WO2014041371A1

WO2014041371A1 - Martial arts sports training apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014041371A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/052412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Myrie; Jasvinder Singh GILL
Original assignee: Steven Myrie; Gill Jasvinder Singh
Priority date: 2012-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2014-03-20
Also published as: GB201216320D0; GB2508074A; GB201316375D0

Abstract

Martial arts sports training apparatus (10), for example, for use in training boxers, includes a target attachment device (11). The device (11) includes a target (12) and a mounting (20 ) for rotatably mounting the target (12) to a support (14). The target (12) includes an attack region (16), which, in use, a user strikes to simulate an attack on an opponent, and a defence region (18), which, in use, a user strikes to simulate defending an attack from an opponent.

Description

Martial Arts Sports Training Apparatus

The present invention relates to martial arts sports training apparatus, particularly but not exclusively martial arts sports training apparatus for training boxers.

Conventionally, sports training apparatus for training martial arts such as boxing is known which can comprise targets such as punch bags or balls which are kicked or punched. The target is movably mounted, so that when hit, the target moves. Typically, the targets are mounted in a vertical axis to a suspension or mounting point, and are biased, for example, either by a spring or gravity, so that when hit, the target moves about the suspension or mounting point. However, while such apparatus can be used to build strength, speed, stamina and rhythm, the movement of the target is relatively predictable and key skills which are required in a real fight are not developed. The conventional apparatus described above builds attack skills, for example, the hitting of attack targets such as an opponent's body and head, but does not build defence skills. For example, a common fault of boxers is that the hands drop lower and then fail to protect the head from attack. Conventionally, such skills can only be developed by sparring with a partner. However, sparring time is necessarily limited and expensive to provide.

In this specification, the user is referred to for convenience and brevity with the pronoun "he", but it will be understood that the user could be of either gender.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided martial arts sports training apparatus, the apparatus including a target attachment device, the device including a target, a mounting for movably mounting the target to a support, the target including an attack region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate an attack on an opponent, and a defence region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate defending an attack from an opponent. Possibly, a predominant part of the attack region is closer to the mounting than a predominant part of the defence region. Possibly, the mounting permits the target to move in a plane which extends laterally around the support.

Possibly, the mounting permits the target to only move in the plane which extends laterally around the support.

Possibly, the plane extends substantially horizontally.

Possibly, the target is elongate, and may extend laterally from the mounting, and may extend laterally in the plane. Possibly, the mounting permits at least partial rotational movement of the target around the support.

Possibly, the target has a free end and a mounted end. Possibly, the defence region is located at or towards the free end. Possibly, the attack region is located at or towards the mounted end.

Possibly, the mounting permits rotational movement of the target through 360° around the support, and may permit rotational movement of the target through 360° around the support in both clock wise and anti-clock wise directions when viewed in plan. Possibly, the mounting permits the target to move around the support substantially continuously in any of the directions.

The support may be circular in section, and the target may extend radially outwardly from the support. Possibly, the target includes an elongate target member, which may be in the form of a bar, which may be formed of steel. Possibly, the target includes a layer of resiliently deformable material, which may be a plastics material, which may form an outer layer of the target member. Possibly, the mounting defines a passage in which the support is receivable. Possibly, in use, the passage extends along a substantially vertical axis.

Possibly, the mounting includes a bracket, which may be in the form of a sleeve, which may define the passage. Possibly, the bracket is formed integrally with the target member. Possibly, the mounting is arranged so that the bracket is a relatively loose fit on the support, to permit rotation therearound. Possibly, the mounting includes a locating member, for locating the target in an assembled condition on the support. Possibly, in the assembled condition, the bracket locates above and rests on the locating member. Possibly, the locating member is movable between a locked condition in which the locating member is fixed in the assembled condition on the support, and an adjustment condition in which the locating member is moveable relative to the support.

Possibly, the locating member defines a passage in which the support is receivable. Possibly, the locating member is in the form of a collar. Possibly, the locating member defines a threaded locking through hole in which a securing member such as a screw is receivable. Possibly, in the locked condition the securing member locates against the support to prevent relative movement thereof. Possibly, the apparatus includes the support. Possibly, the support includes an elongate support member arrangement, which may have a longitudinal axis, which in use may extend substantially vertically, and may extend along a substantially vertical axis. Possibly, the support includes a ground or floor engaging base. Possibly, the support includes a mounting for mounting the support member arrangement to the base. Possibly, the support mounting is a relatively rigid mounting. Possibly, the apparatus includes a second target, which may comprise a punch member such as a ball or bag, which may be inflatable. Possibly, the apparatus includes a second target mounting for mounting the second target to the support. Possibly, the second target mounting is located above the target. Possibly, the second target mounting includes a resiliently deformable biasing means, which may bias the second target towards a relaxed condition, in which the second target is substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis of the support. Possibly, in use, the second target is strikeable by a user to move the second target from the relaxed condition to a perturbed condition in which the second target deviates from the support axis. The biasing means may include a biasing member, such as a spring, which may permit pivotal movement of the second target around the second target mounting in the perturbed condition.

