Most of the better martial arts instructors have or are recommending martial arts training at home to supplement what the student gets in the training hall. If martial arts students attend a one-hour class twice per week, they get two hours per week of instruction on how to move, how to coordinate body and mind, technical tips and so on. However, the total training time is less than optimal for cardiovascular health according to experts in the medical and fitness fields and should be added to one’s regimen at home.

Students who have a large area to work out in such as a basement or a rec-room have the advantage of a convenient space to train in. All is not lost for others, however. If weather permits and you have even a small patio area in the back of your dwelling, this can serve as a workout area.

Many martial arts have a precise technical side such as Wing Tsun, Wing Chun or Tai Chi. In this case, the purchase of a full length mirror should be seriously considered and not just an afterthought. In fact, others in the family can use the mirror for their exercise routines.

Some patio covers have braces sturdy enough for a hanging bag. In the art of Wing Tsun, a wall bag filled with rice is standard equipment to build striking power. It is best to find a block wall to mount the bag. If it has to be outside, install three “D” rings on the top of the bag and hang the bag on hooks so it can be removed and brought inside.

Wing Tsun or Wing Chun practitioners have to consider installing a wooden dummy once you get to that level. This will require either a portable stand or a block wall. Quality wooden dummies are made of hard woods and have considerable weight. Its best to start planning now for this construction, expense and a superb training experience.

Mixed martial artists and jiu jitsu students and kick boxers, for example may want to consider a sparring area for light practice. Covered patio areas or basements are obvious examples to locate a sparring area. Surroundings should have soft padding when a practitioner tumbles back.

Once you have equipment set up and ready, you must get into a training routine. Martial arts training at home should be about basics. Basics are the most neglected aspect of amateur martial arts practitioners and beginning students. Leave the higher level training to the school’s training hall.

One has to be practical about martial arts training at home. Start out with ten minute sessions for at least a week. Add five minutes to each session the second week. If you max out at 30 minutes per day, you are doing more than about 90% of the martial arts students out there. The precise programs should come from your direct instructor. Happy training!

- Sifu Keith Sonnenberg