Gripping Jars (握り甕)

The Gojuryu Karatedo Yoyogi Ryushinkan Dojo is equipped with Nigiri game (握り甕) or gripping jars, which are essentially used to strengthen the power of the karateka’s grip.   The jars are gripped around a lipped rim with fingers and thumb, and the practitioner moves in varying stances and turns, especially sanchindachi and shikodachi, also strengthening the arms, shoulders, back and legs.

Nigiri game are one of the simple, traditional devices, made from wood and stone, used in hojo undo (補助運動), the supplementary conditioning exercises designed to develop strength, stamina, muscle coordination, speed, and posture  Nigiri game can be filled with sand to adjust the weight as required.　Nigiri game is pronounced “Knee-Gee-Ree-Ga-May” – hard “g” and short “ee.”

As the linked article observes (and paraphrasing slightly), while modern karate emphasizes strike, kicks and punches, GoJuRyu and the more traditional schools have always included a wide variety of techniques, such as locks, throws, chokes and pinches. 

If conflict breaks out, one’s opponent should be brought under control with the minimum of activity, and striking an opponent should only be considered as a last resort.  “A powerful grip around the throat, groin, or the softer inner areas of the arms and legs, has a way of focusing the aggressor’s mind in ways that a punch or kick never will.”

“Far from obsolete, developing a potent grip provides one more opportunity to bring violence to a quick and decisive conclusion, a principal that lies at the very heart of traditional karate.”