Reflections on the Reflex Bag

I was recently asked a question about how our MaxxMMA bags were holding up and how did our group use them and how useful were they to our program. I have found the that the reflex bag fills some very key training needs for my students. The reflex bag provides training solutions that any bag, be it a heavy bag, speed bag, double end ball or free standing bag would provide; and it also provides some that are unique to its form and function.

Using a stand alone piece of equipment it allows the trainee or student to self regulate their pace, tempo, and effort. This is great when working with mixed groups of experience and athleticism where a seasoned athlete may feel slowed down by a beginner, or a beginner may feel overwhelmed when working with someone more experienced. The reflex bag fits great in with our equipment circuits perfectly in this sense.

The reflex bag adds a few unique characteristics to equipment training that the name obviously states. As apposed to say a heavy bag, the reflex bag gives a moving target. The harder or faster it is hit, the faster it moves, and the quicker it returns. It helps teach straight punching, and apply the force of the hit in a linear motion. It also helps desensitize the striker to things coming towards the face. This helps with building a good set of “eyes” for the fighter. As apposed to standing in front of a speed bag station, or a wall mounted target, the movement of the bag helps with footwork development, cornering and circling. I find that even experienced athletes that find the striking of the bag simple, quickly find the reflex bag more challenging as soon as they add footwork and evasion to the routine.  Many beginning fighters struggle with the flinch and blink reflex. This can be overcome by the gradual introduction of stimulus that slowly increases in intensity until one is capable of sparring with good form. Some people who have trouble moving into glove drills and sparring, can find preparation using a reflex bag or a double end ball that is loose enough to rebound.  There is a greater convenience with the free standing reflex bag, since it is easy to set up and move to any spot in the gym and remove it when other classes need the space.

Because of these unique benefits, the reflex bag has made itself a permanent fixture in our training circuits. Having a variety of equipment, and knowing how to use each piece to its fullest will bring your MMA training to new heights. Follow me on my blog at www.mmacoachescorner.com and check back here at www.eeMore.com  for more tips on how to get the most from your training!  

About the author

Ray White's Midwest Martial Arts teaches Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts to students, amateur and professional fighters from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. He can be reached at the SMB Academy in Battle Creek Michigan, at www.facebook.com/RayWhiteMMA and at www.mmacoachescorner.com .