To all martial arts community: your professional opinion needed!!!

[Ana]

Hello!

We are graduate students working on the project of developing specialized target shield (pad for kicking) for kids (age 4-11) engaged in martial arts. We think about making one that would be able to measure the force and accuracy of the kick and give sound feedback (for example with encouraging phrase like “Great job” or “Try again”) to a kid to keep him interested and concentrated.

We’re looking if there will be demand for such shield among martial arts instructors and kids’ parents (for practices at home). You will really help us and our common goal to improve supplies for martial arts field answering these simple questions!

1. Is there anything you don’t like in current shields that you use while practicing with kids? Can you think of any improvements?
2. If you’re an instructor, would you use the sound shield that measures force during practices? Would you encourage kids to use such shield at home practices?
3. If you’re a parent whose child is involved in martial arts, would you use such shield at home practices?
4. If you’re a kid, what sounds would you prefer, if any? Do you like this idea at all?

Any other suggestions?

Thank you so much for your time and effort!!!

Ana & Co.

[KiotoQuinn]

I think kicking things isnt cool. You should teach kids to respect things more and not to just kick them around. Why would a pad say good job, kick me again? Thats a sadistic pad. When you respect your opponent you wont kick them, you will almost kill them.