Patent Publication Number: US-8118714-B2

Title: Portable boxing and martial arts training apparatus

Description:
The present invention relates to a portable training apparatus for improving the skills of boxers, martial artists and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Over the centuries, boxers and martial artists have developed training apparatus to improve on various skill sets required to execute their fighting art form. These apparatus have ranged from simple devices such as skipping ropes which improve foot speed, to more complex machines such as the various resistance training machines currently available. All fighting art forms demand a high level of athleticism, speed, timing, balance, and strength. These skills are the fundamental driving force of any modern athlete, and effective pre-event training is the key to success in an athlete&#39;s sport of choice. 
     Modern athletes have learnt that isolating particular skill sets vastly improves their ability to play their sport. For example, a boxer may break up his or her training sessions to incorporate:
         skipping, for foot speed and coordination;   weights, to improve strength;   punching of a heavy bag, to improve striking and strength simultaneously;   treadmill, to improve cardiovascular;   speed ball, to improve hand-eye coordination, speed, and timing;   medicine ball, to improve plyometric motion; and   sparring which consolidates the abovementioned skills.       

     Athletes and coaches are always looking to different training apparatus and techniques to obtain further advantage over their competitors. Many of these however have a number of shortcomings. For example, prior art training apparatus:
         tend to be predictable in their movement and do not have the ability for the user to increase randomness and unpredictably;   are typically heavy duty and do not promote precision hand-eye coordination, explosive movements without heavy resistance, and consistent motion and accuracy;   are not truly portable in that they are designed and constructed to be fixed in one position and subsequently used in that location, for example, in a fixed gym location;   have strike balls which only move within a restricted distance from a central vertical axis, and have no or limited vertical movement;   typically involve the use of inflatable strike balls which deflate over time and require replacement, or the use of a pump for re-inflation;   do not easily provide for the possibility of multiple targets, nor do they allow for easy adjustment of target&#39;s position to suit a particular exercise;   are required to be used indoors to prevent wear of ball leather and rusting of metal buckles and clips, and do not allow a user to train in environments of their own choosing;   are typically large, bulky and not easily packaged for retail purposes; and   are generally quite complex, cumbersome in nature, and expensive.       

     It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a portable exercise training apparatus, characterised by:
     an anchor;   a resilient cord including a first end and a second end, said first end adapted to be secured to said anchor and said second end adapted to be secured to a supporting structure located a spaced apart distance from said anchor, whereby said cord extends at a predetermined tension between the anchor and the supporting structure;   at least one lightweight strike target configured to be moveable along said cord, and lockable at predetermined positions; and   a cord tensioning means associated with said anchor, said cord tensioning means configured to provide for incremental adjustment of the cord tension.   

     Preferably said cord tensioning means is in the form of a spool about which said resilient cord is windable, whereby each winding of the cord represents tensioning of the cord by one increment from said predetermined tension. 
     In preference said cord is of a resilience to allow for winding of said cord approximately eight times about the spool, representing eight different increments of tension. 
     In a first embodiment of the invention said anchor includes a base plate adapted to be placed on a ground surface, and an upright portion positioned at the centre of the base plate. 
     Preferably said apparatus further includes at least one weighted disk adapted to rest on said base plate and thereby prevent the anchor from moving during use, said weighted disk including a central aperture adapted to accommodate the upright portion of the anchor. 
     In preference said apparatus includes two 1.25 kilogram weighted disks. 
     Preferably said spool is disposed in said anchor upright portion. 
     In preference said base plate is circular, and said upright portion is substantially cylindrical. 
     Preferably said base plate and said upright portion are manufactured separately, and configured so that said upright portion and base plate engage by way of a snap fit connection. 
     In a second embodiment of the invention the anchor is constructed of material of sufficient weight to ensure that it does not move during use. 
     Preferably said spool is disposed in said weighted structure. 
     Preferably said structure is substantially hemispherical in shape with a flat surface for placement on the ground, the structure comprising two spaced apart halves connected by said spool. 
     In preference tensioning of the cord is achieved by rotation of the structure about a horizontal axis. 
     Preferably said strike target is lockable along the cord using cord locks which include locking members that are moveable between a first position in which said cord is engaged by the lock, and a second position in which said cord is disengaged, said locking member being biased in said first position. 
     In preference two chord locks are spaced apart on said cord to enable free vertical movement of said strike target between the spaced apart cord locks. 
