Chi ishi Explained: The Goju Ryu Tool that Transforms your Kata

Chi ishi is one of the oldest strength training tools in Goju Ryu karate — and one of the least understood outside a traditional Okinawan dojo. In this video I break down exactly what chi ishi is, how to train with it, and why regular hojo undo practice with this implement directly transforms your kata. As I prepare for my 4th Dan grading, chi ishi has become central to my weekly training. I'll walk you through the history of this traditional Okinawan karate tool, demonstrate the core exercises step-by-step, and — most importantly — show you how each movement maps directly onto the kata mechanics you're already training. From Geki Sai Dai Ichi to Sanchin, the connection will change how you think about karate training. Whether you're new to hojo undo or deepening your understanding of traditional Goju Ryu, this one's for you. Buy The Art of Hojo Undo here: https://amzn.to/4eyVfZs Links: https://zoehinis.com/2014/09/04/hojo-... https://share.google/rRq1iBq81TgHLmx3e https://xendurance.com/blogs/blog/ben... ───────────────────────────────── WHAT WE COVER IN THIS VIDEO: ───────────────────────────────── 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - What is Chi ishi 01:05 - Construction and making your own 02:04 - What weight should you start with? 03:11 - Double-handed chi ishi 03:30 - Basic chi ishi exercises 03:56 - Exercise 1 - inside pull 04:26 - Exercise 2 - outside drop 04:49 - Exercise 3 - Swing and catch 05:28 - Exercise 4 - Over the shoulder 180 05:52 - Exercise 5 - 360 degrees 06:38 - Exercise 6 - Double handed drop 07:05 - Exercise 7 - Double-handed drop, flip, up 07:37 - The importance of the triceps 08:20 - Exercise 8 - Double hand, drop and hip stretch 09:32 - Exercise 9 - Shikodachi and thrust 10:19 - Exercise 10 - Hike uke and pull 11:36 - Exercise 11 - Wrist only workout 12:08 - How chishi improves kata 13:01 - My grading prep with chi ishi 13:32 - Ways to train with chishi 15:30 - Training when tired 17:23 - The changes I've seen 19:03 - Summary ───────────────────────────────── ABOUT THIS CHANNEL: ───────────────────────────────── Goju Ryu Karate Centre is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. We explore traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate — kata, bunkai, history, and training methodology — in a way that's accessible to practitioners at every level. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @gojuryukaratecentre   Our videos are free, but not cheap to make! Please consider subscribing, and get new videos most Fridays. We also have the option of Super Thank Yous, which is like a tip jar for creators like us. Think of it as buying a coffee for Zoe when she edits ;) Find us online! https://www.grkc1978.com/   / gojuryukaratecentre     / gojuryukaratecentre     / gojuryukaratecentre   Mailbag: [email protected] Video produced by: Zoe Jagger-Hinis https://zoehinis.com/