APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL CONDITIONING AND STRIKE TRAINING

Abstract

An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training is provided and includes an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base. A spinning assembly has at least one radially outwardly extending arm that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm is rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member. A strike target is positioned at the second end of the arm and the strike target is rotatable about the upright cylindrical member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/721,313; filed on Nov. 1, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates generally to an apparatus for exercise and fitness training. In particular, the instant invention is directed to an apparatus for physical conditioning focusing on striking techniques and training.

BACKGROUND

An apparatus or a device configured for use during physical activity, such as for example exercise and fitness training, typically provides fixed or adjustable levels of resistance to enhance the strength or conditioning effects of the exercise or fitness training. A variety of different machines are configured to provide improved cardiovascular health, such as for example treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, stair steppers and the like. For boxing, martial arts and other combat sports, heavy bags, standing bags, and similar apparatuses, commonly referred to collectively as punching bags, have been adapted for developing striking techniques such as punching, kicking and other striking maneuvers. Such punching bags are often filled with grains, sand or other material and are usually hung from the ceiling or affixed to a stand. Typically, such punching bags are hung from a hanging device affixed to an uppermost point of contact of the bag wherein the fixed point of contact about which the punching moves can range from the uppermost point of contact of the bag to the upper support structure or ceiling from which the punching bag is hung. When struck, the punching bag moves laterally and rotates in relation to the fixed point of contact.

Other known devices adapted for developing striking techniques include weighted bags or balls that are attached to an upper support structure or ceiling and a lower support structure or floor. When the device is struck by a user, the device moves away from the user in relation to the direction of the impact and generally returns toward the user with a force of a magnitude lower than that of the initial strike to the device such that the user must react to the returning device.

Typically, the heavy bags, standing bags, and punching bags are configured to receive strikes; thus, such equipment is used to practice striking techniques such as punching and kicking in a non-interactive manner. In fact, heavy bags are often held in place by one user while another user strikes the bag. In contrast, the swinging weighted bags or balls fixedly attached to an upper and lower support structure only provide the user with a routine of striking the device and then dodging the device upon its return. Neither the heavy bag devices nor the swinging weighted bag or balls provide interactive strike training for developing striking techniques including punching and kicking wherein the device reacts to the form of the striking technique.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports. MMA practitioners train in striking-based arts such as boxing, kickboxing, and karate, as well as cross training in arts based around wrestling takedowns and submission holds. Such cross-training provides MMA practitioners with increasingly multidimensional skill sets. Unfortunately, the heavy bag devices and the swinging weighted bag or balls known in the art are insufficient to provide strike training to develop increasingly multidimensional skill sets to compete in the MMA field.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training comprising: an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base; a spinning assembly having at least one radially outwardly extending arm, the arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member; and a strike target positioned at the second end of the arm, the strike target being rotatable about the upright cylindrical member.

In another aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training comprising: an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base; a spinning assembly having a first radially outwardly extending arm and a second radially outwardly extending arm, the first and second arms each having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the first and second arms rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member between a first upper stop and a first lower stop; a strike target positioned between the second end of each of the first and second arms, the strike target being rotatable about the upright cylindrical member; and a resistance mechanism fixedly mounted on the upright cylindrical member to resist the rotational movement of the spinning assembly about the upright cylindrical member, the resistance mechanism fixedly mounted on the upright cylindrical member between a second upper stop and a second lower stop, the second upper stop positioned above the first upper stop on the upright cylindrical member, the second lower stop positioned below the first lower stop on the upright cylindrical member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of one embodiment of an apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B provide a side view of a device for use with the apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of an apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C provide a side view of alternate devices for use with the apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides an isometric view of a data recording device for use with an apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training is shown in FIG. 1 and is generally referred to herein as apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 provides for physical conditioning, strength training, aerobic exercise, and general exercise integral with a fitness training program. The apparatus 10 also enables physical conditioning focusing on striking techniques and training. The apparatus provides a strike target 40 that moves in response to various striking techniques commonly executed in the practice of martial arts or MMA. Such striking techniques include, for example, kicking, hand striking, elbow striking, and blocking techniques. The strike target 40 is elastically moveable in a direction generally parallel to the floor on which the apparatus 10 is placed, and is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis of the apparatus 10. The elastically moveable strike target 40 provides an interactive experience as the practitioner performs various striking techniques.

