This can be done until the desired color is obtained. Attach the Makiwara pad and optional kick pad. Mount in hardware or bury in the hole. Reap the fruits of your labor. When conducting this type of training do research and learn the do's and don'ts. Dit da jow liniment is helpful when putting the bones, joints, and muscles under this type of stress.

Step 4: Fix the Weak Post Holder

Replace the weak post holder with a stronger one. The best I could find was at Home Depot. If it breaks down, the last option would be to have one custom made out of 1/4" steel. Also, are some images of the broken one. The break was in the seam. The distorted top was a result of getting the old one off the anchor bolts.