In the past, training for sparring was done with heavy bags, weighing up to 100 pounds, hanging from the ceiling for kicking and punching.  As the bag aged, the quality also varied.  The punching bags became hard as concrete after so many years of use.  Today, there are some punching bags available that are designed with a large cylinder shape, while other models have a human shape with stuffed arms and legs.  There are some that have a water core or inflatable chambers as well.  No matter what your choice is, the punching bags ever since the early days of its development were designed to serve as sparring partners.  This concept is where the term "sparring partner punching bag" comes from.

Usually, hitting a heavy sparring partner punching bag is nothing like a real sparring fight because the bag has limited movement and does not fight back.  But, in spite of this obvious fact, many people still use the sparring partner punching bag primarily as a training device for all kinds of kicking and punching martial arts.   Perhaps this ever growing preference was caused by the common belief that training with a sparring partner punching bag increases strength, power, speed and endurance.  It also helps to develop or enhance the person's sparring skills especially when a sparring partner is unavailable.

One particular advantage of training with a sparring partner punching bag is that the movements used when kicking and striking a heavy punching bag helps develop the gross motor skills of the person doing the sparring.  For those who are not familiar with gross motor skills, it refers to the simple, large muscle actions that form the foundation for any technique employed.   Additionally, training with a sparring partner punching bag helps you determine the power of certain sparring techniques.  According to most experts, the impact reaction forces increase the density of the bones, strengthen the muscular structure of the body, and even toughen the joints.

However, if training with a sparring partner punching bag is not properly performed, it may be detrimental to the person doing the training.  Injuries may occur and even worse, these injuries can be chronic and acute.

The chronic injuries associated with improper sparring partner punching bag training typically develop and last for an extended period.   The primary factors that may cause chronic injuries include an improper training, training too intensely or too often.  So when you know that your body is overworked through sparring or other form of exercise, you should give it time to recover and rebuild itself.  The main point is that you shouldn't train too hard or and should get sufficient rest between workouts to avoid any injuries that might become chronic.

Then again, the acute injuries that can be associated with improper sparring partner punching bag training may happen suddenly, such as a twisted ankle or a broken bone.  As you may know, this kind of injury can be lessened by employing the good and proper equipment when thinking about sparring training.  In addition, you should also consider proper form and common sense when training with a sparring partner punching bag.  The key here is to always stress the technique of sparring before considering speed and power.  You should then start at a slow pace and let your speed and power build gradually.

Training on a sparring partner punching bag, though, is not all work.  It could be about leisure and pleasure.  You can in fact do your sparring workout with some upbeat music and a macho attitude.  With this, you will no doubt enjoy yourself and feel refreshed after spending a significant time on a sparring partner punching bag.