Apparatus 10 includes an upright cylindrical member or a pole 12 extending upwardly from and mounted in a base 20. In one embodiment, the base 20 comprises a hollow interior 24 such that when filled with sand, water, or a similar medium, the weighted base provides stability for the apparatus 10 during use. Sealable or capped apertures 22A and 22B are provided for accessing the hollow interior 24 of the base 20. Alternatively, the base 20 may comprise a substantially solid interior such that no additional weight is needed to provide a stable and suitably-weighted base.

The base 20 defines a central cavity 21 formed substantially in the center of the base 20 such that the apparatus 10 is stable during use. In one embodiment, a ring clamp 50 is provided to accommodate the mounting of the pole 12 within the base 20. The ring clamp 50 includes a top ring 52, a bottom ring or plate 54, and fasteners 56 such as for example a pair of bolts and nuts for releasably securing the top ring 52 to the bottom plate 54. In one embodiment, the pole 12 is releasably secured in the central cavity 21 of the base 20 by a press fitting, pinning, or staking the pole 12 in the central cavity 21. In another embodiment, the pole 12 is releasably secured in the central cavity 21 of the base 20 with a fastener such as a tension pin extending from the pole through an aperture in the in the central cavity 21, or a thumb screw is inserted through the aperture in the in the central cavity 21 and engages the pole 12. In one embodiment, the pole 12 is adjustable in length such as, for example, a telescopic pole.

The base 20 can form any of a number of geometric shapes having a central cavity 21 for mounting the pole 12 therein. In one embodiment, the base 20 includes a base upright extending vertically upwards therefrom upon which the pole 12 is mounted. The base can be fabricated from plastic or other synthetic material, metal, wood, or any similarly robust material suitable for providing a weighted base for the apparatus 10. Similarly, the pole 12 can be fabricated from plastic or other synthetic material, metal, wood, or any similarly robust material suitable for providing a central axis around which the strike target 40 can rotate.

A spinning assembly 30 is rotatably mounted on the pole 12 with one or more clamps 13 that are lockingly and releasably secured to the pole 12, such as for example a weight-lifting bar clamp or collar, a locking cam and the like. In one embodiment, the spinning assembly 30 is mounted on the pole 12 between an upper stop 14 and a lower stop 16. The position of the upper stop 14 and the lower stop 16 are selectively adjusted by loosening and tightening a fastener, for example, thumb screws 15 and 17, respectively. In one embodiment, the pole 12 includes a plurality of apertures 19 for receiving the thumb screws 15 and 17 therein. Accordingly, the height of the spinning assembly 30 is adjustable by raising or lowering the spinning assembly with a simple adjustment of the upper and lower stops 14 and 16. This vertical adjustment capability also provides for varying heights of different users or MMA practitioners.

At least one radially outwardly extending arm 31A, and preferably a second radially outwardly extending arm 31B is rotatably secured to the pole 12 at a proximate end or first end 32 of each arm 31A and 31B. In one embodiment, the first end 32 of the arms 31A and 31B includes a respective sleeve 32A and 32B through which the pole 12 extends. In one embodiment, the first end 32 of the respective arms 31A and 31B is integrally formed with the respective sleeve 32A and 32B. The sleeves 32A and 32B provide for rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12. In one embodiment, a separator 18 is mounted on the pole 12 between the sleeves 32A and 32B to maintain the position of the sleeves 32A and 32B on the pole 12. In one embodiment, the sleeves 32A and 32B and/or the separator 18 include a respective liner 36A, 36B, and 36C to facilitate rotation of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12. In one embodiment, the liners 36A, 36B, and 36C are integrally formed as continuous segments of a liner 36. In one embodiment, the sleeves 32A and 32B include a respective bearing 37A and 37B, such as for example a spherical bearing assembly or a roller bearing assembly, to facilitate rotation of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12.

