"Fighting Arm Dummy"

[HereBeADragon]

Found this on ebay. Interesting idea I kinda like it but I am also a little conflicted about its practicality. Anyone want to weigh in on what they think of this thing?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250558591807&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[s a fossett]

Found this on ebay. Interesting idea I kinda like it but I am also a little conflicted about its practicality. Anyone want to weigh in on what they think of this thing?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250558591807&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I guess if you plan on sparring against someone whose feet are glued to the floor, there could be some value in practicing techniques against unmoving "arms," but I typically just use my wife for that sort of thing.

[deckard]

Dummy training has it's values in solo training. But there may be better solutions out there on the market.

[HereBeADragon]

I know there are better ways to train (although I think a wife could be an expensive training tool ;). I was thinking more along the general problems of training dummies. I've always liked the idea as it gives a more complex target than just a heavy bag but what I get stuck on is the fact that the arm is extended and will not react. You never going to fight someone who just leaves their arm out there for you to attack. I am not sure if training dummies are good tools for perfecting performance or if they are more prone to causing and reinforcing bad habbits.

[deckard]

Brain,

I don't have much experience with a wooden dummy simply because I (or where I train) don't have one. So I only have a theoretical opionion. Rick Faye uses a wooden dummy for Panantukan a lot. A dummy with an arm that provides some resistance can be used to work on position and your pressure vectors while solo training. If you have a partner everytime you need that's fine. But if your partner doesn't provide enough or to much resistance a dummy may be a better choice. It's just a tool in the box that should be used right for the right purpose. It's of limited use (not for alle MAs and you should add more variables and pressure while you proceed) and not complete essential (there are alternatives) but it's not a complete waste of time either if alternatives are not alway accessable. Does that make sense?

[HereBeADragon]

Thats along the same lines I was thinking. I've just always been concerned with how easily these types of tools can be misused and reenforce poor habits. Much like a heavy bag or speed bag its all in how they are used. :)

[sakinney]

I have a cheaper set of 'arms' that I can slip onto my heavy bag (bought them a loooooong time ago). First off, I agree that the value of such things is entirely dependent on how you use them. (like sand-bags, bands, or anything else.)

That said, you can improve the body mechanics for things like ducking and slipping through using a arm. Also, there's nothing to match the hilarity of getting hit by a dummy arm just because you are not paying attention while playing with your heavy bag.

[deckard]

I don't think these are usefull for all arts and distance. I see their use for "break in" or bridging the gap to trapping distance speaking in JKD terms. I plan a low cost version with a standing bag, one of these foam pool snake thingies and some cable straps and see how it works. But I have to solve some minor technical problems ;-)

[HereBeADragon]

foam pool snakes....thats a good idea! I can get those things at the dollar store. I think I might have to try that. At any rate Andreas keep us posted on how it goes. :)