     Preferably said apparatus includes a plurality of strike targets locked at predetermined heights along said cord so that when one of said strike targets is struck, the remaining strike targets cause the struck target to move in an even further unpredictable manner. 
     Preferably said apparatus includes at least one group of two or more adjacent strike targets positioned along the cord. 
     In preference said strike target is in the form of a non-inflatable, soft, rubber ball. 
     Advantageously said ball is spherical in shape and approximately 5.5 centimeters in diameter. 
     In preference said apparatus includes a plurality of differently shaped strike targets, including balls having outwardly extending protrusions, to ensure still further unpredictability. 
     Preferably said base is of a size that may be transported by hand by a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in a front, partially exploded view the training apparatus of the present invention, including a floor anchor and striking ball according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates in a front, fully assembled view the training apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3   a - 3   b  illustrate progressively, in cross sectional view, how the upright portion of the floor anchor engages the base plate by way of a snap fit; 
         FIGS. 4   a - 4   b  illustrate a bottom and top perspective view respectively of the assembled floor anchor; 
         FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  illustrate a side, front and top view of the floor anchor; 
         FIG. 6   a  illustrates progressively how a cord lock forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  is operated to change from a locked state to an unlocked state; 
         FIG. 6   b  illustrates a front, side and top view of the cord lock of  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 7   a  illustrates a side view of a striking ball forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7   b  illustrates a side and top view of a cylindrical insert for the ball of  FIG. 5   a;    
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cord height adjustment clip forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9   a  illustrates a side and top view of the floor anchor of  FIG. 5  having two 1.25 kg weight disks securing the anchor to the ground; 
         FIG. 9   b  illustrates a side and top view of the floor anchor of  FIG. 5  showing how the floor anchor may accommodate larger weights disks; 
         FIGS. 10   a - 10   e  illustrate sequentially the steps involved in assembling and adjusting the training apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the distances the ball is able to travel from the vertical axis when the cord is set at different tensions; 
         FIG. 12   a  illustrates the motion of the ball when struck by a hook-style punch which causes the ball to move in a circular motion; 
         FIG. 12   b  illustrates a user defending himself against the returning ball following the hook-style punch of  FIG. 11   a;    
         FIG. 13   a  illustrates a user pulling the ball back toward himself, and shown in dotted lines is the ball in a position after the ball has been released; 
         FIG. 13   b  illustrates a user defending himself against the returning ball after releasing it as shown in  FIG. 12   a;    
         FIG. 13   c  illustrates an alternate view of  FIG. 12   b;    
         FIG. 14   a  illustrates a first user striking the ball using a jab-style punch and a second user dodging the ball on the opposite side; 
         FIG. 14   b  illustrates a first user striking the ball in a circular motion from one side, and a second user returning the strike using a jab-style punch from the opposite side; 
         FIG. 15   a  illustrates a user striking the ball using an uppercut-style punch whereby the cord locks are positioned to secure the ball at one height; 
         FIG. 15   b  illustrates a user striking the ball using an uppercut-style punch whereby the cord locks are spaced apart to define a vertical zone within which the ball is free to move; 
         FIG. 15   c  illustrates an enlarged front view of the spaced apart cord locks and movement of the striking ball therebetween; 
         FIG. 16   a  illustrates a training apparatus including a first ball at chin height and a second ball at knee height; 
         FIG. 16   b  illustrates a training apparatus including a plurality of balls secured at different heights along the cord; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a training apparatus used outdoors and attached at its upper end to a tree branch; 
         FIG. 18   a  illustrates a user striking the ball when the floor anchor is spaced away from the vertical axis of the upper mounting point so that the cord extends at an angle relative to the floor; 
         FIG. 18   b  illustrates a user training on two apparatus&#39; of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19   a  illustrates a front view of an apparatus according to a further aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 19   b  illustrates a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20   a ; and 
         FIGS. 20   a - 20   c  illustrate a user performing various different strikes on spaced apart and grouped targets; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of a training apparatus including a floor anchor according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a front, side and top view of the floor anchor forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIGS. 23   a - 23   d  illustrate perspective views of different striking balls according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus  10  for use by boxers, martial artists and other athletes. The apparatus  10  is a portable, offensive and defensive training tool which provides users with the ability to adapt the apparatus to their specific needs and to concentrate specifically on improving speed, timing and accuracy training with minimal resistance. The apparatus  10  is extremely versatile in that it is lightweight, may be transported with ease, and may be assembled and disassembled in a matter of seconds. 
