Martial arts training devices and methods
A training system enables improved training outcomes and reduced trainer injuries. An exemplary system includes a handle, a striking target, and a flexible linkage coupling the handle and target. The system may be swung to provide an offensive or defensive target for a trainee. Because the trainee strikes the striking target rather than an item held in the hand of a trainer, impact to the body of the trainer is reduced and/or eliminated.
1. A boxing training device for striking by a boxer's hand, the device comprising:
a hollow handle having a grasping cord passing as a loop through the hollow portion of the handle;
a ring configured to couple to the grasping cord;
a bungee cord loop configured to couple to the ring by passing through the ring;
a target loop configured to couple to the bungee cord loop by the bungee cord loop passing through the target loop;
a striking target coupled to the target loop and a sheath at least partially covering at least one of the grasping cord, the ring, the bungee cord loop, and the target loop.
2. The boxing training device of claim 1 , wherein the striking target comprises an inflatable leather ball.
3. The boxing training device of claim 1 , wherein the striking target is configured with a weight of between 8 ounces and 2 pounds.
4. A boxing training device for striking by a boxer's hand, the device comprising:
a hollow handle having a grasping cord passing as a loop through the hollow portion of the handle;
a ring configured to couple to the grasping cord;
a bungee cord loop configured to couple to the ring by passing through the ring, wherein the bungee cord loop has a loop diameter of between 1 inch and 4 inches;
a target loop configured to couple to the bungee cord loop by the bungee cord loop passing through the target loop; and
a striking target coupled to the target loop.
5. The boxing training device of claim 4 , wherein the striking target comprises an inflatable leather ball.
6. The boxing training device of claim 4 , wherein the striking target is configured with a weight of between 8 ounces and 2 pounds.
7. A method of training a boxer, the method comprising:
grasping, in a fist of a trainer, a handle of a boxing training device; and
swinging, by the trainer, the boxing training device for the boxer to strike,
wherein the boxing training device comprises:
a hollow handle having a grasping cord passing as a loop through the hollow portion of the handle;
a ring configured to couple to the grasping cord;
a bungee cord loop configured to couple to the ring by passing through the ring;
a target loop configured to couple to the bungee cord loop by the bungee cord loop passing through the target loop; and
a striking target coupled to the target loop.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the bungee cord loop has a loop diameter of between 1 inch and 4 inches.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising swinging, by a trainer, the boxing training device for the boxer to evade.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the trainer grasps a first boxing training device in the fist of a first hand and a second boxing training device in the fist of a second hand.
11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the swinging comprises an overhand motion with an arm of the trainer generally extended away from the trainer's body.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the grasping cord is configured to pass between an index finger and middle finger of the trainer when the handle is grasped in the fist.
13. A method of training a boxer, the method comprising:
grasping, in a first fist of a trainer, a hollow handle of a first boxing training device;
grasping, in a second fist of a trainer, a hollow handle of a second boxing training device;
swinging, by the trainer, the first boxing training device for the boxer to at least one of strike or evade; and
swinging, by the trainer, the second boxing training device for the boxer to at least one of strike or evade,
wherein each boxing training device comprises:
a hollow handle having a grasping cord passing as a loop through the hollow portion of the handle;
a ring configured to couple to the grasping cord;
a bungee cord loop configured to couple to the ring by passing through the ring;
a target loop configured to couple to the bungee cord loop by the bungee cord loop passing through the target loop; and
a striking target coupled to the target loop.