Martial Arts

Archive for May, 2008

Martial arts equipment not only reduces the dangers associated with the fighting system but also aids in increasing the efficiency of a fighter. As martial arts can be a dangerous sport, it is recommended to buy quality safety equipment, preferably branded equipment such as Century, Macho and Tiger Claw. Some of the typical martial arts equipment and sparring gears are body shields, chest guards, feet pads, hand pads, headgear and mouthpiece. Other accessories that are integral for marital arts training are punching bags, hand targets, exercise mats, weighted clothes, etc.

Most martial arts equipment helps a fighter in improving his abilities. Body shields are excellent training tools that help a fighter to improve the power of his kicks and punches. Further, equipment like focus targets are also a perfect way to improve the speed and accuracy of a fighter’s kicks and punches, and one can choose from several shapes and sizes that will help him reach his professional goals.

Workouts are the most important aspect of any martial art, and tools such as weighted vests, freestanding punching bags and hanging punching bags are must-haves for serious martial art students. Weighted vests and clothes generally come in weights ranging from 10 to 40 pounds and add an additional level of intensity to fighters’ workouts or everyday activities. Punching bags are a staple tool for a traditional boxing workout, and help improve the power of a fighter’s kicks and punches. Most punching bags come in two varieties: freestanding punching bags and hanging punching bags. Both provide the same workout, although freestanding punching bags take up less space.

Meanwhile, protection is also a key concern in most martial art forms, and exercise mats are a recommended product to protect yourself and your partner during training sessions. However, while buying an exercise mat, one should ensure that the mats are constructed to the highest standards. Further, in order to receive proper training in martial arts forms like karate and boxing, it is also imperative to buy the right equipment.

Martial arts is just like any other sport: repetition is critical to developing proper form and technique. But with repetition comes boredom, especially when working with children. If you want to keep your students interested and engaged, then incorporate some of these fun activities into your regular routines.

o Catch Your Tail Cut a piece of ribbon about 3-4 feet long and pair off your students. Tie the ribbon to the back of the belt of the “head” student and give the “tail” to the other student. The goal is for the head to catch the tail. Students will have to think creatively and use agility to be successful while having fun.
o Obstacle Course Use your imagination and creativity to set up an obstacle course with different stations. These can include punches on the hanging bag, push ups, jumping jacks, crawling through a tunnel made from a rolled up mat, and walking on a balance beam. Again, use your imagination to create a fun routine for your students.
o Dodge Ball The game may have lost favor in public schools, but it is wonderful for encouraging speed and evasion skills. Throw in some forward rolls, and you will really see your students working hard and having a great time.
o Random Attack and Defense Your students will love the opportunity to practice their self-defense skills in a realistic scenario. Have your students form a single file line in front of you. When each student comes to the front of the line, throw an attack at them quickly. They will only have a few seconds to react, and their turn should end in less than 10 seconds (whether they successfully defended or not). You can also put your students in a circle with a defender in the middle. Students can take turns on your command serving as the attacker. With advanced students, you can even call out for multiple attackers. The key to random attacker scenarios is making sure they use attacks that the students have learned to defend.
o Whistle Drlll This is a variation on Simon Says. Blow your whistle and call out a drill, like jumping jacks. Your students will perform the drill until the next time you blow the whistle, at which point the students freeze and don’t move until you blow the next whistle. If a student moves, then he/she is out. You can try to trick the students by calling out a drill without blowing your whistle.
o Point Tag This is a form of sparring that focuses on speed and concentration. Have students face off against each other and give them a goal, like tagging their opponent’s left shoulder. Students have to try to accomplish the goal while protecting their own target. Once a student’s target is tagged, the match is over.

Variety is the spice of life, and this couldn’t be truer than with kids and routines. By using your imagination to work some of these activities into your schedule, your students are certain to stay more engaged and focused.