The apparatus may include a third target, which may comprise a punch member such as a ball or bag, which may be inflatable. The third target may comprise part of the first target. The third target may be located in or near the attack region, and may be located over the target member. The third target may define a passage therethrough, in which the target member locates. The apparatus may include a fourth target, which may comprise a punch member such as a ball or bag, which may be inflatable. The fourth target may be located below the first target mounting, and may be located over the support member. The fourth target may define a passage therethrough, in which the support member locates.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a connector, which may permit the target to move vertically when struck by a user. The connector may include one or more stops to limit the vertical movement, and may include biasing means to bias the target towards the or one stop, and may include a damper to limit movement of the target..

Possibly, the apparatus is for training boxers, and may be boxing training apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of martial arts sports training, the method including providing martial arts sports training apparatus, the apparatus including a target attachment device, the device including a target, a mounting for movably mounting the target to a support, the target including an attack region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate an attack on an opponent, and a defence region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate defending an attack from an opponent.

Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Possibly, the apparatus includes any of the features described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus;

Figs. 3A and 3B are plan views of the second embodiment of Fig. 2 in use;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus; Figs. 6A and 6B are perspective views of a detail of a fifth embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus; and

Fig. 7 is a side schematic view of a detail of a sixth embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus 10, the apparatus 10 including a target attachment device 1 1 , the device 1 1 including a target 12 and a mounting 20 for rotatably mounting the target 12 to a support 14 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 ). The target 12 includes an attack region 16, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate an attack on an opponent, and a defence region 18, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate defending an attack from an opponent.

In the examples shown, the apparatus 10 is boxing training apparatus, for training boxers, but it will be realised that the apparatus could be used for training other martial arts disciplines, and could also be used for general fitness training.

The target member 24 extends laterally from the mounting 20. The mounting 20 permits continuous rotational movement of the target 12 through 360° around the support 14 in both clock wise and anti-clock wise directions when viewed in plan, in a plane 22 which extends laterally substantially horizontally around the support 14. In the example shown, the mounting 20 permits the target 12 to only move in the plane 22 which extends laterally around the support 14.

A predominant part of the attack region 16 is closer to the mounting 20 than a predominant part of the defence region 18. The attack region 16 and the defence region 18 could overlap to a greater or lesser extent.

The target 12 includes an elongate target member 24 which extends along a longitudinal axis 25. In the example shown, the target member 24 is in the form of a circular section bar, which could be formed of steel. The target 12 has a mounted end 15 and a free end 17. The defence region 18 is located at or towards the free end 17 and the attack region 16 is located at or towards the mounted end 15.

The support 14 is circular in section, and the target 12 extends radially outwardly from the support 14, and in use moves around the support.

The target 12 includes a layer of resiliently deformable material 26, which is relatively soft and could be formed of a plastics material such as foam, expanded foam, rubber or expanded rubber, which forms an outer layer over the greater part of the surface of the target member 24. The material 26 provides cushioning to prevent injury to the user during training. The mounting 20 includes a bracket 32, which, in the example shown, is in the form of a sleeve. The bracket 32 defines a passage 28 in which the support 14 is receivable. The passage 28 extends along an axis 30. The bracket 32 is formed integrally with the target member 24. The mounting 20 is arranged so that the bracket 32 is a relatively loose fit on the support 14, to permit rotation therearound.

The axis 25 of the target member 24 is perpendicular (normal) to the axis 30 of the locating member passage 28. The mounting 20 includes a locating member 34, for locating the target

12 in an assembled condition on the support 14. In the assembled condition, the bracket 32 locates above and rests on the locating member 34. The locating member 34 is movable between a locked condition in which the locating member 34 is fixed in the assembled condition on the support 14, and an adjustment condition in which the locating member 34 is moveable relative to the support 14. The locating member 34 defines a passage 36 in which the support 14 is receivable. In the example shown, the locating member 34 is in the form of a collar. The locating member 34 defines a threaded locking through hole 38 in which a securing member 40 such as a screw is receivable. In the locked condition, the securing member 40 locates against the support 14 to prevent relative movement thereof.

The target attachment device 1 1 of the training apparatus 10 can be fitted to a suitable support 14 as will be described below.

