Wantage Karate Club

The club has recently bought a free standing punch/kick bag to supplement the periodic training sessions with shields and pads. With a special sale price of approximately £100 compared to a RRP of in excess of £220 I couldn't resist the temptation. Such purchases require a big commitment and risk from clubs so I thought I would share my thoughts of this product just in case others are contemplating similar orders.

There are two variations on a common theme. One incorporates a cylindrical dense foam target while the other takes the shape of a torso that helps in targeting strikes to appropriate areas. These are mounted either onto a height adjusting upright that can be an integral part of the base or a tube with a bellows section. My version incorporates a bellows section and cylindrical shield.

They say first impressions count and when I first unpack it I thought that it frankly was not robust enough for full adult strikes. The main problem with my version is that the bellows and tube deflects to far when the target area is struck. This results in a rapid spring back and follow through in the opposite direction. The reaction is very similar to that experience with speedball work. A far stiffer mounting post is really needed. Typical deflections of 45 degrees result in considerable forces being applied to the water or sand filled base. This was proved when a split develop at the top of the base and resulted in leaking water on the dojo floor during only its second session.

In conclusion I would only recommend this product for juniors on robustness grounds. One advantage is that it does enable these students to punch and kick something big without the risk of injuries. It also has a certain fun factor, which appeals to juniors. In hindsight I probably wouldn't have purchased this and if it wasn't for the logistic hassles I would probably return it and definitely don't fill them with water!

Paul Edwards