makiwara in a clamping action. Today the pad is less often made of straw, and more likely to be leather; often with a layer of rubber, duct tape or other tape over foam rubber; and in some cases black palm rope is used. Modern materials may last longer outdoors. Soft makiwara construction and use Soft makiwaras are the type of makiwara that beginners use, but they are still essential for daily speed training for both beginners and experts alike. Soft makiwaras are often positioned at a greater angle from vertical and an average punch will straighten the makiwara to a vertical position. Stiff makiwara construction and use After the user is well conditioned from using the soft makiwara, they often add additional training on the stiff makiwara to work on power training. The stiff makiwara is constructed by positioning the wood at a small angle from vertical. The average training punch to push the makiwara to a vertical position, or 90 degrees from the ground. Types of makiwara Standing Makiwara Shuri makiwara The shuri makiwara is a flat board, measured to be as high as the instructor's breast bone. This makiwara is used when punching from a short stance. Naha makiwara The naha makiwara is also a flat board, but measured to be as high as the instructor's solar plexus. This makiwara is used traditionally by Goju Ryu practitioners, who train in a deep stance(Shiko dachi).Goju Ryu students are far more likely to use sanchin dachi in using the makiwara. The common makiwara in the Jundokan dojo in Naha, of Eiichi Miyazato are closer to shoulder height. Ude makiwara The ude makiwara differs in that it is round on all sides. This allows for the practitioner to use a variety of strikes and kicks on the makiwara, that could not be used on flat boards. Hand Held Makiwara Many martial artists use portable or hand held makiwara. Some are pocket sized, some may be mounted temporarily (in a Okinawa Taxi for instance). These makiware are usually held in one hand and struck with the other. These makiwara allows the practitioner to condition other parts of the hand such as Shuto, nukite (finger tips). This provides the capability of hand conditioning and training outside the dojo. See also Wolff's law (a possible explanation why bones strengthen with daily makiwara use) Stress fracture Boxer's fracture Mu ren zhuang References External links Detailed