[bluemeanie]

I partake in my share of knuckle pushups and forearm stretches to strengthen and protect my hands and arms from damage. My instructor has us do pushups on harder surfaces from time to time as well.

When is a good time to begin further toughening the hands, and what is a good point at which to stop? Is striking a makiwara(sp?) board an effective and relatively safe way to do this? How can I make a board with sufficient padding to accomplish the task without breaking bones? Does anyone here advocate not using a board at all?

Thanks