I would say the large chishi is approx 35-40lbs. Handle length will vary depending on training purpose, however for a smaller chishi a standard length would be floor to knee height. The larger chishi here has a longer handle.

I had the fortune of going to the Karate pre-championship there as a coach, and our contingent had the fortune to train with Yasuda and Ei'Ichi Miyazato himself, and we stayed with them and their uchi deshi.

Each of us offered a donation to the school of what we could afford, but there were no fees. People just walked in and trained, though there had to be scheduled classes as groups of people would come in and out. Respect the facility and work hard was the only requirement that I could see.

Sounds like a wonderful experience. And that is fairly typical especially during large events. However, please note that most dojo do have specific fees (but often no one will tell guests) to support the dojo and its financial responsibilities - you just have to find the right person to ask.

Thank you for the answers, they've been very helpful. I'll definitely look into the organization you've mentioned. You've earned a subscriber, amazing videos.

How would one realistically go to Okinawa to train there? Also, what are your thoughts on western training styles? I've found that dojos here are often run on the business models of giving belts simply for time put in, not for their warrior spirit or actual ability. I've trained for several years in different styles, as well as the Goju Karate Do style and would love to get back into it, I train on my own right now due to circumstances; but feel like training there may be more beneficial.

How did this little gem sneak by me? Thanks for posting. JP

Красавчег! Хотя я лично предпочитаю приёмы дзюдо.

@LeHammockRider Yes, you can most definitely begin in your 40s and become competent with help from a good teacher.  

How many days a week do you do these exercises, and how many sets and reps generally?

Would you call the exercises with the Chi Ishi full body exercises?

If you have a specific teacher in mind to train with in Okinawa you can contact them directly or contact one of their reps in your country of residence. If you want a more general training experience there is an organization called "Gateway to Okinawa" run by westerners in Okinawa that can put you in touch with a teacher or style. As far as training in the "West", there are good and bad dojos like anywhere else. If you want more detailed info about Goju dojos where you live please message me.

@Gungfuman77 Thank you.

can you recommend any good website to buy this equipment?  thank you

La peor forma de hacer ejercicios de pesas es usando objetos que han sido sustituidos por otros mejores, y se quedan varados en el tiempo, no progresan... ni en la técnica ni en la habilidad para mejorar, sino que es como que un medico no vea nuevos medicamentos, o técnicas para mejorar las dolencias de sus pacientes, NO SE ACTUALIZAN