A makiwara is a traditional Okinawan karate training tool, typically a long, flexible board or post fixed upright into the ground or a wall, with a padded striking surface near the top. Unlike a freestanding heavy bag, a makiwara has some give or spring built into its mounting, so it flexes slightly and returns force back into the striking limb rather than simply absorbing the impact.
Traditional makiwara training is closely associated with conditioning the hands for punching, encouraging correct alignment of the fist, wrist and forearm at the moment of impact, since poor alignment on a makiwara is felt immediately. It is generally introduced only once a student already has solid basic technique from kihon practice, and heavy, frequent makiwara use for conditioning is a matter of personal or school tradition rather than a requirement of karate itself.
A simpler, wall mounted striking pad is sometimes used as a gentler alternative for home practice. See our training at home guide and the entry on wall pad for lower impact options.