As shown in Fig. 2, a second embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus 1 10 includes a target attachment device 1 1 which is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and described above, and a support 14 which includes an elongate support member arrangement 42, and which has a longitudinal support axis 44.

In the example shown, the support member arrangement 42 is telescopic and includes an upper support member 68 which is slidably receivable within a lower support member 70. The arrangement 42 includes an adjuster 72 including, for example, a wing nut, which in an adjustment condition permits the position of the upper support member 68 to be adjusted relative to the lower support member 70, and which, in a locked condition, locks the selected position of the upper support member 68 relative to the lower support member 70.

The support 14 includes a ground or floor engaging base 46, and a relatively rigid mounting 48 for mounting the support member arrangement 42 to the base 46.

The apparatus 1 10 is assembled as follows. The support member arrangement 42 comprising the support members 68, 70 is mounted to the base 46 via the mounting 48, so that the support axis 44 is substantially vertical. The locating member 34 is located onto the upper support member 68 at a desired height and the securing member 40 moved to the locked condition. The bracket 32 is then located onto the upper support member 68 to rest on the locating member 34. An upper locating member 66 which could be in the form of a cap could then be located above the bracket 32 to retain the bracket 32 in position on the support 14.

In the assembled condition, the passage axis 30 is substantially coaxial with the support axis 44, which is substantially vertical. The target member axis 25 extends laterally outwardly substantially horizontally from the support 14, so that the axis 25 is substantially at 90° to the support axis 44. The target member 25 can rotate continuously about the support axis 44 in the plane 22 which extends laterally around the support 14 substantially horizontally.

In use, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, a user strikes the attack region 16 of the target 12. For example, in Fig. 3A, the user is about to strike the attack region 16 with his left hand as indicated by arrow W. Striking the attack region 16 causes the target 12 to rotate rapidly around the support 14, as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 3A. The free end 17 of the swinging target 12 swings around the support 14, simulating a blow aimed at the head of the user, and requiring the user to defend against the blow. Thus the user is encouraged to maintain the good practice of "keeping his hands up" to defend his head.

The user could firstly parry the potential attack of the target 12 with his right hand by striking the defence region 18 (as indicated by arrow X in Fig. 3A) and then strike the attack region 16 with his right hand (as indicated by arrow Y in Fig. 3A), causing rotation in the opposite direction as indicated by arrow B shown in Fig 3B. Again, the swinging free end 17 of the target 12 poses an attack upon the head of the user which must be defended, for example by parrying this time with the left hand striking the defence region 18 (as indicated by arrow Z in Fig 3B) and so on. Thus the apparatus of the invention trains the user to sequentially attack and defend, attack and defend, maintaining a defence against attack by keeping the hands up to defend the head. Clearly the sequence of attack and defend, with sequential strikes upon the attack region and the defence region, could be varied. For example, the user could strike the attack region consecutively on opposite sides. The user could avoid the swinging free end 17 by ducking or moving out of range, as would be the case in a fight or when sparring with a partner. Thus the apparatus permits more realistic training to be undertaken without the necessity and expense of providing a sparring partner.

The target attachment device 1 1 can be easily retrofitted to existing apparatus.

Figs 4 to 7 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiments of Figs 1 to 3. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiments already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus 210 which is similar to the second embodiment 1 10 described above but includes a second target 50, which comprises a punch member 52 such as a ball or bag, which could be inflatable. The apparatus 210 includes a second target mounting 54 for mounting the second target 50 to the support 14. The second target mounting 54 is located above the mounting 20 of the first target 12. The second target mounting 54 includes a resiliently deformable biasing means 56, which biases the second target 50 towards a relaxed condition, in which the second target 50 is substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis 44 of the support 14.

The biasing means 56 include a biasing member 58, such as a spring, which permits pivotal movement of the second target 50 around the second target mounting 54. The spring 58 could be a coil spring, and could be formed of metal.

In use, the second target 50 is strikeable by a user to move the second target 50 from the relaxed condition to a perturbed condition, in which the second target 50 deviates from the support axis 44. The second target 50 adds variety into the training, as the sequence of strikes is varied between attack blows on the attack region 16 of the first target 12, attack blows on the second target 50, and defensive strikes on the defence region 18 of the first target 12. Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus 310 which is similar to the third embodiment 210 described above but includes third and fourth targets 60, 74, each of which comprises a punch member 62 such as a ball or bag, which could be inflatable, and defines a passage 64 therethrough.

The third target 60 comprises part of the first target 12, and is located in the attack region 16, and could comprise the attack region 16. The third target 60 is located over the target member 24 so that the target member 24 locates in the passage 64.