     The training apparatus  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in a disassembled state and in  FIG. 2  in a fully assembled state ready for use. The apparatus  10  comprises a floor anchor  12  which according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a base plate  14  and an upright portion  16  as described in more detail below, a cord  18 , at least one lightweight striking ball  20 , cord locks  22  for preventing the ball(s) from vertical movement along the cord  18 , and an adjustment clip  24  which allows the height and initial tension of the cord  18  to be adjusted according to the height of a supporting structure  26  over which the cord is looped. The floor anchor  12  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 3-5 , and the remaining components are shown separately in  FIGS. 6-8 . As an indication of the size of the apparatus, the diameter of the floor anchor base plate  14  is approximately 15 centimeters. 
     The base plate  14  of the floor anchor  12  includes an upper circular surface  28  supported above by enclosed mesh framework  30  for increased strength and for minimising material usage during construction. The upright portion  16  is also substantially hollow, and includes a cylindrical lower end and a cord tension adjustment means  32  at its upper end which is also of the same cylindrical dimension. It is to be understood however that these structures could be any other suitable shape. 
     The tension adjustment means  32  is in the form of a horizontal spool  34  about which the cord  18  is adapted to be wound. The horizontal spool  34  is fixed between a wall  36  extending upwardly from the lower end of the upright portion  16 , and a horizontally opposed end cap  38 , both of which are of a greater dimension to that of the horizontal spool  34  so that any wound cord  18  is maintained therebetween. 
     The base plate  14  includes at its centre a raised projection  40  defined by an annular groove  42  which is shaped to receive the lower end of the upright portion  16 . Accordingly, the lower end of the cylindrical upright portion  16  is adapted to be inserted into the groove  42  so that the raised projection  40  extends a short distance inside the hollow upright portion  16 . The lower end of the upright portion  16  and the inside of the groove  42  are configured to enable a snap fit connection between the upright projection  16  and the base plate  14 . 
     More particularly, snap fit connection is achieved by way of engagement between a downwardly facing horizontal surface  44  of an inward shoulder  46  located inside the annular groove  42 , and an opposed horizontal surface  48  formed by an aperture  50  in the lower end of the upright portion  16 . The shoulder  42  is configured to be able to flex outwardly slightly to allow for initial insertion of the upright portion, and those skilled in the art would realise that upon further insertion, the shoulder will eventually snap back to its original position thereby preventing the upright portion  14  from upward movement. The base plate  14  preferably includes an abutting surface (not shown) for preventing the upright portion  16  from being able to move further inside the groove  42  once it is snap fit in place. All components of the floor anchor  12  are preferably injection moulded from plastic material. 
     Once the two components have been locked together, they do not need to be separated again for the lifetime of the apparatus, although if need be, the connection could easily be made to have an unlocking mechanism. 
     Extending vertically through the upper side of the hollow horizontal spool  34  is an aperture  52 , and through the lower side an aperture  54  of larger diameter. The aperture  52  is of a sufficient diameter to allow for insertion of the cord  18 , but is not large enough to allow for one to pull a knotted end of the cord  18  out from inside the spool  34 . The aperture  54  is sufficiently large to accommodate the knotted end (not shown). Thus, as those skilled in the art would appreciate, the end of the chord  18  is adapted to be inserted through aperture  52 , tied into a knot, and then pulled back up through aperture  54  until it is housed inside the horizontal spool  34  where it can no longer pass through aperture  52 . This is the means by which the cord  18  is secured to the anchor  12 . 
     The floor anchor  12  requires weight to be secured to the floor. In preference a weighted disk  56  such as those commonly used in standard gym equipment is used. Such disks  56  include a central aperture  58  of an internationally standard diameter. The disk  56  is adapted to be placed over the upright portion  16  so that the upright portion  16  extends through the aperture  58 . For this reason, the upright portion  16  including the tension adjustment means  32  needs to be of a maximum cross-sectional size, in this case diameter, that is less than the size of the disk aperture  58 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the upright portion  16  is substantially cylindrical along its length and of a diameter slightly less than that of aperture  58  so that it may extend snugly there through. Therefore, when a weights disk  56  is placed over the upright portion  16  it may slide down and rest above the base plate surface  28 . It has been found that at a minimum, a weight of approximately 2.5 kg should be used. 
