US20110172060A1 - Interactive systems and methods for reactive martial arts fitness training - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to systems and methods for a martial arts training station which includes an impact target having one or more impact sensors measuring workout performance data such as a position, direction, timing, velocity and force of impacts generated by a user. The training station also includes a reactive coach application which provides a workout routine for the user, receives workout performance data, and reactively modify the workout routine based on the received workout data. The reactive coach application also reactively providing motivational feedback. This motivational feedback is dynamically adjusted to the effectiveness of the motivational feedback as measured by the user's compliance and/or improvement of the user's performance. In some embodiments, the training station communicates with other training stations via a reactive coach server over a local area network and/or a wide area network, thereby enabling the user to compete against other users.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to provisional application No. 61/293,944 (Attorney Docket Number 6680778) filed Jan. 11, 2010, entitled “MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BASED CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS MACHINE”, by Anthony D. Morales, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
• The present invention relates to reactive systems and methods for fitness training in many styles of martial arts including mixed martial arts (MMA).
• Computerized exercise machines such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, and elliptical machines have been in common use for several years and they offer users with a menu of cardio vascular training programs which can be altered to suit individual users. These machines are generally standalone and configured as needed by each individual prior to a static training session.
• There are also martial art machines that monitor the performance of users and provide feedback regarding the speed and intensity of their punches. Again, these machines are generally standalone and configured as needed by each individual prior to a static training session.
• It is therefore apparent that an unfilled need exists for computerized reactive fitness training platforms that provide customizable single or multi-user dynamic martial arts training with an optional social networking capability. These improved networkable fitness training platforms enable users to work out alone and/or in competition with other users in a reactive coaching environment.
SUMMARY
• To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present invention, a computerized martial arts training system and method provides comprehensive customizable multi-user martial arts training with a social networking capability is provided.
• In one embodiment, the martial arts training station includes an impact target with one or more impact sensors measuring workout performance data such as position, direction, timing, velocity and force of impacts generated by a user. The training station also includes a reactive coach application which provides a workout routine for the user, receives the workout performance data, and reactively modify the workout routine based on the received workout data.
• The reactive coach application also reactively provides motivational feedback. This motivational feedback is dynamically adjusted to the effectiveness of the motivational feedback as measured by the user's compliance and/or improvement of the user's performance.
• In some embodiments, the training station communicates with other training stations via a reactive coach server over a local area network and/or a wide area network, thereby enabling the user to compete against other users.
• Note that the various features of the present invention described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In order that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a an isometric view of one embodiment of a computerized interactive fitness training station suitable for a martial artist;
• FIG. 2 is an isometric view of two or more fitness training stations configured to communicate with an external reactive coach server;
• FIGS. 3A,3B,4A and4B illustrate alternate embodiments of impact targets for the fitness training station ofFIG. 1;
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show exemplary dome-mounted illuminators for the impact target ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 shows a fitness training station accessory with an optional energy recapture capability;
• FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a lower-cost embodiment of the fitness training station ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 8 illustrates a portable version of the base pad and the impact target for another embodiment of a fitness training station;
• FIG. 9 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a fitness training platform which provides multiple computer-controlled mobile impact targets;
• FIGS. 10,11,12A and12B are flow diagrams illustrating the start up sequence and main menu choices for the fitness training station ofFIG. 1;
• FIGS. 13,14,15, and16 are flow diagrams illustrating the “Getting Started”, “How To's”, “Doctor's Medical Tips” and “Warm Up Exercises” routines in greater detail;
• FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the “Choose A Workout” option in greater detail;
• FIGS. 18A,18B and18C are flow diagrams detailing a reactive coach application executing on the computerized coach monitor of the fitness training station ofFIG. 1;
• FIGS. 19A,19B and19C are flow diagrams illustrating a live competition between multiple users training on their respective fitness training stations;
• FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating the social networking functionality of the fitness training station ofFIG. 1;
• FIGS. 21A,21B,22A-22F,23 and24A-24C are screenshots illustrating the “Getting Started”, “How To's”, “Doctor's Medical Tips” and “Warm Up Exercises” sequences in greater detail;
• FIGS.25 and26A-26D are screenshots detailing the various workout options provided by the fitness training station ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 26E is a screenshot enabling the user to monitor his/her progress during a typical workout on the fitness training station ofFIG. 1; and
• FIGS. 27A and 27B are exemplary screenshots illustrating a live competition between two or more users working out on their respective fitness training stations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to several embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of embodiments may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow.
• The present invention relates to interactive systems and methods for martial arts based cardiovascular fitness training, with or without human instructors.
• To facilitate discussion,FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a computerized interactive mixed martialarts training station100 for auser190 which includes animpact target110, a computerizedtraining coach monitor120 with a user interface, abase pad130, an audio-visual dome140, asupport frame150 and amotion sensing camera160. Anoptional weighing scale135 can be installed adjacent tobase pad130.
