This can be a good question for both those looking to take up a martial art and for martial arts
Puzzle Mats
schools themselves. While there are numerous martial art supplies for the martial artist there is one important supply for the Dojo or training facility. What is better to have for training, padded mats or wooden flooring? Wooden flooring in a dojo certainly breathes a more authentic old world feel of the days of Bruce Lee and mythical martial arts. But of course there are obvious disadvantages.
Having a wooden floored dojo obviously has some traditional air about it and breathes credibility. Wooden flooring also can provide for more realistic training, especially for self-defense. As when was the last time you saw an alley way with pads on the ground for just in case you got jumped? Hard floors can also be better for practicing technique, especially in the case of kicks and as well as help build stringer feet and core muscles. However clearly the downside is the occasionally splinter (but that should bother you, you are tough, right?) as well as being more dangerous when practicing either take downs or ground work.
Martial arts mats provide a padded arena that is much safer for students to practice all their moves and techniques. Though in contrast to the above, it does take away some of the realism. When in the street, the ground under your feet may throw you off if you aren’t used to training on a hard surface. Training on mats may also have given you a false sense of security when is comes down to a real fight as well. Instead of getting dumped on your head and bouncing back, you may find yourself with your brain half hanging out.
Ideally it seems that the best training facility would incorporate both hard and padded
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flooring for mma training. Although this can be difficult for smaller martial arts centers that just don’t have the room. In an effort to save money many entrepreneurs looking to open a martial arts center will be wise to find a location that already has wooden flooring to avoid further immediate expenses. Then as student enrollment increases you can purchase mats that can be pulled out and used as needed. And once you are doing well financially you could invest in all mat flooring if you wish. One neat option among newer mat designs is a wooden pattern, giving the look of a tradition dojo while maintaining safety. If you really want to splurge get your own octagon and train just like the pros.
Item of the Week: Martial arts mats
Tatami and Mat Framing Kit
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August 8th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
The picture for the flooring can’t be seen here.