     The anchor  12  as shown in the drawings has been designed to be neatly secured by two 1.25 kg disks stacked one above the other with no overhang for visual appeal, as shown in  FIG. 9   a . It is to be understood however than only one disk of greater size and weight could be used, as shown in  FIG. 9   b . A benefit to using standard weights as described above is that it allows a person to use existing weights they may already possess or have access to. 
     The dimensions and physical characteristics of the striking ball  20  is also of importance to the working of the present invention. The ball  20  is preferably constructed of a soft rubber material, has a diameter of approximately 5.5 cm, and weighs approximately 40 grams. The ball  20  includes a straight channel  60  extending therethrough, adapted to receive a solid tube  62  with cord  18  adapted to extend through the tube  62 . The cord locks  22  are used to lock the ball  20  at predetermined heights along the cord  18 . 
     The cord locks  22  are well known in the art, being of the type which include an outer casing  64  and a push button  66 , both of which include apertures through which the cord  18  extends. The button  66  is spring biased in a first position in which the apertures are not aligned, thereby locking the cord  18  therebetween. The button  66  is moveable to a second position in which the apertures become coaxially aligned to thereby unlock the cord  18 . Therefore when the button  66  is manually pushed, the cord locks  22  can be moved to desired heights along the cord  18 , and then released to thereby lock the cord  18  at the desired height. 
     The adjustment clip  24  of  FIG. 8 , which is of a substantially rectangular shape, includes an aperture  68  extending through one side thereof, through which the upper end of the cord  18  is adapted to be inserted, and an open zig-zag type channel  70  extending along the opposed side, which is used to accommodate and lock the cord after it has been looped around a supporting structure  26 , in a manner which allows for quick and simple adjustment thereafter. This is important in situations where the apparatus is used in different environments, whereby the height of the supporting structure  26  could be changing all the time. 
     It is also helpful because one can adjust the initial tension of the cord by simply dislodging it from the channel  70  and pulling or releasing cord as required, before locking it again. The channel  70  also includes downwardly extending barbs  72  which serve as an additional locking means. 
     The steps for assembly of apparatus  10 , according to a preferred method of doing so, are shown in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   e ), and described as follows:
     Step  1 : Placing the floor anchor base plate  14  in a suitable location on the ground, and then placing a weights disk  56  above surface  28  of the base plate  14 ;   Step  2 : Feeding a cord lock  22 , followed by the ball  20 , followed by a second cord lock  22  onto the cord  18 ;   Step  2 : Inserting the lower end of the cord  18  through aperture  52  of the upright portion  16 , tying the end into a knot, and then pulling the cord until the knot is secured inside the horizontal spool;   Step  3 : Inserting the upright portion into the weights disk aperture  58  and into the annular groove  42  of the base plate  14  until it is snap fit in place, as described above;   Step  4 : Inserting the upper end of the cord upwards through aperture  68  of the adjustment clip  24 , over a supporting structure  26 , pulling the cord until a suitable initial cord tension is reached with no lag, and then feeding the cord  18  through channel  70  thereby locking the cord  18 ;   Step  5 : Squeezing the cord locks  22 , then raising or lowering the ball  20  to the desired strike height, or just above the desired strike rate if further tensioning is envisioned; and   Step  5 : Tensioning the cord as desired by wrapping or looping the cord  18  about the horizontal spool  34  of the tension adjustment means  32 .   

       FIG. 11  illustrates a user  74  punching the ball  20  once the apparatus  10  is assembled as outlined above. In Step  5  above, when adjusting the tension of the product, one needs to simply pull the cord  18  down with one hand to create some slack then wrap the cord  18  around the spool  34 . Each rotation creates a new maximum distance the ball can travel as shown in  FIG. 11 . Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the greater the tension, the more short and sharp strikes are required. Depending on the height of the ball  20 , there are approximately eight varied tensions. Each varied tension requires a user to stand at different distances and strike at varied speeds, allowing the user great flexibility and the ability to challenge themselves by randomly changing tensions. 
     It is to be understood that the tension adjustment means  32  is not intended to be limited to that which is illustrated and described. A manual winding mechanism (not shown) could equally well be used whereby the cord  18  is secured to a rotatable spool and simply wound by rotation of a crank or the like. However in the interest of maintaining the lightweight, portable and non-complex characteristics of the apparatus  10 , it is preferable that no moving parts are involved in increasing and decreasing the tension. 