• In this embodiment,impact target110 is an elongated cylindrical punching bag and corresponds to the height and width of an average person.Impact target110 includes one or more embedded sensors (not shown) providing feedback such as direction, duration, location and intensity of impact forces generated byuser190 tocomputerized coach monitor120. These sensors are embedded in strategic locations onimpact target110, and at different level to simulate target zones on a hypothetical martial art opponent. Sensors can include impact sensors, accelerometers, and any other suitable direction, motion and/or force measuring devices. Further, one or more sensors can externally couple impacttarget110 to supportframe150. Commercially available examples of suitable sensors include the iLoad Pro sensor available from Loadstar Sensors Inc., Fremont, Calif.
• Likewise,base pad130 also provides feedback regarding stance ofuser190 during a workout tocomputerized coach monitor120. For example,base pad130 senses when the striking right foot ofuser190 leavespad130 while impacttarget110 senses when and where the right foot impacts, thereby allowing coach monitor120 to compute the distance and speed ofuser190's kick. In addition, by sensing the transitional position and pressure between the heel and ball ofuser190's supporting left foot during the execution of the right kick,coach monitor120 can also provide useful feedback regarding the use ofuser190's left foot to add power to the right kick.
• In some embodiments, the surface ofimpact target110 and/orbase pad130 are illuminated from an internal source thereby allowingcoach monitor120 to give visual cues to teach or correctuser190 proper techniques and stances, and also to directuser190 towards one or more strike zones ontarget110. Internal illumination oftarget110 can also be used to train and improve the reflexes ofuser190.
• Audiovisual dome140 enables computerized coach monitor120 to provide both audible and/or visual instructions and feedback touser190 without disrupting other users who may be usingadjacent training platforms210,220 . . .280 as shown inFIG. 2. Such an exemplary layout allows one or more human coaches to effectively monitorusers219,229 . . .289 working out ontraining stations210,220 . . .280 via their respective computerized coach monitors215,225 . . .285 in real time.
• Instead of or in addition to internally illuminating specific areas ofpad130 and/orimpact target110 as discussed above,audiovisual dome140 can also provide an ideal support structure for one ormore illuminators145 configured to externally project visual image(s) ontobase pad130 for training proper foot placement, and/or projecting video images(s) ontotarget110 foruser190 to strike. Projected video images may also be presented as hit feedback such as color changes and may indicate on the surface ofimpact target110 impact forces and location of hits generated byuser190 as hit achievement or failure in response to hit instructions from a reactive coach application executing oncoach monitor120. An optional external reactive coach (“RC”)server290 can be coupled toplatforms210,220 . . .280 so that a human trainer (not shown) or an automated master coach monitoring software application executing on reactive290 can monitor the progress ofusers219,229 . . .289.RC server290 can be located adjacent to or remotely fromplatforms210,220 . . .280. It is also possible for one of more additional training platforms and/or clusters of platforms (not shown) to be coupled to one or more additional RC servers (not shown). Training platform(s) and RC server(s) can be coupled to each other directly or indirectly over one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or one or more wide area networks (WANs).
• Motion sensing camera160 provides spatial information regarding theuser190 to coach monitor120. Suitable cameras include Microsoft's Kinetic camera. In addition tomotion sensing camera160, it is also possible to attach one or more positional and/or motion sensors on the heads, torso, arms and/or legs ofuser190 thereby generating additional spatial information. Such motion sensing capability permits computerized coach monitor120 to accurately track if forexample user190 has executed an optimally effective powerful kick, by fully utilizing the supporting leg, the torso (core), and finally the kicking leg and feet, thereby increasing the potential impact of such a kick.
• Other exemplary impact targets fortraining station100 include mixed martial arts (MMA)dummy310 andspeed bag attachment320 are also possible as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.Speed bag sensors322 provide impact accuracy and/or speed data ofspeed bag320 to coach monitor120. Note thatdummy310 or similar variants may also be applicable for other grappling martial arts such as Jujitsu, Judo and/or wrestling.Dummy310 can also include embedded sensors (not shown) to measure forces exerted on its torso, limbs and neck to, for example, measure the effectiveness of the user grappling techniques such as joint locks, chokeholds, arm bars and takedowns.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B show additional embodiments of impact targets410 and420 respectively fortraining station100. In one embodiment, modifiedimpact target410 includes an attachment forimpact target110 which simulates a “Wing Chun” style target with protrudingextensions412,414,416,418 popular with Chinese martial art practitioners. This type of external attachment can be coupled to target110 via one ormore straps411. One or more sensors coupled to modifiedimpact target410, for example, onextensions412,414,416,418 can provide feedback to computerized coach monitor120 via wired and/or wireless connections. Alternatively, it is also possible to manufacture an integrated impact target with permanent protruding extensions.
