I was once asked if it were necessary to achieve what I call karate knuckles to practice and apply karate and my answer was a quick and final, "no." I train/trained with the makiwara. I still do but less than when I began karate. I believe in the makiwara as a training tool for karate-ka. I don't require it of any student but I will teach it and let a student know if they intend to practice a traditional/classical form of karate then it is a part and parcel of that practice.
So, back to the question, what thoughts come to your mind when you see a karate-ka with the below karate knuckles?
They have lots of free time. Or at least that is the first thing that comes to my mind.
ReplyDeleteHi, Nick: It is believed in some circles that both kata and makiwara are the core of karate. Others speak of the need to "Hit something" at least one third of the time you practice which I believe means makiwara of various kinds, heavy bag and people.
ReplyDeleteBut, that is just me thinking here :-)
In my hayday I practiced one hour on makiwara, heavy bag and both one/three/five step kumite and free style kumite to hit others for at least one hour of every three hours of training/practice.
Today I spend at least fifteen minutes to half hour for every two hours of training/practice but with less intensity since I don't have a dojo now.