The fourth target 74 is located below the first target mounting 20, and is located over the upper support member 68 so that the upper support member 68 locates in the passage 64. The third and fourth targets 60, 74 again add further variety into the training, providing additional attack targets into the sequence of blows to be struck. For example, the second target 50 could simulate a head target, the third target 60 could simulate an upper torso target, and the fourth target 74 could simulate a lower torso target.

Figs. 6A and 6B show a detail of a fifth embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus 410. In this embodiment, the mounting 20 includes a target connector 80 which permits movement of the target 12 out of the plane of rotation 22.

The target connector 80 includes a bracket part 88 which is fixed to the bracket 32, and a target part 90 which is fixed to the target 12. The parts 88, 90 are connected by a hinge 82 which comprises a hinge pin 83. The axis of the hinge pin 83 could be aligned with or parallel to the plane of rotation 22, so that in use, the target part 90 and the target 12 can move vertically relative to the bracket part 88 and the support 14. The connector 80 includes a stop 86 which prevents movement of the target 12 below the plane of rotation 22, i.e. below the horizontal.

The connector 80 includes biasing means 92 which bias the target 12 towards the stop 86. The biasing means 92 include a biasing member 94, which could be a spring 84, and could be a coil spring. In the example shown, the biasing means 92 include a pair of springs 84. In a compressed condition, the springs 84 provide the stop 86.

In use, when the target 12 is struck, the target 12 can move both rotationally around the support 14 and also vertically, to simulate the effect of an uppercut punch. The connector 80 is shown with a square section, but could be formed with a circular section which could be of the same or a similar diameter to the target 12. The hinge could be a resilient hinge, formed, for example, of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).

Fig. 7 shows a detail of a sixth embodiment of a martial arts sports training apparatus 510, many features of which are similar to those of the fifth embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the target 12 is hingedly mounted to a target connector 80. The connector 80 includes a lower stop 86 and an upper stop 96 to limit the vertical movement of the target 12 and could include a damper 98 to damp movement of the target 12.

The lower stop 86 is arranged so that in an initial first condition when the target 12 has not been struck, the target 12 extends substantially horizontally from the substantially vertical support 14.

The upper stop 96 is arranged so that in a second condition, when struck, the target 12 cannot move past the vertical. The upper and lower stops 96, 86 could comprise pins which locate through holes defined by the bracket part 88.

In another embodiment (not shown), the upper stop 96 could be positioned differently to limit to a different degree the upward movement of the target 12. A plurality of upper stop positions could be provided to allow a user to select the upper stop position, which could include the option of locking the target 12 in the initial first condition. For example, the bracket part 88 could define a plurality of upper stop holes (not shown) for selectably receiving a removable stop pin.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The apparatus and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material.

The mounting 20 could be different. For example, the mounting could include bearings, and could be held in position on the support by different means.

The plane of rotation might not be horizontal. The target attachment device 1 1 could comprise a plurality of targets

12. In one example, the target attachment device 1 1 could comprise a pair of targets 12 which extend outwardly from the support 14 at 180° to each other. In another example, the target attachment device 1 1 could comprise a pair of targets 12 which extend outwardly from the support 14 in the same plane but angled relative to each other. In another example, the target attachment device 1 1 could comprise a pair of targets which extend outwardly from the support 14 in different planes.

The apparatus could comprise a plurality of target attachment devices 1 1 , which could be mounted one above the other on the support 14.

The support 14 might not be vertical, but could be mounted at an angle relative to the ground or floor. The support 14 could be provided in any convenient manner. For example the support 14 could be suspended from an off ground or off floor mounting, such as a wall mounting or an overhead mounting.

The target 12 could be provided with a movable outer layer, so that a glancing blow has significantly less effect than a direct blow, to aid the development of punching accuracy by providing a form of feedback to the user. Means for altering the speed of movement and weight of the target could be provided to permit the apparatus to be used to train different fighting styles and weight/age classes. The mounting could include friction reducing means to increase the speed of the target, or friction increasing means to reduce the speed of the target. The mounting could include damping to damp the horizontal movement of the target. In one example, the size of the target including its diameter and length could be varied. The weight of the target could be varied by altering its size and material of construction. The cushioning material 26 could be provided over more of the surfaces than those shown.

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided martial arts sports training apparatus which is relatively simple, is relatively easy to manufacture, and can be retrofitted to existing equipment. The apparatus forces the user to incorporate a defensive stance and defensive blows into the training regime, thus better simulating a real fight situation without the necessity and expense of using a sparring partner.

