More About StrikeMeter® &
Frequently Asked Questions
The technology of StrikeMeter® uses unique programming that accurately captures your strike impact data while rejecting any extraneous pre/aftershocks.
This technology consistently measures the impact of your strikes on the bag, and delivers an easy-to-read (proprietary) score for your feedback.
Younger, smaller children will typically score under 100, while only the heaviest of hitters, using their most powerful strikes, will achieve the highest scores up to a score of 5000.
This makes StrikeMeter® a great product for any age or skill level.
Instructors will find many uses for StrikeMeter®.
StrikeMeter® will bring a whole new experience to your martial arts instruction.
You and your students will get to see tangible confirmation of their training progression.
You can use StrikeMeter®:
• As a fun and exciting class activity or competitive game that creates sweat, smiles, and pride
• To improve student enjoyment and retention
• In your introductory lessons to increase new student enrollments
• As a supplemental after-hours power-strike seminar/tournament or fun-night
• As a new event in your tournaments to bring added excitement or even increased revenues
• As a way to bring your self-defense seminars to life
• To bring relevance to your form/kata training by implementing and measuring those strikes
• And more...
Every once in a while, there is a breakthrough product that is a "must-have" in the martial arts world. StrikeMeter® is one of those products.
See for yourself -- order yours today!
This technology consistently measures the impact of your strikes on the bag, and delivers an easy-to-read (proprietary) score for your feedback.
Younger, smaller children will typically score under 100, while only the heaviest of hitters, using their most powerful strikes, will achieve the highest scores up to a score of 5000.
This makes StrikeMeter® a great product for any age or skill level.
Instructors will find many uses for StrikeMeter®.
StrikeMeter® will bring a whole new experience to your martial arts instruction.
You and your students will get to see tangible confirmation of their training progression.
You can use StrikeMeter®:
• As a fun and exciting class activity or competitive game that creates sweat, smiles, and pride
• To improve student enjoyment and retention
• In your introductory lessons to increase new student enrollments
• As a supplemental after-hours power-strike seminar/tournament or fun-night
• As a new event in your tournaments to bring added excitement or even increased revenues
• As a way to bring your self-defense seminars to life
• To bring relevance to your form/kata training by implementing and measuring those strikes
• And more...
Every once in a while, there is a breakthrough product that is a "must-have" in the martial arts world. StrikeMeter® is one of those products.
See for yourself -- order yours today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can StrikeMeter® be used on a hanging bag? How about a Kicking Shield, or other handheld target?
A: No! This is a very common question. StrikeMeter® is specifically designed to attach to the base of a free-standing bag (such as the Century brand Wavemaster®).
When the free-standing bag is struck by the user, the force radiates down to the base and StrikeMeter® measures the power of the strike from the movement of the base.
Q: Which free-standing bags will StrikeMeter® work with?
When the free-standing bag is struck by the user, the force radiates down to the base and StrikeMeter® measures the power of the strike from the movement of the base.
Q: Which free-standing bags will StrikeMeter® work with?
A: There is no precise answer.
We developed StrikeMeter® specifically with the Century® brand original Wavemaster® base in mind when we created it seven years ago. That was by far the most prevalent free-standing bag in martial arts schools across the country at that time.
So we know it works extremely well on that base, and any base that resembles it - like those pictured above.
Note, the third free-standing model pictured above (that looks similar to the first two) is one that we have not seen before (unknown brand). There is little question that StrikeMeter® would work perfectly fine with that base/bag too.
It doesn't matter which top is on the original Century® base. It can be the original Wavemaster (less padding), the Powerline® top (more padding), the BOB® top (or BOB XL), the cone-shaped TKD top, or any other top that fits that same base.
We have also found that StrikeMeter® works equally well with Century's smaller base too. That base comes with the Kid Kick® top or the Bobby Bully® and other variations as well.
A similar style of that base is found on the taller cardio/fitness versions of free standing Aerobic Wavemasters®, and StrikeMeter® would likely work well on those too.
We have limited quantity of a StrikeMeter unit that works on the base of the XXL Wavemaster (we had to put it in a smaller box footprint to fit on this base).
Finally, those free-standing bags that have a spring between the base and the padded striking surface would not be a good match for StrikeMeter®. The reason for this is that the spring would absorb much/most of the force and thus the base would not allow StrikeMeter® to get an accurate measure of the impact of the strike. We have seen free-standing bags of this design sold by Ringside® and Everlast® for example.
Q: Will StrikeMeter® give an equal reading if used between different bags?
A: StrikeMeter® scoring output depends on several variables. A significant variable is the weight of the bag.
For example, if StrikeMeter® is used on a bag that weighs 270 lbs when the base is completely filled with water, and then it is transferred to another bag that has not been completely filled (e.g. weighs 225 lbs), the output will be affected.
