Ideally most of us would like to have or work out at a place that provides heavy bags, focus mitts, kick shields, throwing dummies, makiwara boards, wing chun dummies, ect.
But considering some schools are located at place where this is not always possible (YMCA, Fire Dept House, Rec Center) what do you feel is the single most important piece of training equipment all Kung Fu schools should have.
When practicing basics everyone learns how to kick, punch, knee, elbow, ect. It is fine to teach people the steps of these techniques and have them do them in the air. However, until they hit the target they will never truly understand the mechanics of the technique they learned and all that goes into it.
I also encourage people to purchase their own heavy bag for home use as this will improve their technique even more, so long as they have the room for one.
[QUOTE=Iron_Eagle_76;1143609]Ronin, I agree and here is why:
When practicing basics everyone learns how to kick, punch, knee, elbow, ect. It is fine to teach people the steps of these techniques and have them do them in the air. However, until they hit the target they will never truly understand the mechanics of the technique they learned and all that goes into it.
I also encourage people to purchase their own heavy bag for home use as this will improve their technique even more, so long as they have the room for one.[/QUOTE]
The HB can also be used for grappling and throwing drills.
The very first records of MA, be it armed or unarmed, all have “striking bags/posts” or “throwing bags”.
[QUOTE=sanjuro_ronin;1143610]The HB can also be used for grappling and throwing drills.
The very first records of MA, be it armed or unarmed, all have “striking bags/posts” or “throwing bags”.[/QUOTE]
Funny you say that, tonight I am getting two old heavy bags out of storage to take to the gym because my throwing dummy ripped in half the other night:mad:
Assuming we can only choose a single (1) piece of equipment, mine is another vote for punching bag. Significant conditioning can be done without equipment…having something solid and heavy to hit and throw is a necessity that’s tough to substitute.
You are right, Gino. I left out the folding mat.
It goes right in your car, and is easy to carry. Buy two and you have a big enough area to do throws and roll.
Clorox wipes and purell as well as a small first aid kit.
BTW- I found that the cloth bandaids hold better than the rubbery “sport” ones.
[QUOTE=TenTigers;1143651]You are right, Gino. I left out the folding mat.
It goes right in your car, and is easy to carry. Buy two and you have a big enough area to do throws and roll.
Clorox wipes and purell as well as a small first aid kit.
BTW- I found that the cloth bandaids hold better than the rubbery “sport” ones.[/QUOTE]
On a similar note, puzzle mats break down easily and can probably cover more area than folding mats and take up less space in your vehicle.