Martial Arts Striking Device with Flexible, Non-Force Impact, Relatively Non-Resistant Contact, Striking Targets, and Method of Use

Abstract

A martial arts striking device and method of use that overcomes the relatively hard force impact and resistance disadvantages of all prior striking devices for martial arts, boxing, and physical fitness by allowing visibly targeted “non-force impact” (meaning relatively less forceful impact) striking at relatively “non-resistant contact” targets to enhance speed and power while using less effort. Said striking targets can be substantial in size and made of a lightweight flexible material or fabric that reacts with a spontaneous refresh rate when struck, thereby simulating a live opponent. Said striking targets can be easily suspended from a variety of existing structures or specially produced frames and supports to form familiar punching bag shapes, enclosures, or to simulate being surrounded by multiple opponents. In contrast to prior art objects, said striking device is light in weight, easier to mount, noiseless when used, and suitable for safe home use.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A martial arts training method comprising the step of:
 striking a target that yields to the strike with nominal rebound energy.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the target further yields to the strike with nominal noise. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the target is disposed on a thin sheet of material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the target is disposed on a thin sheet of material. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the thin sheet of material is fabric. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising the step of:
 hanging the sheet prior to the step of striking the target. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein:
 hanging the sheet results in a first configuration of the sheet; 
 striking the target results in a second configuration of the sheet; and, 
 the sheet refreshes into its first configuration after the strike. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising the step of:
 hanging the sheet prior to the step of striking the target. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein:
 hanging the sheet results in a first configuration of the sheet; 
 striking the target results in a second configuration of the sheet; and, 
 the sheet refreshes into its first configuration after the strike. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the step of hanging the sheet is accomplished via hanging the sheet on a door-frame. 
     
     
         11 . A method of conditioning and strengthening a muscle group of a user comprising the steps of:
 identifying at least one target on a thin hanging fabric;   directing one's energy via a strike towards one of said targets, wherein the user experiences nominal rebound force from the target struck; and   recoiling thereafter said strike, wherein the user's core muscles are trained and conditioned by having to recover to a pre-strike position.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the strike produces nominal noise. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein:
 the thin hanging fabric has a first configuration prior to the strike; 
 the thin hanging fabric has a second configuration after the strike; and, 
 the thin hanging fabric refreshes into its first configuration. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein:
 the thin hanging fabric has a first configuration prior to the strike; 
 the thin hanging fabric has a second configuration after the strike; and, 
 the thin hanging fabric refreshes into its first configuration. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the hung sheet is in a door-frame. 
     
     
         16 . A method of martial arts training comprising the steps of:
 hanging a thin fabric sheet with at least one target so that the sheet possesses a first configuration; and,   striking said sheet at the target(s) so that the sheet deforms into a second configuration and then refreshes into its first configuration.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the deformation and refreshment of the sheet produces a nominal amount of noise. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the martial art is Tai Chi. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the martial art is Chi Sao. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein striking is accomplished via touch.