Makiage Kigu (Wrist Roller) – Karate Strength Training
This page provides details about the Makiage Kigu (or Wrist Roller). This traditional Japanese martial arts training tool is used by some Karate sub-styles in order to develop hand, wrist and forearm strength. This equipment is used in Hojo Undo (traditional strength training used by some Karate styles).
The Makiage Kigu (or Wrist Roller) is a rope with a wooden bar at one end and a weight at the other end. The martial artist will hold the wooden bar and rotate his hands. This will cause the rope to curl around the wooden bar and the weight to rise up towards the bar. This training gear is part of the Karate system known as Hojo Undo (or “Supplementary Exercises” to regular martial arts training). Examples of other Hojo Undo tools include Makiwara (Striking Post) and Nigiri Game (Gripping Jars).
For information on other traditional training equipment (i.e. Chinese and Okinawan), please visit the main Martial Arts Training Equipment section.
Modern Version of a Wrist Roller