Karate – Hand Conditioning

Traditional Karate Hand Conditioning Drills

In the past, martial art students would attempt to strengthen the bones in their hands and legs by hitting hard objects. These types of traditional conditioning drills are controversial because some martial artists think that they are effective for strengthening your bones via microfractures which heal & make potential thicker bones. Other martial artists think this type of training is dangerous because it can potentially damage blood vessels, weaken the overall bone structure via major fractures, cause nerve damage, etc. Do not try this at home because it is easy to break a bone if done incorrectly. If you are interested in this type of training, please discuss the pros and cons with your martial arts instructor.

The videos below focus on some traditional hand conditioning drills done in Karate. These Karate hand exercises are often done against a Makiwara (padded striking board). This equipment is used in Hojo Undo, traditional strength training used by some Karate styles.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For other traditional training tools, please visit the Martial Arts Training Equipment section.

Demonstrations of Karate Hand Conditioning