In 1908, Anko Itosu sent a letter to the Prefectural Education Department
concerning the idea that led to the introduction of his karate to
all Okinawa schools. It eventually spread to the Japanese mainland.
The fourth point of his letter expressed the importance of makiwara
training. Itosu wrote," The hands and feet are important so they
should be trained thoroughly on the makiwara. In doing so, drop your
shoulders, open your lungs, take hold of your strength, grip the floor
with your feet, and sink your intrinsic energy to your lower abdomen.
Practice with each arm one or two hundred times."
Beginning students usually feel slightly intimidated after the first
meeting with this wooden post, but those having a strong spirit will
take on the challenge the Makiwara offers. Various striking points
are conditioned with each session. As striking points toughen, confidence
between you and your makiwara training will gradually build up until
one day you will have developed a strike so focused and powerful,
it will break the board with what seems to be an effortless strike!
As you go through the different stages that led to this experience,
you will look forward to your next meeting understanding the value
of the makiwara.
MAKIWARA 巻藁