Abstract: A training apparatus and method for training a martial arts student. A pair of simulated limbs are designed to strike blows against the student in a way that requires great skill on the part of the student to defend against the blows. The blows are directed at the student with considerable force, and from a variety of different angles, thus requiring great dexterity on the part of the student to defend against the blow. The limb members are supported in a way that allows them many degrees of movement. Specifically, the limb members are each connected for universal movement relative to a support. In addition, each of the limb members can pivot relative to the means that connects it for universal movement relative to the support. Still further, the support itself has several degrees of movement to provide additional ranges of movement for the limb members. A spring arrangement resiliently biases the limb members towards a neutral position relative to a student positioned in a striking area.