     In being able to select the different tensions as described above, many different styles of martial arts can be practiced. For example, looping the cord  18  around the spool  34  six times allows for close quarter attacking and defence training. 
     In order to show how useful the apparatus  10  of the present invention is across all areas of martial arts, some practice routines are now described which have not been possible using conventional training apparatus. 
     Accuracy, speed and timing of hook style punches can be practiced when the ball  20  is struck in a circular motion, whilst also allowing for defensive responses when the ball  20  returns to the user following a punch. This is shown in  FIGS. 12   a - 12   b . The user  74  also has the ability to change the motion of the ball  20  from a circular motion to a straight motion randomly throughout the workout. For example, a user may strike the ball in a circulatory motion with a hook punch, then defend the rebound causing the ball to move forwards in a straight line. This then allows the user to strike the ball in a circulatory motion again using another hook shot. The apparatus of the present invention allows a user to practice a wide range of offensive and defensive exercises with minimal resistance from the ball. 
     Because the ball  20  is so lightweight, unlike a real punch or a larger/heavier ball, it will not throw the user off balance or injure the user. The apparatus therefore allows a user to focus on the accuracy and timing of the chosen defence. If the user is ineffective in their defence, they will receive a much more subtle reminder. 
     As well as being lightweight, the ball  20  is of a size and volume to simulate a human fist. If the user pulls the ball back toward themselves until it is at maximum tension, then release the ball so it rebounds back, a further simulation of a real punch is created. This allows them to practice their chosen defence with more control as shown in  FIGS. 13   a - 13   c . One a predetermined skill level is achieved using this method, the user can begin continuous combinations such as strike, strike, block, strike, strike, block, for example. Continuous defensive and offensive skills can therefore be practiced at the same time which is not possible in hitherto known apparatus of this kind. 
     It is to be understood that the apparatus  10  is not limited to use by one user. Because of the distance the ball travels when struck, two people are able to use the product simultaneously without clashing hands or smothering the ball, as shown in  FIGS. 14   a - 14   b . Users can further be challenged by the unpredictability caused by the opposed person&#39;s strike. The unpredictable motion of a return strike could be counteracted by a defensive move or a counter attack and, as with traditional sparring, the partners will be able to communicate with one another the desired intensity of the workout. The maximum circumference achievable, that is, when the cord  18  is looped around only once, can be up to 6 meters so a first user  74  and a second user  76  may stand a significant distance apart when using the apparatus simultaneously. 
     An important feature of the present invention is in the ball&#39;s ability to travel in vertical and horizontal movements simultaneously. This can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, if a user  74  strikes the ball  20  with an upper cut or other punch involving a vertical component, as shown in  FIG. 15   a , the ball  20  will significantly bounce vertically and this will vary depending on the level of tension. Alternatively, the cord locks  22  could be separated as shown in  FIGS. 15   b - 15   c  to define a zone wherein the ball  20  is allowed free vertical movement corresponding with a particular target zone, for example, the rib cage of an opponent. Such a zone could be made anywhere along the cord  18 . 
     Random vertical and horizontal movements such as those described above also alter the angle and height in which the ball returns to the user  12  following a strike. The user  12  may therefore also practice defensive movements at varied heights. 
     The target ball is relatively bouncy so if a user  12  strikes it off-centre, for example on the knuckle or the thumb, the ball  20  may run off in an undesired path. Therefore the precision of a user&#39;s technique could be tested by leaving the top cord lock  22  off completely, and attempting to maintain the ball  20  on the lower cord lock without it lifting. 
     On conventional training apparatus, the diameter of the ball is approximately 25 cm. As mentioned, the diameter of the ball of the present invention is approximately 5.5 cm which effectively means that a user needs to be five times more accurate in their striking of the ball. Therefore, the size of the target requires greater accuracy and the fact that it is constructed of rubber and weighs only 40 grams approximately, means that minimal force is required when struck, yet it still provides a dynamic rebound. 
     The invention should not be limited to use of only one ball  20  either. Multiple balls could be locked to the cord  18  thereby providing multiple targets, target zones, or combinations thereof. In adding further balls  20  to the cord  18 , one may also add to the unpredictability of the rebound motion. For example, having a ball at the users chin height followed by another at knee height, as shown in  FIG. 16   a , causes the motion of the higher ball to be altered by the weighted movement of the lower ball.  FIG. 16   b  illustrates the training apparatus  10  having a plurality of balls attached. 
