Equipment Specialist

Why this exists

A sloppy hold teaches a sloppy technique. Your job is to give the striker a true target, absorb the force, and put the gear back where it belongs.

Kicking shield

The shield lives on your hip, not out in front of you like a sign.

• Pad against the hip. One arm through the handles. Both hands grip, including the last handle.
• Horse stance, toes out, knee turned sideways. Lean your weight slightly into the kick.
• Let your body travel with the kick. Do not be a statue, and do not collapse.

Mitts

Mitts are a conversation with the strike, not a wall.

• Head height for punches. Width matches the striker's shoulders.
• Meet the fist or foot, give a little resistance, then move with the blow.
• Elbows stay in. Shock goes through elbows and shoulders, not a locked arm.

Clapper pads

Two hands. The pad faces the technique.

• Hands spaced for control, not pinched together.
• Punch height for hands, kick height for feet. Change it on purpose.
• Angle the pad perpendicular to the strike. Soft elbows. Shoulders absorb.

WaveMaster

The bag is not a leaning post.

• Know how to adjust the height, how to walk it, and where it belongs on the floor.
• Hold it for support. Do not hang on it.
• Watch the student's distance. If the base walks, walk it back.

Boards

A flinch is a failed hold. The breaker needs a still target.

• Hands 6 to 8 inches apart, both sides of the board.
• Elbows locked, arms perpendicular to the ground.
• Wide forward stance, knees bent, head up. Do not look away.