Karate tools Pt 1 Sagi Machiwara

 I was working with the Sagi Machiwara  today. What a brute of karate tool it is. Difficult to manipulate and direct, and the closer to it you are and the further you push it away the more difficult and demanding it becomes. With shoulders and forearms burning, 30 minutes went quickly. The Sagi Machiwara has multiple ways it can be trained with, but in this context I used it for Kakie ( push hands ).  Other uses include swinging it and moving out of its way as late as possible (evasion). Striking it with palms, finger knuckles, back of the hand and elbows or simply using it to block. 

A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a friend and fellow martial artist ( primarily Jiu Jitsu ) which tool i favoured or liked the most. I didnt really have an answer for him.... After training today I sat for a while contemplating what he had asked. I came to the conclusion that I didn't have an answer about liking any one in particular because I dont particularly like any of them. They are all Savage and brutal. They hurt, they fatigue they bruise and they show you flaws in yourself so what's to like really.... not much.

So why keep going back to them? Endorphin release, the need to improve, to develope tenacity, to hone the weapons we use in karate, hands, shins, elbows, fingers etc...or simply because it becomes an integral part of training? 

Whatever the reason, Karate training, physically and mentally and indeed life in general is better for it...not easy but then nothing ever worthwhile is... 

After using the tools I always feel more           ' mellow ' chilled and satisfied. And in a better place to put up with Fkwits that I seem to be encountering on an almost daily basis.  

The Sagi Machiwara, basically a log on a rope. Cheap to make and a great training partner when you dont have a training partner.  Hang it like a punching bag.