Different people will train in the martial arts for completely dissimilar reasons. Some may do it for health, others will take part in it for self-defense, and then some simply do it as a hobby. Regardless of your reason for enrolling in martial arts lessons, you will not get much out of the process if you do not have the right equipment.
In the "old days," it was not uncommon for jugs of water, bags of rice, and buckets filled with sand to be incorporated into a host of different workout programs. These days, we are lucky enough to have access to a great variety of martial arts equipment. Through the effective use of such equipment, it becomes possible to attain the most out of a structured class or private training.
Of course, this may raise questions regarding what type of martial arts equipment is needed for the "average" workout. Again, there is enormous variety to choose from. The following is a brief overview of the martial arts equipment you will commonly come across. Most of it is a must for any martial arts practitioner regardless of style.
Without a doubt, the common punch bag is a clear must in any dojo or training hall. Punching bags not only provide a definitive target to direct your blows towards. Such bags enhance the potential to develop solid endurance and cardiovascular conditioning. There is great variety among the many different punching bags available and they include:
Standard Boxing Size: These would be traditional boxing bags that mimic the size and shape of the torso. They are primarily intended for punching but mid-line and high line kicks can be effectively trained on these bags as well.
Banana Bags: These are thinner punching bags that are the length of the human body. The lower region of the punch bag allows for the effective training of leg kicks, knees, and other strikes.
Light Bags: Light punching bags are low weight (about 1/3 the size and weight of a punching bag) and are designed mainly to give resistance to jabbing style punches as well as hook and uppercut line blows. Some even use a lightweight punch bag to train headbutts!
Punching bags can be hanging bags which are affixed to various "hooks" in the ceiling or they can be freestanding. Freestanding bags are, essentially durable base mounts. Such bags are a great deal more expensive that many of the traditional hanging bags but they are much easier to move and store.
While hitting the heavy bag is a must for effective training, you do need to hit it in as safe a manner as possible. This will necessitate the proper protective gloves required for hitting an impact target. This includes all manner of impact targets - heavy bags, focus mitts, shields, and Muay Thai pads. The knuckles in the hand are quite small and fragile bones. This is why reliable gloves - whether they are traditional 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz boxing gloves, boxing bag gloves, or mixed martial arts lightweight finger free gloves - must be worn when hitting a heavy punch bag. For those that enjoy sparring with "point karate" gloves, be mindful of the fact that such gloves are not designed for hitting impact targets. They will not provide the adequate protection you need for such training. Stick with using them for light contact sparring instead.
As most martial artists realize, the hands are not the only area that need protection which is why a great deal of martial arts equipment will provide protection to the feet. Shin pads and point fighting footwear are two of the most common. Some may assume that such equipment is only used in sparring. In actuality, wearing when hitting impact targets is advisable as well since this can protect the lower extremities and nerve endings from damage. Really, the perennial running theme here is that most martial arts equipment is intended to enhance safety. Of course, there are also some items that serve other purposes as well and they are well worth look at as well.
Stretching devices can be employed to help extend the range of motion in the leg ligaments. This will definitely prove helpful for those that wish to enhance their kicking flexibility. Similarly, the "old school" Eagle Catcher is a perfect spring action handheld device designed to build up a great degree of gripping stretch. The classic makiwara pad has long since been used to toughen the hands in traditional karate training. Similarly, the kung fu wall bag is a great asset for developing strikes common in the Chinese martial arts. Such older and more traditional training aids definitely still have their place in a modern world that is becoming increasingly known for its sportive approach to training. But, whether you are training for competition or traditional self-defense, you need equipment that helps facilitate your goals.
Regardless of the type of martial arts equipment you purchase, you want to be sure it is from a reputable name brand manufacturer. Some will make the error of purchasing less costly equipment from a "no frills" manufacturer. Rarely is such equipment worth much of anything. Not only will cheap equipment not deliver on expectations, it can put the user at an injury risk. Certainly, that would not be helpful in any way whatsoever. Stick with reliable name brands for your martial arts equipment needs. Such an approach will assuredly prove far more helpful in the end.
Ian Woolston has been studying martial arts for over 15 years and is currently a 4th Dan Ju Jitsu. Visit his website, EnsoRyu, if you are interested in punch bags or any other type of martial arts equipment. Be sure to check the blog to read about up to date news, information and more.