Some bag owners choose to fill the bag base with sand instead of water, and this could affect the weight and movement of the base.
The smaller (kid sized bases) move more easily than the standard sized (adult) bases. This will also affect the scores.
In summary, StrikeMeter® will give similarly accurate readings when used on similar bags under the same conditions. This is one of the best features of StrikeMeter® - it's dependability of accurate scoring (and the wide scoring range of 0 to 5000).
If you are using StrikeMeter® in a tournament (and the scores are very important), then it is best to judge contestants using the same bag.
For example, Master Kevin has used StrikeMeter® in his martial arts schools and his affiliated organizations in numerous large tournaments with enormous success.
In larger tournaments, several StrikeMeter® stations were used (e.g. several Wavemaster® bags outfitted with StrikeMeters®). In those cases, entire brackets of competitors competed at the same bag (e.g. Youth at Bag A - and Adults at Bag B).
For any specific questions, feel free to email Master Kevin at Contact@StrikeMeter.com.
A: StrikeMeter® scoring output depends on several variables. A significant variable is the weight of the bag.
For example, if StrikeMeter® is used on a bag that weighs 270 lbs when the base is completely filled with water, and then it is transferred to another bag that has not been completely filled (e.g. weighs 225 lbs), the output will be affected.
Some bag owners choose to fill the bag base with sand instead of water, and this could affect the weight and movement of the base.
The smaller (kid sized bases) move more easily than the standard sized (adult) bases. This will also affect the scores.
In summary, StrikeMeter® will give similarly accurate readings when used on similar bags under the same conditions. This is one of the best features of StrikeMeter® - it's dependability of accurate scoring (and the wide scoring range of 0 to 5000).
If you are using StrikeMeter® in a tournament (and the scores are very important), then it is best to judge contestants using the same bag.
For example, Master Kevin has used StrikeMeter® in his martial arts schools and his affiliated organizations in numerous large tournaments with enormous success.
In larger tournaments, several StrikeMeter® stations were used (e.g. several Wavemaster® bags outfitted with StrikeMeters®). In those cases, entire brackets of competitors competed at the same bag (e.g. Youth at Bag A - and Adults at Bag B).
For any specific questions, feel free to email Master Kevin at Contact@StrikeMeter.com.
Q: Does StrikeMeter® measure PSI (pounds per square inch)? If not, what does it measure? How do I know what the score means? What is a good score/the relevance of the score and range?
A: These are all variations of the same question - and a big curiosity to everyone who has ever seen StrikeMeter® or tried StrikeMeter®.
First, StrikeMeter® does not measure PSI.
Why people ask about PSI is a mystery to us. If it did measure PSI, would that actually mean anything to anyone?
StrikeMeter® uses an accelerometer to measure G-force through multiple axis of the movement of the base. What makes StrikeMeter® such an amazing product, however, is the proprietary scoring range from 0 to 5000.
The scoring range of 0 to 5000 was calibrated to reward strikes (e.g. punches and kicks) that would "cause the most damage."
We are martial arts enthusiasts, and we designed this product with that end result in mind.
For example, a strike that is ultra-fast, but without any mass, like a "swat" from the back of your hand, will not result in a high score.
A strike with a lot of mass, but without a lot of speed, - like a push or a shove - will also result in a lower score.
The best scores are a result of mass, speed, drive (follow through), torque (hip rotation), accuracy, etc - all of the components of what is taught in martial arts schools.
Additionally, everyone can enjoy StrikeMeter® because the youngest students (e.g. 4 years old) typically earn scores of around 100 or less, while the strongest adults will struggle to get near the maximum of 5000.
The scoring range is not linear. It is much easier to progress from 400 to 500 than from 4400 to 4500 for example. Therefore, since all users are continually challenged, nobody gets bored.
Q: How do I know what the scores mean in real life (what can I tell my students)?
Lab Testing* :
In order to provide some "real world relevance" to the scoring system, in controlled laboratory testing (using a stationary, repeatable, swinging mass), we measured some equivalence of scores to board-breaking.
In our research, we discovered an academic paper that traced the force equivalence of board-breaking to the force required to breaking a small bone in a human body (e.g. the power required to break a 1" pine board is approximately equivalent to the force needed to break an attacker's ribs).
According to the the academic source, the force equivalency is approximately 30 Joules of energy.
In our lab testing, we created a swinging mass to deliver 30 Jouls of energy to break a 1" pine board and then we measured the ~ average equivalent score of StrikeMeter® on a (water-filled to capacity) Century® Powerline® Wavemaster.
