| In today's world, learning martial art is your first and | | | | Training shields - When training in a "dojo", you may |
| most important step towards effective self defense | | | | often be at the receiving end of the strikes. In these |
| against any hostilities you may encounter. But to | | | | cases, you will be required to use a training shield to |
| learn martial arts properly, proper training with good | | | | defend yourself against the kicks and punches dished |
| quality equipment is necessary. If you have just set | | | | out by your opponent. The best training shields are |
| foot in the world of martial arts and wish to know | | | | made of reinforced vinyl with tri-layer foam cover to |
| what equipments you might need, read on. | | | | minimize the force of the impact on your hands and |
| Makiwara - It is a padded striking post used as for | | | | wrists. |
| training in various styles of traditional karate. It is | | | | Hand grips - These are essential for any newcomer |
| padded with foam rubber with a strong canvas cover | | | | to the world of martial arts. Gripping this equipment |
| to minimize actual damage to the hand or elbows | | | | tightly helps in strengthening fingers and palms. The |
| during training. Getting a high quality makiwara with | | | | body of the equipment should be made of heavy |
| sufficient foam padding is advisable for continued | | | | duty stainless steel while the hand-grip should be |
| training sessions. This will help to avoid developing an | | | | made of reinforced plastic or vinyl. |
| injury during rigorous training. | | | | Ripcord - These are tough elastic cords that can be |
| Training bags - These are not just for boxers. Martial | | | | used to add resistance to your movement. You can |
| arts trainees often use sand-filled bags to practice | | | | use these to exert more pressure on your arms |
| punches and harden their hands at the same time. | | | | when punching, or on your legs when walking or |
| These bags should be made of strong canvas, and | | | | running. These cords help strengthen limbs and |
| should be filled up to 9/10 with clean sand before | | | | improve muscle tone. |
| hanging them up. The bags should be double-stitched | | | | These basic gears, along with the requisite clothing, |
| to lower the chances of splitting at the seams. The | | | | should give you a good start to your martial arts |
| springs for hanging the bags should be made of | | | | training. Train well and with proper equipment to |
| corrosion-resistant stainless steel to make them long | | | | prepare yourself for any hostile situation you might |
| lasting. | | | | encounter. |