ABSOLUTE ASCENDANCY

Commencing operation . . .

Overview

Martial Arts strike pads are essential equipment for anyone who wants to train with impact. They are similar to punching bags and the like, although you will need a partner to hold the pads to strike. There are many different kinds of striking pads from punch and kick pads to belly shields and thigh pads. My main focus is to talk about the hand mitts and kick pads today as these are what I most commonly train with and also have my own set.

Hand mitts

These are universally an excellent tool for people of any ability. From dedicated fighters who can smash the pads and work their combinations to anyone who wants to burn some calories by ‘boxercising’. Hand mitts are very versatile and in the hands of a skilled trainer, will teach the striker how to throw precise, powerful strikes at a variety of targets. Unlike a punching bag, the pad holder can guide the striker; move around with the targets and put pressure on the attacker by closing the distance and forcing them to attack while retreating.

Kick pads

Whereas the hand mitts are much easier to train with, the kick pads are more geared towards martial artists or those who are capable of kicking. Having said that, I do train my elbow strikes against the kick pads rather than the hand mitts as the extra padding on the kick pads helps mitigate the impact of the strikes on the pad holder.

I also practice knee strikes against these as it is fairly straightforward for the pad holder to position the pads horizontally across their stomach; though a belly shield tends to work better for knee striking. By grasping the top handle and resting the kick pad against a thigh, a fighter can train low kicks; however, it is safer to use a dedicated thigh pad for low kick striking.

Just like the hand mitts, the pad holder can direct the striker and simulate combat situations for the attacker to work through. The kick pads are also great for a burnout as relentless roundhouse kicks tire the body at a faster rate than repeated punches.

Conclusion

The strike pads I have used and recommended have endured years of punishment without so much a sign of wear or tear. I will likely never need to replace them for as long as I live. The quality is top notch.

I train with strike pads regularly and while it is true that a partner is required to hold the pads and direct the targeted areas; in exchange, the strike training takes on an element of realism as the striker moves around, launching combinations.

Mission complete – Overlord Drakow signing out.