| One questions I often get asked is how to make | | | | Try to get at least on full length mirror if you |
| your own martial arts dojo at home. This is | | | | can't devote one entire wall. A mirror is a great |
| usually a question from students that participate in | | | | way to train and develop your skills. It is one of |
| our long distance home study course for the | | | | the fastest ways to turn yourself into a |
| martial arts. So here is a simple list to create the | | | | self-taught warrior. |
| best home dojo at a cost you can afford - simply | | | | PUNCHING BAGSI suggest two types of punching |
| buy what you can or need for your own focused | | | | bags. First is a free standing bag that can be |
| development. | | | | moved. Something like Century's Body Opponent |
| LOCATION First, you need a place to train. Since | | | | Bag would be perfect. You will use this to fine |
| this is about making a home dojo we are going to | | | | tune your strikes and kicks. Next you want to |
| assume you have some space available. I have | | | | get a heavy bag. Something that is longer than |
| used a garage, a backyard, a room in the house | | | | your body and very tough - like a good Muay |
| and the combination of all three on numerous | | | | Thai bag. Century also sells a good one of these |
| occasions. Since the back yard would be closer to | | | | too. |
| creating a mini-ninja camp. Let's focus on using an | | | | WEAPONS WALLVisit the hardware store like |
| indoor location. The bigger, the better. If you can | | | | Home Depot and get some Peg Boards and |
| get a garage - great! | | | | Hooks. These are very easy to set up on a wall |
| FLOORING The first most important part of your | | | | and can be used to store / display your weapons |
| home dojo is going to be the floor you train on. | | | | and training gear. This will give your home dojo |
| As most garages are cement, you need to find | | | | more of a martial arts ambiance and feel. |
| something you can train on without risking injury. I | | | | Everything else you get should be personal and |
| suggest that you get interlocking martial arts | | | | based on you own individual needs. I would add a |
| Puzzle Mats or what is commonly known as | | | | climbing wall, kettlebells, stereo, and stretching |
| Jigsaw Mats. These mats come in squares so you | | | | devices. I also like to have a white board for goals |
| can purchase only what you need. They can be | | | | setting or thoughts. Your home dojo can be a |
| placed on the floor in a matter of minutes by | | | | mental gym too. |
| connecting them together like you would that of a | | | | To see more information on Puzzle Mats, Punching |
| puzzle. These mats are also easy to pick up if | | | | Bags and Martial Arts Gear, please visit the web |
| you want to have space for something else. | | | | site Pad-Up Martial Arts Equipment. |
| MIRROR | | | | |