candle training

[seienchin]

Time for me to chip in I think.

I have done both candle and makiwara. Candles were never a part of serious dojo training. They were a fun thing at after-grading parties and the like, and something that I evolved into a tool to help to train children. I see no reason it would not be useful for the same reasons in adults, I just don't think it is necesary.

In children it teaches focus, targeting, control and speed. These are good things. However, it is not a good training technique for full-contact karate, as in my experience it is almost impossible to put the candle out by punching through it. As posted elsewhere, it is the punch and stop (with a very slight withdrawal) that seems to extinguish the flame.

As for makiwara. I trained with makiwara a lot leading up to my shodan grading, because my 1st kyu tameshiwari attempts had been a disaster. My wrist just collapsed. I think that the value of makiwara training comes in learning and confirming a strong fist consolidation, a good striking angle, and good wrist biomechanics. I just found it really helped me understand how to hold my fist well. It is different to bag work, as even a heavy sand bag is actually more forgiving than a fixed makiwara (mine was very traditional, wood with a thiin rope wrap).

I was taught to start with shuto strikes first, as no matter how strong you are, your fist will not be ready to start full makiwara training up front. A month or so of hard shuto striking with makiwara builds the hand muscles and increases the grip strength. Then I was ready to move onto seiken makiwara.

I do not believe that anyone should just go and start hitting makiwara without supervision. It is a good way to get injured. Candles on the other hand....

[tmd]

Have any of you noticed the sponsored links? Normally they for Gi's and Dojo's etc but for this thread it's all Candle Factories and Candle making jars lol

Better not check my one for running in yr Gi, going by the responses the adds will probably be for self help groups or mental health related products

[grasshopper1486]

Originally Posted by Dent

Osu! Grasshopper1486,

While your opinion is appreciated, please don't shout it at the forum members. Some of us have very sensitive hearing.

Osu!

OSU !!!

Point taken...You got me laughing at myself there...thanks for the heads up

[Dent]

Osu! Seienchin,

Originally Posted by seienchin

I was taught to start with shuto strikes first, as no matter how strong you are, your fist will not be ready to start full makiwara training up front. A month or so of hard shuto striking with makiwara builds the hand muscles and increases the grip strength. Then I was ready to move onto seiken makiwara.

I do not believe that anyone should just go and start hitting makiwara without supervision. It is a good way to get injured.

Being of a weak and fragile nature myself, I find that using all the old Okinawan Hojo Undo equipment is part and parcel of good Karate development. Kongoken, Sanchin Game, Tetsu Sashi and Geta all work with the Makiwara.

I've tried to do just the Makiwara in training, but I do wind up feeling as though the hand, wrist and forearm strength are lacking.

Oh, and for Shuto...? Nothing beats a rock!

Osu!

[Dent]

Osu! TMD,

Originally Posted by tmd

Better not check my one for running in yr Gi, going by the responses the adds will probably be for self help groups or mental health related products

It isn't like we can't use them!

Osu!

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by grasshopper1486

OSU !!!

Point taken...You got me laughing at myself there...thanks for the heads up

Thank you for taking it in the spirit it was meant! Have a great day!

Osu!