     The dynamics of the balls  20 , combined with their weight and the elasticity of the cord  18  provide a unique striking challenge that is more unpredictable than using a single ball. Where there are multiple balls added along the cord, shorter, more sudden and random movements are required. 
     One of the most advantageous features of the apparatus  10  of the present invention is its portability. Because the floor anchor  16  and cord  18  need no floor or ceiling mounting components, a user is able to place the product virtually anywhere by simply tying the cord  18  to any overhead object  26  that is stable. The versatility of the apparatus  10  allows the apparatus to be used in virtually any environment with the ability to be set up and dismantled in seconds. 
     For example,  FIG. 17  illustrates the apparatus  10  being used beneath a tree  78  with the cord  18  being tied to a tree branch  79 . The apparatus  10  has been set up in this situation so that the ball  20  strikes the tree  54  to provide an unpredictable rebound. In being able to use objects in a chosen environment adds enjoyment to training, as well as providing for skill development in intermediate to advanced users. 
     The ease at which the anchor may be transported provides a further means of variability in a user&#39;s workout. The floor anchor  16  need not necessarily be placed directly beneath, or in the same vertical axis as the point to which it is tied to the structural support  26 , but some distance away.  FIG. 18   a  shows such a configuration, where the cord  18  extends to the ground on an angle rather than vertically. This provides for an even further level of unpredictability. 
     Further still, it is to be understood that a user need not limit themselves to use of only one apparatus  10 .  FIG. 18   b  illustrates two apparatus  10  used side by side. Users may also wish to line up a plurality of training apparatus  10  in a row, to practice leg and arm striking drills for example. In a training environment, multiple users may take turns one after the other to strike the targets, or alternatively, wait until each person has finished. As the user(s) gets the feel for the exercise, they may attempt varied strikes on each apparatus, for example, low kick on apparatus A, high kick on apparatus B, straight punch on apparatus C, and so on. Although not shown, the floor anchors  12  of multiple apparatus  10  could even be manufactured integrally as a single unit, and their spaced apart distances made adjustable. 
     A further variation of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 19   a - 19   b  wherein the apparatus  10  includes a thicker cord  80  having a looped end  82  adapted to be secured to the spool  34 . The thicker cord  80  can be used to support the weight of numerous balls, and larger balls, providing a great rebound effect. Upon the user kicking or punching a group  84  of multiple balls on the thicker cord, as shown in  FIGS. 20   a - 20   c , the power of the strike becomes absorbed and the balls move a shorter distance, and more slowly. 
     Such a configuration allows the user to strike the apparatus multiple times in a short period of time. Although the targets move within a smaller space, because there are so many targets available, the intensity and randomness of the exercise is what provides the challenge. The groups of multiple balls may be colour coded to indicate different zones, for example, the apparatus could include four yellow balls at waist height and three differently coloured balls at head height. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates the apparatus  10  of the invention including a floor anchor  90  according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 22  illustrates this floor anchor  90  in different views. The floor anchor  90  is weighted and dome shaped, having two spaced apart halves  92  and  94  which are separated by a horizontal component or spool  96 . The horizontal spool  96  includes an aperture  98  through which the cord  18  is adapted to extend and be secured by way of a knot. 
     Therefore, rather than wrapping the cord  18  around the spool, in use, the anchor  90  may simply be lifted and spun about a horizontal axis to thereby increase or decrease tension, as desired. In preference, the anchor weighs approximately 2.5 kg to secure the apparatus to the floor. Apart from the different tensions adjustment means, the working of this apparatus is the same as that described above. 
     Finally, the striking object need not be limited to a spherical shaped ball. The target could be shaped in any manner and, in fact, it is preferable that the target be shaped to increase the unpredictability of the apparatus even further. For example, illustrated in  FIGS. 23   a - 23   d  are four further ball variations  100 ,  102 ,  104  and  106 . Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the various differently shaped protrusions of the balls will cause each one to move in a different manner when struck. 
     The apparatus embodied in the present invention therefore provides a unique striking and defensive accuracy training tool that can challenge any form of martial arts or fighting style at any level to improve speed, timing and accuracy with minimal resistance. Its full adjustability and versatility allows users to adapt the apparatus to their specific needs and training styles. Its portability means the apparatus can used in any environment. Because there are no moving parts on the tension adjustment there will be virtually no wear for the lifetime of the product. 
     Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. 
     In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” is used in the sense of “including”, i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.