The arms 31A and 31B and respective sleeves 32A and 32B, and the separator 18, also can be fabricated from plastic or other synthetic material, metal, wood, or any similarly robust material suitable for having a strike target mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the arms 31A and 31B include padding 33 to provide impact protection for the user striking the apparatus 10. The padding 33 includes an enclosure fabricated from leather, vinyl, cloth, or other suitable pliable material filled with foam or other suitably shock-absorbing material.

The strike target 40 is fixedly attached or mounted to the arms 31A and 32B at a distal end or second end 34. Accordingly, the strike target 40 is rotatably secured to the pole 12. In one embodiment, the strike target 40 is integrally formed with the arms 31A and 31B. The strike target 40 includes an enclosure 42 that provides a suitable striking area 44 on both a front face 45 and a rear face (not shown) of the strike target 40. The enclosure 42 houses a pliable and resilient material, such as for example a dense foam block, suitable for striking with a hand, foot, elbow, knee or other part of a practitioner's body. In one embodiment, the strike target 40 includes one or more pressure measurement devices 46 to measure an impact force of a strike made by a practitioner. Pressure measurement devices 46 can include pressure sensors, pressure transducers, and the like. In one embodiment, each pressure measurement device 46 includes a transistor, transceiver or other like transmitting device for transmitting, via wired or wireless means, the measured pressure of the strike to a data recording device as more fully described with reference to FIG. 5.

The rotation of the spinning assembly 30 and the strike target 40 mounted thereon or integrally formed therewith directly correspond to the type and force of the strike made by a practitioner and provide a challenging cardiovascular workout wherein the practitioner must recoil and strike continuously while changing footwork, technique, direction and tempo. One embodiment of the apparatus 10 includes a resistance mechanism 60 to slow or resist the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12 by, for example, selectively increasing or decreasing a biasing of the spinning assembly 30. The apparatus 10 having the resistance mechanism 60 installed thereon is shown without the spinning assembly 30 in FIG. 2A and with the spinning assembly 30 in FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole 12 with clamps 62 that are lockingly and releasably secured to the pole 12, such as for example a weight-lifting bar clamp or collar, a locking cam and the like. In one embodiment, the resistance mechanism 60 is fixedly mounted on the pole 12 between an upper stop 63 and a lower stop 64. A flange or ring mount 67 extends radially outwardly from each of the upper and lower stops 63 and 64. A flex cord 68 extends between, and is releasable secured to, each of the mounts 67 respectively extending from the upper and lower stops 63 and 64.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole 12 in relation to the spinning assembly 30 also mounted on the pole 12. The upper stop 63 of the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole 12 above the upper stop 14 of the spinning assembly 30; and the lower stop 64 of the resistance mechanism 60 is mounted on the pole 12 below the lower stop 14 of the spinning assembly 30. Such a configuration ensures that the spinning assembly 30, and in particular the radially outwardly extending arms 31A and 31B, are positioned vertically between the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistance mechanism 60. In addition, the position of the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistance mechanism 60 are selectively adjusted by loosening and tightening a fastener, for example, a thumb screw 65 and 66, respectively (FIG. 2A). As described above, the pole 12 includes the plurality of apertures 19 which are also configured for receiving the thumb screws 65 and 66 therein. Accordingly, the height of the resistance mechanism 60 is adjustable together with the spinning assembly 30 by raising or lowering the spinning assembly with a simple adjustment of the upper and lower stops 14 and 16 of the spinning assembly 30, and the upper and lower stops 65 and 66 of the resistance mechanism 60.

