Martial arts is a combat sport, and Much of what you do while training is hazardous if done incorrectly. Martial arts instructor Dave Coffman doesn't recommend using homemade equipment for most exercises. However, he does say that you can safely build a homemade striking board using basic carpentry skills. Coffman says that this model is different, but significantly safer, than the rope-wrapped striking board you sometimes see in martial arts movies.
Preparing the Lumber
Step 1
Cut the 1 1/2-inch by 7 1/2-inch board into four sections: two sections at 3 1/2 inches long each and two at 6 1/2 inches long.
Step 2
Sand one face of the plywood sheet with coarse grit sandpaper. Sand again with fine grit paper.
Step 3
Wipe the sawdust off the plywood sheet.
Preparing the Mount
Step 1
Place two marks along one edge of the smooth side of your plywood. Place one mark 18 3/4 inches from the end of that edge, the other 3 1/2 inches from the first mark-a total of 22 1/4 inches from the end. Measure the distance using your measuring tape or T-square.
Step 2
Extend both lines to a length of 7 1/2 inches, running perpendicular from the edge of the plywood. This will mark an on-center location for you to mount your striking board.
Step 3
Set one 3 1/2 inch piece of cut board between your lines, its outside edge flush with the edge of the plywood. Set the piece on its 1 1/2 inch wide edge, with the longest dimension running perpendicular to the plywood.
Step 4
Screw the coard in place using two wood screws, driven through the plywood and into the edge of the lumber. Because of the length of your screws, this is the best way to ensure a solid mount.
Step 5
Set the other 3 1/2 inch piece of coard between the lines, parallel to the lumber you already mounted. Orient it the same way you did the first piece. Position it so the inside faces of the pieces are 3 1/2 inches apart.
Step 6
Construct a box by setting the two 6 1/2 inch pieces of board against the ends of the board you just mounted. As with the other lumber, these should rest on their 1 1/2 inch edges with the longest dimension upward. Screw them to the plywood sheet using two wood screws each.
Step 7
Reinforce the box by connecting the boards at the corners. Use two screws per corner, driven through the face of the 6 1/2 inch pieces and into the ends of the 3 1/2 inch pieces.
Mounting and Padding
Step 1
Set the 72-inch beam on end inside the box you've just constructed. Screw it to each piece of lumber in the box using one square of four wood screws on each face. Reinforce with another square of wood screws driven through the plywood into the base of the beam.
Step 2
Wrap one roll of foam around the bottom half of your beam, including the box structure at the bottom. Staple the first layer in place with your staple gun.
Step 3
Wrap the the second roll of foam around the top half of the beam. Staple the first layer in place with your staple gun.
Step 4
Wrap the foam completely with two layers of duct tape. Overlap each wrap by 1/4 inch to help make the seal solid.
Tips and Warnings
- This practice beam is best used while standing on the plywood sheet, providing counterweight to your strikes. If you want more mobility, you can stake the sheet to the ground using tent stakes.
Things You'll Need
- 1 beam, 3 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches by 72 inches
- 1 board, 1 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches by 20 inches
- 1 plywood sheet, 1/2 inch by 48 inches by 48 inches
- 2 rolls of foam egg crate padding, 36 inches wide
- Staple gun
- Duct tape
- 60-grit sandpaper (also called "coarse")
- 150-grit sandpaper (also called "fine")
- Power drill with screwdriver bits
- Power saw
- Box of 2 1/2-inch wood screws
- Measuring tape or T-square
- Pencil
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Hillsboro, OR
- "Step by Step Basic Carpentry"; Ben Allen; 1997
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