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The Kongo Ken
This apparatus is quite commonly used in some hard styles
of karate. It is made from iron or steel and weighs about 35kg upwards.
There are numerous exercises which can be performed on the kongo ken that
can benefit the Ryoute practitioner. Not only will training result in
considerable strength but grip and muscle endurance will be improved as
well. This is a piece of equipment for those who are serious about randori.
The Chi ishi
Primarily for the strengthening of the wrists this apparatus
is popular amongst styles that have a strong grappling theme. The Chi
ishi consists of a strong wooden pole inserted into either a stone or
concrete weight, weighing anything from 10kg upwards. The exerises are
varied and can be practised in various stances to develop all round conditioning.
The Nigiri Gamae
Nigiri gamae literally means 'grippling jar'. This simple
piece of equipment is mainly used to strengthen the grip. However not
just any jar can be used. The neck and lip of the jar are specially made
to accommodate a grip using the tip or inside of the thumb and the tips
of the fingers. The eariler jars were made from clay but as students kept
breaking them cast iron ones were later made. For added weight the jar
can be filled with water or sand. Like the chi ishi the jars can be used
whilst in stance to develop all round conditioning.