The flex cord 68 connected to each of the mounts 67 respectively extending from the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistance mechanism 60 provides resistance to the spinning assembly 30 when rotating about the pole 12 in response to the strike target 40 receiving a strike from a practitioner. For example, when struck by a practitioner on the striking area 44 on the front face 45 of the strike target 40, the spinning assembly 30 rotationally accelerates in the direction indicated by the arrow Q about the pole 12. The radially outwardly extending arms 31A and 31B of the spinning assembly 30, positioned vertically between the upper and lower stops 63 and 64 of the resistance mechanism 60, strike the flex cord 68. In response, the flex cord 68 resiliently expands while simultaneously resisting further rotation of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12 in the direction Q. The flex cord 68 is configured to impede the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 such that the spinning assembly 30 is brought to a stop and then rotationally accelerates in the direction indicated by the arrow R about the pole 12. Thus, the target repeatedly returns toward the practitioner. Additionally, the practitioner can connect one or more additional flex cords 68 to each of the mounts 67 thereby increasing the resistance against the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 and concurrently increasing the speed at which the spinning assembly 30 is rebounded back toward the practitioner.

Use of one or more flex cords 68 modifies the interactive component of the strike training provided by the apparatus 10. The adjustable resistance of the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 and the corresponding rebound of the spinning assembly 30 back toward the practitioner can be selectively increased or decreased depending upon the type of training desired. For example, a practitioner can select a comparatively lower resistance level to develop hand or foot striking techniques; or a practitioner can select a comparatively higher resistance level to accommodate footwork drills.

The rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 in response to a strike made by a practitioner, and the corresponding rebound the if the resistance mechanism 60 is employed, provides a true interactive physical training experience for the practitioner. The form of the rotational movement of the spinning assembly 30 is directly related to the technique of the preceding strike made by the practitioner. For example, a direct strike translates into a smoother and quicker rotation of the spinning assembly 30 about the pole 12; and a quicker rebound if the resistance mechanism 60 is employed. The more forceful and direct the strike, therein signifying a more advanced striking technique, the quicker the reaction time of the practitioner must be to continue the use of the apparatus 10 at such a pace and with such a striking technique. Such interactive feedback provides the practitioner with a gauge for measuring strike training performance and progress. Endless combinations of punching, kicking and footwork techniques can be performed interactively with use of the apparatus 10 with corresponding feedback immediately provided to the practitioner.

Another apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training is shown in FIG. 3 and is generally referred to herein as apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 includes a pole 112 extending upwardly from and mounted in a base 120. The base 120 defines a central cavity 121 formed in the base 120. Sealable or capped apertures 122A and 122B are provided for accessing a hollow interior 124 of the base 120 to fill the interior with sand or a like medium to provide a weighted base. In one embodiment, the base 120 comprises a substantially solid interior such that no additional weight is needed to provide a stable weighted base. A sleeve 123 is provided to accommodate the mounting of the pole 112 within the base 120. In one embodiment, the pole 112 is releasably secured in the base 120 by a fastener 125 such as a tension pin, an insert having an aperture into which is positioned a cotter pin, a thumb screw, a threaded bolt and nut, and the like. In one embodiment, the pole 112 is secured directly within the base 120 without the use of a sleeve.

A spinning assembly 130 is rotatably mounted on the pole 112 between an upper stop 114 and a lower stop 116 that are lockingly and releasably secured to the pole 112. The position of the upper stop 114 and the lower stop 116 are selectively adjusted by loosening and tightening, for example, a thumb screw 115 and 117, respectively. An outwardly extending arm 131 is rotatably secured to the pole 112 at a proximate or first end 132 of the arm 131. The first end 132 of the arm 131 includes a sleeve 132A through which the pole 112 extends. In one embodiment, the arm 131 and sleeve the 132A are integrally formed. The sleeve 132A provides for rotational movement of the spinning assembly 130 about the pole 112. In one embodiment, the sleeve 132A includes a liner or bearing to facilitate rotating the spinning assembly 130 about the pole 112.

