Martial arts training technology

Abstract

The present invention relates to training devices of types commonly referred to as strike pads, strike mitts, focus mitts, strike dummies and double end bags, which are used in many forms of martial arts, self-defense, unarmed combat, fighting and fitness training. The strike head of the invention is a martial arts, fighting and fitness training device in the shape of an anatomically accurate human head that provides realistic size, surface features and yield characteristics for highly accurate, targeted and dynamic hand strikes, arm strikes and kicks. The device can be held in place for the training athlete through various means including; 1) an integrated internal handle oriented to afford the holder an ergonomically advantageous shape, contour and orientation, 2) a double end rope suspended from the floor and ceiling, and/or 3) a fixation attached to a floor, wall or overhead mounted post or armature.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A martial arts training device comprising:
 a compressible material formed into an anatomical shape of a human head with facial features, and having an internal cavity therein,   an integrated internal handle for holding the device in a fixed position, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the proximal to distal attachment points of the internal handle and horizontal plane is between 0 and 90 degrees.   
     
     
         2 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the proximal to the distal attachment points of the internal handle and horizontal plane is preferably between 31 and 65. 
     
     
         3 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the proximal to the distal attachment points of the internal handle and horizontal plane is most preferably between 41 and 55 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the attachment points of the internal handle on the left and right side and vertical plane is between 0 and 90 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the attachment points of the internal handle on the left and right side and vertical plane is preferably 30 and 60 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the attachment points of the internal handle on the left and right side and vertical plane is most preferably between 0 and 15 degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the internal handle is attached at the proximal and distal ends to an internal surface of the internal cavity and into the surrounding material. 
     
     
         8 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment of the internal hand is at each of a proximal and a distal surface of the internal cavity and into the surrounding material. 
     
     
         9 . The training device of  claim 1  wherein the internal cavity is formed in the shape of a hand with the fingers oriented in the extended or curled position to hold the device without the use of an integrated internal handle. 
     
     
         7 . A martial arts training device comprising:
 a compressible material found in an anatomical shape of a human head with facial features, two or more flexible supports that suspend the device between an upper fixed structure and a lower fixed structure; and means for allowing rotational displacement of the device.   
     
     
         8 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the means for allowing rotational displacement of the device are comprised of the flexible support having at least two points of attachment to the device. 
     
     
         9 . The training device of  claim 8 , wherein each of the two or more flexible supports are a continuous linear cord that traverses a length of the head and is affixed to each of the upper fixed structure and the lower fixed structure. 
     
     
         10 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the upper fixed structure is a ceiling and the lower fixed structure is a wall. 
     
     
         11 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the upper and lower fixed structures are opposing ends of a rigid frame. 
     
     
         12 . The training device of  claim 7 , further comprised of a fixture joining the flexible supports to the device at at least three points. 
     
     
         13 . A martial arts training device comprising:
 a compressible material found in an anatomical shape of a human head with facial features;   a compressible and flexible armature affixed at one end to the head and at an opposite end to a rigid support; and   a pivoting fixture attached to the armature and the rigid support permitting articulation around the fixture and allowing axial rotation of the armature and then returning the device to an approximate original position.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  further comprising a ratchet mechanism to permit rotation of the head to a series of predetermined rotational positions. 
     
     
         15 . A martial arts training device comprising:
 a strike head comprised of an endoskeleton and a companion training device attached thereto.   
     
     
         16 . The martial arts training device of  claim 15 , wherein the companion device is a kick shield further comprised of a handle assembly comprised of a vertical strut and a horizontal handle. 
     
     
         17 . The martial arts training device of  claim 16 , comprising at least two vertical struts each surrounded by a grip. 
     
     
         18 . The martial arts training device of  claim 15 , wherein the companion device is a heavy bag.