Karate Tools Pt2 Ude Kitae

 The Ude Kitae...Ude (arm) Kitae (to forge, temper or condition)

This brute really does reveal the true nature of the self. 

It takes a very long time to be remotely comfortable training with this tool. The forging or conditioning process of the arms and shins needs to be approached with care, not over done but at the same time with consistency.  And that is the key to improving bone density and desensitising the nerves around the areas that are trained.  Bruising is certain, pain is certain as is the mental trauma of what it is you are doing. Its very uncomfortable,  the brain says stop, and this is where you 'meet yourself'.  Do you or dont you, or do you go harder. Its a choice. 

Typically I train the inside, outside and back of the forearm.  Then knife hand and the centre of the back of the hand for i am blessed not having any veins at the striking point. You must stay away from veins, damage could be irreparable. 

The top of the Ude Kitae has about a 25 to 35 degree slope. This allows for a hammer fist strike or palm strike to be trained. Also drilled around the top inside edge i have, on mine, 5 circular dimples slightly wider than a finger tip. This is to simulate striking, or driving the fingers into the soft areas around the neck. Not only does it gradually strengthen the finger tips but also helps with consistent accuracy...

I generally do 150 strikes of each exercise  2 to 3 times a week. Allow a good hour of traing for this many. Incidentally,  once you start an exercise you do not break from it until the number is done. Start with a small number to complete and then go from there. Patience is needed. Remember, training with tools like this is a marathon not a sprint, you cant have it all straight away... good luck.

Jony.