A mount 134 is positioned at a distal or second end 133 of the arm 131. A strike target 135 such as a spring ball is removably fixed to an upper arm 134A and a lower arm 134B of the mount 134 via a first swivel joint 135A and a second swivel joint 135B. One or more flex cords, springs or other biasing elements 136 provide spring-like tension to the spring ball 135. In one embodiment, a flex cord 136A is positioned along or within and attached to the upper arm 134A at swivel joint 135A, and a flex cord 136B is positioned along or within and attached to lower arm 134B at swivel joint 135B. In one embodiment, the flex cord 136 is positioned along or within the mount 134 and attached to swivel joints 135A and 135B. In one embodiment, a strike pad 137 is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm 131. Preferably, the arm 131 and the mount 134 also are padded.

Additional embodiments of the arm 131 and the mount 134 of the apparatus 100 are shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. Like elements of FIG. 3 depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are identified by like reference numbers preceded by a “2”, “3” and “4” respectively.

One embodiment of a spinning assembly 230 is shown in FIG. 4A. An outwardly extending arm 231 is rotatably secured to the pole 212 at a proximate or first end 232 of the arm 231. A mount 234 is formed at a distal or second end 233 of the arm 231. A strike target such as a speed bag 235 is removably fixed to an upper arm 234A and a lower arm 234B of the mount 234 via a first swivel joint 235A and a second swivel joint 235B. A strike pad 237 is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm 231. Preferably, the arm 231 and the mount 234 also are padded.

Another embodiment of a spinning assembly 330 is shown in FIG. 4B. A first outwardly extending arm 331A is rotatably secured to the pole 312 at a proximate or first end 332A of the arm 331A. A mount 334 is formed at a distal or second end 333A of the arm 331A. A strike target such as a strike bag 335 is removably fixed to an upper arm 334A and a lower arm 334B of the mount 334 via a first swivel joint 335A and a second swivel joint 335B. A strike pad 337A is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm 331A. A second outwardly extending arm 331B is secured to the pole 312 at a proximate or first end 332B of the arm 331B. A distal end or second 333B of the arm 331B terminates at approximately the mid-portion of the arm 331A. A mount 338 is formed at a distal or second end 333B of the arm 331B. A strike target such as a strike bag 340 is removably fixed to an upper arm 338A and a lower arm 338B of the mount 338 via a first swivel joint 340A and a second swivel joint 340B. In one embodiment, a strike pad 337B is mounted at the second end 333B of the arm 331B instead of the strike bag 340. The second outwardly extending arm 331B is secured to the first outwardly extending arm 331A via a connection bracket 350 such that the arms 331A and 331B together uniformly rotate about the pole 312.

Another embodiment of a spinning assembly 430 is shown in FIG. 4C. An outwardly extending arm 431 is rotatably secured to the pole 412 at a proximate end 432 of the arm 431. A mount 434 is formed at a distal or first end 433 of the arm 431. A strike target such as a strike bag 435 is removably fixed to an upper arm 434A and a lower arm 434B of the mount 434 via a first swivel joint 435A and a second swivel joint 435B. A strike pad 437 is mounted on a mid-portion of the arm 431. Preferably, the arm 431 and the mount 434 also are padded.