Using typical 1" pine boards (e.g. sold as 12" X 12" - that are not truly those dimensions when actually measured), a StrikeMeter® Score of ~400 = breaking 1 board, a score of ~700 = 2 boards, and a score of ~1000 = 3 boards.
Note that the conditions for board-breaking with the swinging mass were perfect (perfect holding, no movement, give, etc.), and the breaking was NOT done with a hand or foot (boards were broken with an iron weight).
Under normal human conditions, one must factor in a holder flinching, and the striker's mental preparedness toward the breaking (e.g. fear of getting hurt, etc.).
Therefore, in practical use, a martial arts instructor may want to skew that range up a bit to ensure adequate equivalency between a strike score and board-break (if your goal is to have a real-world reference point).
For example, in a women's self-defense seminar, Master Kevin typically sets a minimum target goal of consistently striking a score of ~1000 as a visual competency measure of having learned proper technique for a particular strike.
One final note about StrikeMeter®'s scoring measurement is that it becomes completely irrelevant the moment users begin striking the bag and receiving their scores!
Users quickly realize that they are using their scores as a reference to their own striking quality, and that all the score represents is feedback on the power/force of their strikes.
The user uses the feedback to make their strikes better. This is what makes StrikeMeter® both valuable as a teaching tool and fun as a training aid!
First, StrikeMeter® does not measure PSI.
Why people ask about PSI is a mystery to us. If it did measure PSI, would that actually mean anything to anyone?
StrikeMeter® uses an accelerometer to measure G-force through multiple axis of the movement of the base. What makes StrikeMeter® such an amazing product, however, is the proprietary scoring range from 0 to 5000.
The scoring range of 0 to 5000 was calibrated to reward strikes (e.g. punches and kicks) that would "cause the most damage."
We are martial arts enthusiasts, and we designed this product with that end result in mind.
For example, a strike that is ultra-fast, but without any mass, like a "swat" from the back of your hand, will not result in a high score.
A strike with a lot of mass, but without a lot of speed, - like a push or a shove - will also result in a lower score.
The best scores are a result of mass, speed, drive (follow through), torque (hip rotation), accuracy, etc - all of the components of what is taught in martial arts schools.
Additionally, everyone can enjoy StrikeMeter® because the youngest students (e.g. 4 years old) typically earn scores of around 100 or less, while the strongest adults will struggle to get near the maximum of 5000.
The scoring range is not linear. It is much easier to progress from 400 to 500 than from 4400 to 4500 for example. Therefore, since all users are continually challenged, nobody gets bored.
Q: How do I know what the scores mean in real life (what can I tell my students)?
Lab Testing* :
In order to provide some "real world relevance" to the scoring system, in controlled laboratory testing (using a stationary, repeatable, swinging mass), we measured some equivalence of scores to board-breaking.
In our research, we discovered an academic paper that traced the force equivalence of board-breaking to the force required to breaking a small bone in a human body (e.g. the power required to break a 1" pine board is approximately equivalent to the force needed to break an attacker's ribs).
According to the the academic source, the force equivalency is approximately 30 Joules of energy.
In our lab testing, we created a swinging mass to deliver 30 Jouls of energy to break a 1" pine board and then we measured the ~ average equivalent score of StrikeMeter® on a (water-filled to capacity) Century® Powerline® Wavemaster.
Using typical 1" pine boards (e.g. sold as 12" X 12" - that are not truly those dimensions when actually measured), a StrikeMeter® Score of ~400 = breaking 1 board, a score of ~700 = 2 boards, and a score of ~1000 = 3 boards.
Note that the conditions for board-breaking with the swinging mass were perfect (perfect holding, no movement, give, etc.), and the breaking was NOT done with a hand or foot (boards were broken with an iron weight).
Under normal human conditions, one must factor in a holder flinching, and the striker's mental preparedness toward the breaking (e.g. fear of getting hurt, etc.).
Therefore, in practical use, a martial arts instructor may want to skew that range up a bit to ensure adequate equivalency between a strike score and board-break (if your goal is to have a real-world reference point).
For example, in a women's self-defense seminar, Master Kevin typically sets a minimum target goal of consistently striking a score of ~1000 as a visual competency measure of having learned proper technique for a particular strike.
One final note about StrikeMeter®'s scoring measurement is that it becomes completely irrelevant the moment users begin striking the bag and receiving their scores!
Users quickly realize that they are using their scores as a reference to their own striking quality, and that all the score represents is feedback on the power/force of their strikes.
The user uses the feedback to make their strikes better. This is what makes StrikeMeter® both valuable as a teaching tool and fun as a training aid!
* As an important safety warning, it is highly discouraged to attempt to conduct any such lab experiment yourself! Please leave laboratory testing to professionals with this type of experience and the necessary safety equipment.