Outdoor Makiwara DIY

Now that spring has arrived in the Inland Northwest it's time to bring our training outdoors! Whether you're looking to build a replica of Chojun Miyagi Sensei's garden dojo or simply get some additional weekend training, we'll show you how to build your own personal makiwara with minimal effort and cost. Excluding tools I already owned, which could also be borrowed, I only spent about $10.

This hoju undo staple can be found in every Goju-Ryu dojo, and for good reason. The makiwara is an excellent impact tool with a variety of training benefits, including:

-Resistance Training: Just as with heavy bags, striking the makiwara prepares one for real self-defense scenarios that punching in the air simply cannot provide. Are your punches solid or will they bounce off? Are you punching with the correct knuckles? Is one side weaker than the other? The makiwara provides immediate feedback for karateka and allows them to develop the full-body strength necessary for powerful strikes.

Higaonna Sensei's knuckles. Taken from The Art of Hojo Undo

-Conditioning: Repeated striking against solid objects conditions karateka both physically and mentally. Training your mind to accept the feel of hitting solid objects is crucial for handling real self-defense situations and cannot be replicated through light contact or zero-resistance training. Striking the makiwara also toughens the skin and bones through repeated contact. It is VERY important to note however, getting hands like Higaonna Sensei happens only after decades of very rigorous training. One should be considerate of their training level and health to avoid serious injury from over-usage. Hitting until your knuckles end up bloody and swollen will only leave you unable to attack effectively later.

-Targeting: The makiwara provides a narrower target for strikes than heavy bags and thus can be used to develop greater focus. The target can easily be adjusted for kicks of all heights and strikes from a variety of angles.

-Versatility: While mostly used for punching, makiwara can be used for nearly every strike and kick. Closed-fist strikes (such as punches and hammer fists), open strikes (palm and knife-hand, etc), knees, elbows, and kicks are all great for training on the makiwara. There's a reason it's so ubiquitous!

Higaonna Sensei performing tettsui uchi (hammer fist) on a makiwara

Now that we know why the makiwara is important, let's get to building!

Black cat optional

Materials:
-2x4 wood ($2.38 at Home Depot for 8ft, $3.84 for 10ft)
-Screws or nails, about 3 inches long (Varying price, but cheap)
-Clear spray paint to seal (I used Rust-oleum $3.87)
-Rubber or leather padding (Varying prices, I cut a piece off an old rubber mat)
-Saw
-Measuring tape
-Drill or hammer
-Shovel

Crossbeam positions

1. Saw off two 10in~ pieces of lumber from the 2x4. These will be the crossbeams. I used an 8ft piece of 2x4 which created a makiwara about 5ft high; taller karateka will want to use the 10ft ones.

2. Drill the two crossbeams onto your main frame. The front of the makiwara will have a beam across the bottom in the front; the rear of the makiwara will have a crossbeam about 1ft up and behind the frame.

3. Coat the entire thing with the clear coat spray paint. This will help the makiwara resist weathering. Designated wood protectorate exists, but the cost is high enough that it's cheaper to simply replace the makiwara multiple times over; the choice is yours.

4. While it dries, it's time to dig your hole! You'll want your makiwara buried about 2ft deep, ensuring that the crossbeams are fully buried. Pack the dirt in around the makiwara to hold it secure. Some prefer their makiwara leaning towards them when they hit for additional resistance, others like them straight.

5. Attach the makiwara pad. Shureido makes leather pads which can be tied to the post; I used a piece of rubber foam mat. I used hair ties to secure it, which will allow me to easily move the pad up or down depending on my needs while still holding it tight when I strike.

You're ready for training! Higaonna Sensei recommends 100 strikes per side each day, then eventually working up to as much as half an hour daily. Your training will, of course, depend on your schedule and training goals but you no longer have an excuse to forgo hojo undo!