Training Equipment
There are several pieces of training equipment that you'll find valuable when you commit to your practice. Here is a list of tools you should consider purchasing for safety and honing your skills in specific techniques. We have no affiliation with the vendors listed, these are merely recommendations based on our experience.
Equipment Bags
So you've ordered a bunch of stuff and you've got nowhere to put it? Keep in mind that your collection will likely outgrow the standard duffle bags. You need something big to hold all your gear.
Focus Mitts
We use focus mitts in nearly every class. They are essential for training accuracy in your punches and kicks. No JKD practitioner should be without a sturdy set of mitts. We recommend a flat surface instead of the curved surfaces more commonly used in boxing.
Jump Rope
If you want to get an edge in your footwork, you need to be jumping rope!
Boxing Gloves
You'll use boxing gloves to throw punches more realistically without knocking out your partner. Get 14oz gloves! These are a must-have for your equipment bag.
Shin Guards
In JKD, you'll be taking a lot of attacks to your legs. For practicing these attacks, you're going to need something sturdy to protect your knee and shin.
Heavy Bags
Heavy bags are for developing your power, especially short-range. Get a hanging bag. The floor-standing bags are not recommended, since they move around quite a bit and you can't work any drills that involve swinging of the bag.
Kick Shields
Kick shields allow you to take a full-force kick from your partner and provide an appropriate level of protection for you and proper feedback to the person doing the kicking.
Head Gear (sparring)
This is optional. Some people don't like the restriction of peripheral vision while using them. Some people don't like taking direct punches to the side of the head. Your choice.
Mouth Guards (sparring)
If you're going to spar, you need one of these. Keep in mind you'll want to be able to talk with it in, so an upper-jaw model is best.
Groin Protectors (sparring)
Not a requirement, but a good idea if you plan to spar.
