Here are some of my favourite health and performance resources. I only put resources on here that I use and love. Check back regularly for additional tools to help improve your health and karate. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on my website are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase. I recommend you only purchase these products if you believe they will help you achieve your specific goals.
Karate Training Equipment & Enhancements
Some of the following are slightly different brands or versions than the ones I currently use. But these general items are my go-to for training, cross-training, stretching, and pain relief. I highly recommend having these in your home gym. Feel free to shop around, and choose versions or brands that fit your budget.
- Macho sparring helmet
- Tokaido sparring gloves (red)
- Tokaido sparring gloves (blue)
- Tokaido shin & foot protectors (red)
- Tokaido shin & foot protectors (blue)
- Freestanding heavy punching bag
- Agility ladder
- Plyometric box
- Medicine ball
- Kettlebell (available in various weights)
- Dumbbells (available in various weights)
- Balance ball
- Massage foam roller
- Thera cane massager (refer to this book for tips on how to use)
Filming Setup
Want to film yourself while you practise karate in your garage? You should! Seeing your performance on camera can provide valuable feedback on what you’re doing well, as well as areas in which you could improve.
If you’re filming with your smartphone, you can start with a simple tripod and smartphone rig setup. The tripod that I use is lightweight and portable, so you can film anywhere, and the smartphone rig has attachments for optional lights and microphone. Here’s what I use:
Here’s the gear I usually use (I vary the camera and mic, depending on the context):
- Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera (15-45 mm lens)
- Rode VideoMic Pro+ Shotgun Microphone
- Joby Tripod
- Logitech C920S Pro webcam
- Blue Snowball USB microphone
- Pop filter for Blue Snowball microphone
- Blue Yeti USB microphone
- Windscreen for Blue Yeti microphone
- OBS Studio (FREE software for video recording and live streaming)
- Softbox lights
- Neewer Ring light (backlight)
- CyberLink PowerDirector 18 Ultimate editing software
Recommended Reading
- “Train Your Mind for Athletic Success” by Jim Taylor
- “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
- “Tiny Habits” by BJ Fogg
- “Full Catastrophe Living” by Jon Kabat-Zinn (mindfulness)
- “Trigger Point Therapy Workbook” by Clair Davies (pain self-treatment)
Precision Nutrition
I received my performance coaching certification through Precision Nutrition, and I can’t sing their praises highly enough. An excellent resource for scientific, well-researched information on nutrition, health, and fitness. Check out their tools and printables.*