A monitoring or data recording device 500 is depicted in FIG. 5. The device 500 receives and records measurements taken and transmitted by the pressure measurement devices 46 embedded in the strike target 40. The device 500 includes a housing 502, one or more monitoring indicators 504, and one or more data output devices 506. In one embodiment, the device 500 includes a counter that counts the number of strikes executed by the practitioner during a session. In one embodiment, the device 500 also includes a transmitter, receiver, transceiver or like receiving device for receiving the data transmitted by the pressure measurement devices 46 to the device 500. The data obtained by the pressure measurement devices 46 is transmitted via a hardwired circuit wherein the wire runs internally within or along the radially outwardly extending arm 31, 131 to the pole 12, 112 and to the device 500 mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the pressure measurement devices 46 comprise a wireless capability and the data obtained is transmitted via wireless technology to the receiving device of the device 500. In one embodiment, the device 500 includes a ring mount 508 for mounting the device 500 onto the pole 12, 112 to place the device 500 in proximity to the apparatus 10, 100 and the practitioner using the apparatus.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited with regard to the apparatus for physical conditioning focusing on striking techniques and training described hereinabove. Accordingly, although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, upon a reading and understanding of the foregoing disclosure, that numerous variations and alterations to the disclosed embodiments will fall within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training comprising:

an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base;

a spinning assembly having at least one radially outwardly extending arm, the arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member; and

a strike target positioned at the second end of the arm, the strike target being rotatable about the upright cylindrical member.

2. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, the base having a hollow interior and at least one sealable aperture for accessing the hollow interior.

3. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 2, the hollow interior of the base being filled with a weighted medium.

4. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, further comprising a central cavity formed substantially in the center of the base in which the upright cylindrical member is mounted.

5. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, the first end of the arm of the spinning assembly being rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member between an upper stop and a lower stop, the upper and lower stops being lockingly and releasably secured to the upright cylindrical member.

6. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, the first end of the arm of the spinning assembly including a sleeve through which the upright cylindrical member extends.

7. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 6, the sleeve having a liner to facilitate rotating the spinning assembly about the upright cylindrical member.

8. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 6, the sleeve having a bearing to facilitate rotating the spinning assembly about the upright cylindrical member.

9. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, the position of the upper stop and the lower stop on the upright cylindrical member being selectively adjustable upwardly or downwardly.

10. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 1, the strike target comprising:

an enclosure; and

a pliable and resilient material housed in the enclosure.

11. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 10, the strike target further comprising:

at least one pressure measurement device embedded in the material housed in the enclosure to measure an impact force of a strike to the strike target.

12. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 11, the pressure measurement device comprising:

a transmitting device for transmitting a measured pressure of the strike to a data recording device.

13. An apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training comprising:

an upright cylindrical member extending upwardly from and mounted in a base;

a spinning assembly having a first radially outwardly extending arm and a second radially outwardly extending arm, the first and second arms each having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the first and second arms rotatably mounted on the upright cylindrical member between a first upper stop and a first lower stop;

a strike target positioned between the second end of each of the first and second arms, the strike target being rotatable about the upright cylindrical member; and

a resistance mechanism fixedly mounted on the upright cylindrical member to resist the rotational movement of the spinning assembly about the upright cylindrical member, the resistance mechanism fixedly mounted on the upright cylindrical member between a second upper stop and a second lower stop, the second upper stop positioned above the first upper stop on the upright cylindrical member, the second lower stop positioned below the first lower stop on the upright cylindrical member.

14. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 13, the first and second upper stops and the first and second lower stops being lockingly and releasably secured to the upright cylindrical member.

15. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 13, the position of the first and second upper stops and the first and second lower stops on the upright cylindrical member being selectively adjustable upwardly or downwardly.

16. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 13, the resistance mechanism comprising:

a ring mount extending radially outwardly from each of the second upper and second lower stops; and

at least one flex cord extending between and releasably secured to each of the ring mounts.

17. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 13, the first end the first end of each of the first and second arms including a sleeve through which the upright cylindrical member extends.

18. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 13, the strike target comprising:

an enclosure; and

a pliable and resilient material housed in the enclosure.

19. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 18, the strike target further comprising:

at least one pressure measurement device embedded in the material housed in the enclosure to measure an impact force of a strike to the strike target.

20. The apparatus for physical conditioning and strike training of claim 19, the pressure measurement device comprising:

a transmitting device for transmitting a measured pressure of the strike to a data recording device.