Martial arts scoring system

The invention is a method and apparatus for scoring a martial arts contest, including targets attached to pads over critical areas which are removed by fair blows of the gloved hand or booted foot.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The invention comprises a method and apparatus. The method includes using a padded chest protector 1 and head gear 2 to provide a measure of protection while preserving range of motion. Each of the above pieces also incorporate a target system. The invention contemplates electronically activated targets 3 , targets 3 that incorporate magnets and targets 3 that react from light sensors. The target 3 of choice at this time for the preferred embodiment is a hooked fabric solution like velcro™. The chest protector 1 and head gear 2 have attachment areas 4 of the hooked material which accept targets 3 . The attacker is armed with gloves 5 and boots 6 with hooked material areas 4 as well. Upon delivery of a proper scoring blow the target is removed from the recipient of the blow and becomes attached to the deliverer of the blow at the point of contact. The scoring system can be a straight forward tally of the number of strikes in one embodiment. In an alternate embodiment target zones may be ranked by criticality and scored accordingly, such as the head, etc., or a blow to the chest. A prime advantage to the system is training fighters to aim their blows precisely while avoiding full contact. This is particularly beneficial to young fighters, but can be applied equally at more proficient levels. The pads consist of a chest harness 7 with an upper torso protector 8 , middle 9 and lower 10 torso protectors and two side protectors 11 for the kidney area. The head gear is a three-sided hat with forehead 12 and side protectors 13 attached to a top piece 14 . The gloves 5 are open for breathability and focus on the use of the outer part of the hand. The boots 6 are durable leather or rip-stop nylon with durable strapping material to hold them in place. The hooked material is like velcro™ and works easily with the target covering. The targets 3 are small in size but a fair blow will remove the target 3 from the pads hooks 4 and retain it on the glove 5 or boot 6 hooks. The hooked material is similar to the material marketed under the velcro™ brand name. The targets have the looped material on both sides in order to attach and be removed by attachment to the attacker. Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.