Claims

1 . Martial arts sports training apparatus, the apparatus including a target attachment device, the device including a target, a mounting for movably mounting the target to a support, the target including an attack region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate an attack on an opponent, and a defence region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate defending an attack from an opponent.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , in which a predominant part of the attack region is closer to the mounting than a predominant part of the defence region.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the mounting permits the target to move in a plane which extends laterally around the support.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the mounting permits the target to only move in the plane which extends laterally around the support.

5. Apparatus according to claims 3 or 4, in which the plane extends substantially horizontally.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the target is elongate, has a free end and a mounted end, and extends laterally from the mounting.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, in which the defence region is located at or towards the free end.

8. Apparatus according to claims 6 or 7, in which the attack region is located at or towards the mounted end.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the mounting permits at least partial rotational movement of the target around the support.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, in which the mounting permits rotational movement of the target through 360° around the support.

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 10, in which the mounting permits rotational movement of the target through 360° around the support in both clock wise and anti-clock wise directions when viewed in plan.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 1 , in which the mounting permits the target to move around the support substantially continuously in any of the directions.

13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support is circular in section, and the target extends radially outwardly from the support.

14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the target includes an elongate target member, which is in the form of a bar, which may be formed of steel, and the target includes a layer of resiliently deformable material, which may be a plastics material, which forms an outer layer of the target member.

15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the mounting defines a passage in which the support is receivable, which in use, extends along a substantially vertical axis.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in which the mounting includes a bracket, which is in the form of a sleeve, which defines the passage.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, in which the bracket is formed integrally with the target member.

18. Apparatus according to claims 16 or 17, in which the mounting is arranged so that the bracket is a relatively loose fit on the support, to permit rotation therearound.

19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the mounting includes a locating member, for locating the target in an assembled condition on the support.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 when dependent on any of claims 16 to 18, in which, in the assembled condition, the bracket locates above and rests on the locating member.

21 . Apparatus according to claims 19 or 20, in which the locating member is movable between a locked condition in which the locating member is fixed in the assembled condition on the support, and an adjustment condition in which the locating member is moveable relative to the support.

22. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 21 , in which the locating member defines a passage in which the support is receivable.

23. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 22, in which the locating member is in the form of a collar.

24. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 23, in which the locating member defines a threaded locking through hole in which a securing member such as a screw is receivable, and in which, in the locked condition, the securing member locates against the support to prevent relative movement thereof.

25. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes the support.

26. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support includes an elongate support member arrangement, which has a longitudinal axis, which in use extends substantially vertically, along a substantially vertical support axis.

27. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support includes a ground or floor engaging base.

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 when dependent on claim 26, in which the support includes a mounting for mounting the support member arrangement to the base.

29. Apparatus according to claim 28, in which the support mounting is a relatively rigid mounting.

30. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a second target, which comprises a punch member such as a ball or bag, which may be inflatable and the apparatus includes a second target mounting for mounting the second target to the support.

31 . Apparatus according to claim 30, in which the second target mounting is located above the target.

32. Apparatus according to claims 30 or 31 when dependent on claim 26 or any claim dependent thereon, in which in use, the second target is strikeable by a user to move the second target from a relaxed condition to a perturbed condition in which the second target deviates from the support axis, and the second target mounting includes a resiliently deformable biasing means, which biases the second target towards the relaxed condition, in which the second target is substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis of the support. .

33. Apparatus according to claim 32, in which the biasing means includes a biasing member, such as a spring, which permits pivotal movement of the second target around the second target mounting in the perturbed condition.

34. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a third target, which comprises a punch member such as a ball or bag, which may be inflatable.

35. Apparatus according to claim 34, in which the third target comprises part of the first target, the third target being located in or near the attack region.

36. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a fourth target, which comprises a punch member such as a ball or bag, which may be inflatable.

37. Apparatus according to claim 36, in which the fourth target is located below the first target mounting.

38. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a connector, which permits the target to move vertically when struck by a user.

39. Apparatus according to claim 38, in which the connector includes one or more stops to limit the vertical movement.

40. Apparatus according to claim 39, in which the connector includes biasing means to bias the target towards the or one stop.

41 . Apparatus according to any of claims 38 to 40, in which the connector includes a damper to limit movement of the target.

42. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is for training boxers, and may be boxing training apparatus.

43. A method of martial arts sports training, the method including providing martial arts sports training apparatus, the apparatus including a target attachment device, the device including a target, a mounting for movably mounting the target to a support, the target including an attack region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate an attack on an opponent, and a defence region, which, in use, a user strikes to simulate defending an attack from an opponent.

44. A method according to claim 43, in which the method includes any of the steps and/or the apparatus includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 42.

45. Martial arts sports training apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

46. A method of martial arts sports training substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.