Abstract:
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:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of martial arts.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    The field of martial arts has been engaged in competitions for many years. There has been a great concentration on particular movements which require no contact. Some competitions include matches which include contact, but protective gear has been limited. Due to risk, these full contact matches have been eliminated. As this sport is capable of delivering lethal blows, heavy padding must be worn in sparing or practice. Such padding reduces the range of motion of the wearer.  
           [0005]    This invention overcomes the short comings of the prior art.  
         SUMMARY &amp; OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    A first object of the invention is to provide means of indicating a delivered blow to a designated area.  
           [0007]    A second object of the invention is to provide a method of indicating scoring in a martial arts match. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is an in situ view of pads and contact indicators.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is back view in situ.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is front view.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is front view of glove.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is back view of glove.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is front view of head gear.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is side view of head gear.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is top view of head gear.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is top view of foot gear.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is side view of foot gear.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is side view of target.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 is top view of target.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 is bottom view of target. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0021]    The invention comprises a method and apparatus.  
         [0022]    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.  
         [0023]    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.  
         [0024]    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.  
         [0025]    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 .  
         [0026]    The gloves  5  are open for breathability and focus on the use of the outer part of the hand.  
         [0027]    The boots  6  are durable leather or rip-stop nylon with durable strapping material to hold them in place.  
         [0028]    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.  
         [0029]    The targets have the looped material on both sides in order to attach and be removed by attachment to the attacker.  
         [0030]    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.