THE OKINAWAN CHI’ISHI FOR COMBATIVES CONDITIONING

Following the rediscovery of old training methods and equipment, such as Kettlebells
and Sandbags, I decided to introduce the Chi’ishi “strength-stone” of Okinawan
Karate to the Combatives community, at our Fifth International Seminar.
   The Okinawans emphasize strength, power and conditioning in their Karate,
especially in styles like Goju-ryu. The Okinawans are a hard working farming/fishing
community, and they specialised in making training equipment out of cheap, readily-
available materials.

 DESCRIPTION

 

The Chi’ishi is a leverage device. The length of the shaft means that the force
loading on the arm is much heavier than the actual weight suggests.
     The easiest way to make a Chi’ishi is to pour ready-mix concrete into an old tin
can, stick a wooden shaft in, and wait overnight for it to set.
 Variations in the size of the can, and the length and the thickness of the shaft
produce Chi’ishi of different degrees of difficulty.

USE

  

The Karate guys employ a whole routine involving deep stances, breathing
exercises, and single/double-handed manipulations.

     For Combatives I suggest a couple of simple exercises: the finishing point is the
locked position, designed to exercise wrist, elbow and shoulder.
1] Lift the device vertically and stabilize in the locked position.

2] From the locked position allow the device to rotate in inside/outside circles. Great
for wrist strength.

The Chi’ishi is far from an al-round, super training implement. However, integrated
with Kettlebells, Medicine Balls, Sandbags, Dumb-bells etc it can be a useful addition
to the Combatives Conditioning toolbox.