Over the years I have been asked by many students, "what does it takes to become a great martial artist?" The answer is quite simple… practice. Whether your working out at your local karate school, or in your backyard, practicing your technique has to be one of the most influential factors in improving your martial arts ability. Unfortunately, the urge or inspiration to practice doesn't always coincide with the ability to get to a local karate school or gym and therefore many students have constructed home workout areas. The following are some of the key elements and products necessary in creating an effective training area.

Space

You need to make sure that you have an area that has enough space and is free of interruptions. Though opinion varies as to what constitutes enough space, I would recommend an area that is at least 10 feet by 10 feet. You should also make sure that this space is away from the telephone, radio, television, etc. Avoiding these distractions not only helps you improve your ability to concentrate, but it also gives you a place where you can get away from the stress of every day life.

Equipment

Although no equipment is necessary to practice the martial arts, there are several items that can enhance your workout and dramatically speed up your progress.

Heavy Training Bag-

This is a great tool for improving your technique, power and speed. It works effectively for both kicking and punching.

Everlast's Nevatear Heavy Bag - This bag comes in 7 sizes ranging from 14" X 30" to 14" X 48". It is specially treated to prevent mildew and has a very durable, leather-grained vinyl cover. This is a great bag and is an affordable alternative to the higher priced Everlast Leather Heavy Bags. Prices range from $79.99 to $144.99 depending on size.

Century's Vinyl Heavy Training Bag - This bag's quality is comparable to the Everlast Nevatear bag. It features a durable vinyl cover and is treated to prevent mildew. The only drawback is that this bag is only available in one size, 13" X 40". Prices range from $59.99 to $79.99.

Low Cost Alternative: It is possible to make your own training bag. You can purchase a dufflebag from either a retail store or military surplus and fill it full of old clothes or rags. It is important to stuff the bag as tightly as possible so that you can simulate the firmness and weight of a standard heavy bag. This alternative will provide you with a similar workout for approximately $15-$20.

Tip- Most heavy bags come with a bungy cord that attaches from the bottom of the bag to mounts that attach to the floor. This helps prevent the bag from swinging. If you do not wish to drill mounting hardware into your floor, you can attach the bungy cord to a patio table's umbrella weight. You can purchase such a weight for about $10-$15 from most stores that sell patio furniture.

Water-Core Bags

Water filled bags provide a workout similar to that of a traditional heavy bag. The primary advantage being that the water core gives the bag a greater degree of flexibility. The result is a striking surface that provides much less impact on your joints.

Everlast Aqua Power Training Bag- This bag features the Nevatear's leather-grained vinyl cover and is available in two sizes, either 14" X 42" or 14" X 48". It has a 2 1/2" polyfoam cushion, heavy-duty inter-tube and a triple-reinforced bottom. This unit is fully guaranteed for 3 years and ranges in price from $139.99 to $154.99.

Century Wave Series- The Wave Series features a similar construction to the Everlast Aqua bag and comes in two sizes, the Wave, which is 13" X 40 and the Tidal Wave, which is 15" X 42". The biggest advantage over the Everlast Aqua bag is that the Wave Series comes with a lifetime warranty. Prices Range from $79.99 to $119.99.

Freestanding Heavy Bags

The rewards of training with a heavybag are unquestionable, but many people do not have the space or option of permanently mounting a hanging bag. An alternative is a freestanding heavy bag.

Everlast Ever-Flex Power Bag - This unit's base is constructed from heavy-duty plastic and its striking surface is vinyl covered high-impact foam. Overall we were very happy with this units quality and durability. The only drawback is that the rectangular base makes it difficult to move. Prices range from $129-. 99-$149.99.

Century Wavemaster- This units' new molding has greatly decreased the past problem of seam leaks. It preformed as well as the Everlast bag, but this unit's circular base gives it a distinctive advantage. When your done with your workout, you can tilt the bag and roll it out of the way. Prices range from $99.99 -$129.99.

