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Wastelander
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Chi-Ishi Exercise and Related Techniques

Hello, everyone!

This week's Waza Wednesday takes another look at the chi-ishi (stone mallet), and how an exercise used with it can be connected to a variety of martial arts techniques

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Good video and I like how the exercise is related to actual technique. I really do appreciate you sharing these.

I’ve been weight lifting for around 30 years, even qualifying as a weightlifting instructor at one point, but I’ve never made use of the chi-ishi. In the past it struck me as outdated and possibly even injury inducing (i.e. putting pressure on the joints when they are at angles not suited for load bearing). I also felt that it would be the kind of thing you would have no option to use in the absence of modern equipment. So not a considered choice, but the only option available in the past.

In recent years, I am revaluating this view. I still prefer modern barbells, dumbbells, suspension trainers, etc over weighted jars, chi-ishi, iron geta, etc, but I can see the value in both. Especially when it comes to replicating combative motion.

The judo club I trained at had a strength routine using nothing but a rock (nicknamed “The Barney Rubble”). We had rocks at the back of the dojo, but the time it was used most was when out running. You pick a rock from the naturally occurring rubble and away you go. It consisted of numerous motions; including swings and lifts akin to the motions used in Judo throwing. You were not allowed to put the rock down at any point (“love and care for your rock”) and it was tough. Defiantly effective too. See picture below of a group doing the Barney Rubble during a winter training camp.

As I say, I still have a strong preference for modern methods because they have worked for me for decades. I find them to be safe (unlikely to pull at my pre-existing injuries or cause new ones) and effective at developing coordinated strength. However, I can see how others can legitimately choose the more traditional equipment as a valid alternative / part of strength training for their martial arts. Videos like the one above are also very effective in making that case.

All the best,

Iain

Wastelander
Wastelander's picture

Oh, we certainly utilize modern strength and conditioning tools--we have an Olympic weight set, a Standard weight set, several pairs of dumbbells of various sizes, several pairs of kettlebells of various sizes, two full sets of resistance band gear, dip and pull-up stations, etc. That said, there are lots of exercises with traditional karate training tools that we enjoy and find a lot of value in from a functional strength perspective. This is one :)

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Wastelander wrote:
Oh, we certainly utilize modern strength and conditioning tools--we have an Olympic weight set, a Standard weight set, several pairs of dumbbells of various sizes, several pairs of kettlebells of various sizes, two full sets of resistance band gear, dip and pull-up stations, etc. That said, there are lots of exercises with traditional karate training tools that we enjoy and find a lot of value in from a functional strength perspective. This is one :)

Sounds like a solid mix :-) As with so much in karate, I think the key is to seek the objective as efficiently as possible and judge all training methods accordingly.

The past masters were seeking the most powerful punches possible. If they had access to focus mitts, kick shields, BOB dummies, they would have used them. They would not have stuck to the Makiwara alone.

When seeking the most effective conditioning exercises, they would not have ignored modern kit in favour of weighted jars etc.

This should also be true of technique and training methods. The past masters were seeking optimum combative efficiently, and if we find “new” methods that can enhance that, then they should not be ignored in favour of “tradition”.

Paradoxically, the past masters were all happy to assimilate and innovate (that was the tradition of the time) whereas today “tradition” is often seen as dogmatically sticking to the past. For my part, I know some of what I do is considered “too modern” or “too western” for some; particularly the impact development side of things. The demonstrable efficiency and impact is deemed irrelevant because the equipment used is not the same equipment of the 1900s. Which means that anachronism is favoured over function; which is not the traditional view.

I’ve seen the same thing when it comes to strength training and conditioning; where Iron Geta, Nigiri Gami, Chiishi, Iron Ring, are deemed the only valid way to develop strength, despite the obvious benefit of alternate modern methods too.

I think the approach you outline is very healthy: Using the traditional methods for the value they have, while also acknowledging the befits of other methods. It also sounds like your dojo is well-equipped and I’m more than a little jealous :-)

All the best,

Iain