| Different people will train in the martial arts for | | | | targets - heavy bags, focus mitts, shields, and |
| completely dissimilar reasons. Some may do it for | | | | Muay Thai pads. The knuckles in the hand are |
| health, others will take part in it for self-defense, | | | | quite small and fragile bones. This is why reliable |
| and then some simply do it as a hobby. | | | | gloves - whether they are traditional 12oz, 14oz, |
| Regardless of your reason for enrolling in martial | | | | or 16oz boxing gloves, boxing bag gloves, or |
| arts lessons, you will not get much out of the | | | | mixed martial arts lightweight finger free gloves - |
| process if you do not have the right equipment. | | | | must be worn when hitting a heavy punch bag. |
| In the "old days," it was not uncommon for jugs | | | | For those that enjoy sparring with "point karate" |
| of water, bags of rice, and buckets filled with | | | | gloves, be mindful of the fact that such gloves |
| sand to be incorporated into a host of different | | | | are not designed for hitting impact targets. They |
| workout programs. These days, we are lucky | | | | will not provide the adequate protection you need |
| enough to have access to a great variety of | | | | for such training. Stick with using them for light |
| martial arts equipment. Through the effective use | | | | contact sparring instead. |
| of such equipment, it becomes possible to attain | | | | As most martial artists realize, the hands are not |
| the most out of a structured class or private | | | | the only area that need protection which is why a |
| training. | | | | great deal of martial arts equipment will provide |
| Of course, this may raise questions regarding | | | | protection to the feet. Shin pads and point fighting |
| what type of martial arts equipment is needed | | | | footwear are two of the most common. Some |
| for the "average" workout. Again, there is | | | | may assume that such equipment is only used in |
| enormous variety to choose from. The following | | | | sparring. In actuality, wearing when hitting impact |
| is a brief overview of the martial arts equipment | | | | targets is advisable as well since this can protect |
| you will commonly come across. Most of it is a | | | | the lower extremities and nerve endings from |
| must for any martial arts practitioner regardless | | | | damage. Really, the perennial running theme here |
| of style. | | | | is that most martial arts equipment is intended to |
| Without a doubt, the common punch bag is a | | | | enhance safety. Of course, there are also some |
| clear must in any dojo or training hall. Punching | | | | items that serve other purposes as well and they |
| bags not only provide a definitive target to direct | | | | are well worth look at as well. |
| your blows towards. Such bags enhance the | | | | Stretching devices can be employed to help |
| potential to develop solid endurance and | | | | extend the range of motion in the leg ligaments. |
| cardiovascular conditioning. There is great variety | | | | This will definitely prove helpful for those that |
| among the many different punching bags available | | | | wish to enhance their kicking flexibility. Similarly, |
| and they include: | | | | the "old school" Eagle Catcher is a perfect spring |
| Standard Boxing Size: These would be traditional | | | | action handheld device designed to build up a |
| boxing bags that mimic the size and shape of the | | | | great degree of gripping stretch. The classic |
| torso. They are primarily intended for punching | | | | makiwara pad has long since been used to |
| but mid-line and high line kicks can be effectively | | | | toughen the hands in traditional karate training. |
| trained on these bags as well. | | | | Similarly, the kung fu wall bag is a great asset for |
| Banana Bags: These are thinner punching bags | | | | developing strikes common in the Chinese martial |
| that are the length of the human body. The lower | | | | arts. Such older and more traditional training aids |
| region of the punch bag allows for the effective | | | | definitely still have their place in a modern world |
| training of leg kicks, knees, and other strikes. | | | | that is becoming increasingly known for its |
| Light Bags: Light punching bags are low weight | | | | sportive approach to training. But, whether you |
| (about 1/3 the size and weight of a punching bag) | | | | are training for competition or traditional |
| and are designed mainly to give resistance to | | | | self-defense, you need equipment that helps |
| jabbing style punches as well as hook and | | | | facilitate your goals. |
| uppercut line blows. Some even use a lightweight | | | | Regardless of the type of martial arts equipment |
| punch bag to train headbutts! | | | | you purchase, you want to be sure it is from a |
| Punching bags can be hanging bags which are | | | | reputable name brand manufacturer. Some will |
| affixed to various "hooks" in the ceiling or they | | | | make the error of purchasing less costly |
| can be freestanding. Freestanding bags are, | | | | equipment from a "no frills" manufacturer. Rarely |
| essentially durable base mounts. Such bags are a | | | | is such equipment worth much of anything. Not |
| great deal more expensive that many of the | | | | only will cheap equipment not deliver on |
| traditional hanging bags but they are much easier | | | | expectations, it can put the user at an injury risk. |
| to move and store. | | | | Certainly, that would not be helpful in any way |
| While hitting the heavy bag is a must for | | | | whatsoever. Stick with reliable name brands for |
| effective training, you do need to hit it in as safe | | | | your martial arts equipment needs. Such an |
| a manner as possible. This will necessitate the | | | | approach will assuredly prove far more helpful in |
| proper protective gloves required for hitting an | | | | the end. |
| impact target. This includes all manner of impact | | | | |