Practicing martial arts can be very beneficial financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. By learning a martial art like Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing or Karate, you can lose weight, get in better shape, learn to defend yourself and get some well-needed stress relief. In addition, if you become very good you could make money in fights and tournaments. You also get to proudly wear really cool MMA clothing!
The act of striking is very important in many martial arts. “Striking” is a general term used for any kind of punch, kick, elbow or knee. These strikes require months of practice and discipline to perfect form and angles. There are several ways that you can hone your striking skills, and here are 4 of the best suggestions to get you to a more advanced level.
1. Heavy Bag
The heavy bag has been around for years and is a cornerstone in every boxing and martial arts gym. It is a very simple concept: fill a cylindrical bag with sand, suspend it from the ceiling and hit it as hard as you can with whichever body part you want. The heavy bag is made to withstand the hardest punch, kick, knee or elbow. Make sure to wrap your hands and use bag gloves on the heavy bag to avoid injury.
There have been many variants of the heavy bag over the years. You can get weighted heavy bags that sit on the ground instead of being suspended. In addition, there are heavy bags shaped like human bodies and heads, horizontal bags used for knees and upper cuts, and Muay Thai bags that are slimmer for clinch work. Whichever the shape of the bag, the heavy bag is an essential piece of equipment to perfect your striking skills and mobility.
2. Focus Mitts
While the heavy bag is the primary trainer of your striking power, the focus mitts are all about accuracy and movement. Focus mitts are flat or curved gloves that a person wears as moving targets for their partner. Your partner holds the focus mitts to optimize accuracy of certain strikes. If you are practicing hooks, your partner will hold the focus mitt head level and turned 90 degrees. If you are practicing uppercuts, your partner will hold the mitts lower with the points of their fingers toward you.
Focus mitts keep you moving and force you to always be on your toes while you strike. It improves your timing and accuracy, which are both essentials in any striking martial art.
3. Shadow Boxing
The best part about shadow boxing is that there is no MMA gear necessary, besides a mirror if you choose. Shadow boxing is the act of practicing different strikes without a target. You simply set a timer for whatever length of time you like: 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes etc. For that span, practice any punches and kicks you’d like, paying close attention to form.
I do recommend you do this in front of a mirror so that you can constantly monitor your form. The idea is to work technique and stamina. Shadow boxing is a terrific workout, and it is important to try to keep good form throughout the workout.
4. Sparring
Sparring is the best way to practice striking. It comes with a downside, though, and a pretty obvious one at that. Unless you have a sparring partner who is a glutton for punishment and doesn’t like hitting back, you will be getting hit in the face and body. Don’t let that discourage you, though. Proper sparring is done with heavy gloves, mouthpieces, headgear and shin pads. Also, most sparring for beginners is only done at 50-70% power.
Sparring is the best striking practice because you are striking a real time human opponent. It works the power you would use on the heavy bag, the accuracy and footwork you use on focus mitts and the stamina you’ve acquired from shadow boxing. It is also essential to know how to defend and react after being hit. Fortunately, heavy bags don’t hit back!
I don’t recommend starting off sparring, but honing your skills at the other 3 striking methods first. After you feel you are ready, then find a sparring partner you trust and work with them. This will take your striking to the next level!
-->