Tip: Both units are intended to be filled with water and weight approximately 300 pounds when properly filled. If you are a heavy hitter, you can fill either unit with sand. This dramatically increases the weight and stability. The only difficulty we experienced with these units is the fact that they tended to slide when used on a slick floor, i.e. linoleum, wood flooring, etc. This problem can be easily fixed by purchasing a non-slip bathtub mat. Place the mat on the floor and place the punching bag on top. Voila, problem solved.

Low Cost Alternative: We haven't been able to come up with an alternative for the freestanding bag, but maybe you can convince your little brother or nephew to stand still for awhile. J

Stretching Machines

Flexibility is very important aspect of the martial arts. Although you can practice the splits and other stretching exercises without the aid of equipment, a stretching machine can dramatically speedup your progress.

Century FlexMaster V- This is our stretch machine of choice. It provides good leg support and smooth motion. The FlexMaster V features a newly designed hydraulic mechanism that combats the previous problem of hydraulic leaks. This machine is very easy to use and is very durable. Prices range from $179.99-$199.99.

Sports Stretch- This unit was designed primarily for people who travel or have a very limited amount of space to workout in. It has a solid construction and weights only 18 lbs. Its' drawbacks are that it doesn't provide very much leg support and it has a slightly jerky motion. We have seen these units priced from $119.99-$129.99.

Macho StretchMaxx- All in all we found the StretchMaxx to be a very well manufactured and durable machine. Instead of using a hydraulic mechanism like the Century unit, it utilizes a crankshaft construction. This type of construction needs less maintenance, but doesn't have as smooth of motion. The StretchMaxx ranges in price from $249.99-$299.99.

Low Cost Alternative:

A very simple alternative to a stretching machine is a step ladder. You can place your leg on a rung that is at a comfortable height. You can then go up step by step. You can also use the later to improve your targeting skills. Simply work on kicking or punching between each rung.

Another low cost alternative for improving your flexibility is an overhead pulley and rope. Simply attach the rope to your ankle and run it through the pulley. By pulling on the rope, you can stretch your leg. Make sure you pull on the rope slowly so that you don't pull or tear any muscles. Be aware that this exercise does require some degree of balance. If this is the first time your trying this type of exercise, make sure you do it in an area that has some padding.

Speedbag

The Speedbag can help you dramatically improve your speed and timing.

Everlast Deluxe Punching Set- This set features a solid wood drum and steel construction. It includes a ball-action swivel, Everhide bag gloves, leather jump rope and a training manual. This unit is a good value and is very durable. The only drawback is that its wood construction does make it prone to warping if mounted outside. You should mount this unit inside, or in a place that has adequate protection from the elements. Prices range from $119.99 to $139.99.

Century's Chuck Norris Speed Bag Platform System- This complete package offers just about everything you'll need to get started, the platform, speedbag, gloves, swivel and mounting hardware. It is constructed from weather treated fiberglass and can withstand the elements much more than the Everlast Set, but overall, it isn't as durable. If you do mount this unit outside, make sure you remove the striking bag after every use, otherwise the bag will be damaged by the weather. Prices range from to $84.99 to $99.99.

Double Ended Striking Ball

This is a great tool for improving your timing and accuracy.

Everlast Double-End Bag- Overall, we were very happy with this product. It is constructed from Top-Grain leather and is extremely durable. It comes with the necessary mounting hardware and ranges in price from $49.99 to $89.99 depending on style purchased.

Century Double End Strike Ball- This unit's performance was comparable to the Everlast bag, but we were a little disappointed that it's no longer available in a leather version. The model we tested was constructed from black vinyl and came with the necessary mounting hardware. Prices range from $29.99 to $59.99.

Low Cost Alternative:

You need to cut off one the legs from a pair of women's nylons. Place a rubber ball that is approximately 12" in diameter in the nylon leg and tie a piece of rope to each end of the nylon leg. Attach one end of the rope to the ground and the other end to your ceiling. You now have a Double-End Bag for under $10.