• As shown inFIG. 4B,impact target110 oftraining station100 can be replaced by a more manlikeupright impact target420 with ahead421,torso423,arms424,425,legs426,427, and mounted astable support base429. Sensors (not shown) can also be imbedded into strategically selected locations onmanlike impact target420 to provide feedback tocomputerized coach monitor120.
• In some embodiments as illustrated byFIGS. 5A and 5B, audio visual enabled impact targets510 and520 include target illuminating devices. For example,target510 includes an AV dome with controllablevisible light pointers512,514,516 which can be directed by computerized coach monitor120 to illuminate one or more target areas onimpact target110. The position, intensity and duration of the illumination can be varied in accordance to the selected training protocol executing oncomputerized coach monitor120.Pointers512,514,516 can be any suitable and safe visible light sources such as LEDs, low power lasers and combinations thereof.
• As illustrated byFIG. 5B, AV enabledtarget520 includes an AV dome with one ormore video projectors522,524 which project one or more images ontoimpact target110 thereby enabling coach monitor120 todirect user190 to strike specific impact zones during a workout. Suitable images include imaginary manlike opponents practicing similar or different martial arts from that ofuser190.
• FIG. 6 shows yet another workout accessory which is anenhanced jump rope600 equipped with sensors coupled to amicrocontroller620 and potentially an energy recapturegenerator680 which may generate sufficient energy topower rope600 for extended periods of time.Microcontroller620 can communicate with computerized coach monitor120 via a suitable link such as Bluetooth or Wifi.
• Lower cost versions of training platforms are also possible as exemplified byplatform700 ofFIG. 7. In this embodiment, computerized coach monitor720 can be an off-the-shelf laptop or desktop readily available from many retail outlets. Other off-the-shelf portable devices such as touch pads (e.g., iPads) and tablet PCs can also be used ascoach monitor720.Coach monitor720 is coupled via a suitable communication channel, using for example anetwork780, to atransceiver715 relaying workout data to and fromimpact target710.
• FIG. 8 illustrates analternate impact target810 installed on animpact base832, and configured to be coupled to adetachable base pad834 usingsuitable connectors836. A suitable inexpensive weighted medium, such as water or sand, can be introduced into the perimeter of such animpact target810 for stability.
• In yet another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, atraining platform900 provides multiple mobile impact targets914 and916 controlled bycomputerized coach monitor920. Impact targets914 and916 can include strategically located embedded sensors (not shown) functioning in a manner described above forimpact target110. In this example, independent vertical motion oftargets914 and916 is made possible by gearedimpact target bases912 and917, respectively. Impact target bases912 and917 are operatively coupled to a pair of horseshoe shapedhorizontal tracks918 and919, thereby providing independent horizontal motion. The resulting structure oftraining platform900 can be mounted abase pad930 with embedded sensors that communicate withcoach monitor920.
• Exemplary flow diagramsFIGS. 10 to 20, and exemplary screenshotsFIGS. 21A to 27B illustrate the operation of one embodiment oftraining station100, wherein reactive coach (“RC”) application is executing on computerized coach monitor120 and interacting withuser190 during a workout.
• InFIG. 10, insteps1010,1020,computerized training station100 executes a start up sequence by booting up, executing system diagnostics, and then launches a login menu foruser190. Ifstation100 recognizesuser190, then the main menu is displayed (step1030). Eventually, whenuser190 has completed a workout,user190 can elect to start another workout, or choose to logout (step1040).
• In some embodiments, hardware and/or software serialization enables manufacturing and distribution channels to track product delivery and repairs, and also decreases the likelihood of product piracy. Serialization also assists training stations to definitively identify each other during workouts.
• Referring now toFIG. 11, which illustrates thestartup sequence1010 in greater detail, reactive coach application is launched (step1110), and RC database service is launched and various RC screens also uploaded into memory of coach monitor120 (steps1120,1130).
• FIGS. 12A-12B are flow diagrams andFIG. 21A is a screenshot illustrating the top level “Main Menu” options presented touser190 upon a successful login. Ifuser190 is a relatively new user, thenvideo host2180 recommends touching “Getting Started”button2110 and “How To's”button2115 to select the respective “Getting Started” related videos and “How To's” related videos (step2010).
• Upon selecting the “Getting Started”button2110, the screenshot ofFIG. 21B is displayed (step1310),user190 is given choice of view videos relating to “Equipment Needed” and “Coach Monitor Intro”, as shown insteps1320 and1330 of flow diagram1217 ofFIG. 13, by selecting frombuttons2145 and2150, respectively.User190 can also return to the “Main Menu” screen ofFIG. 20 by selectingbutton2140.
• Similarly, whenuser190 selects the “How To's”button2115, a corresponding “How To's” screen as shown inFIG. 22A is displayed (step1410), and a choice of “Wrap Your Hands”button2221, “Breathing Properly”button2222, “Proper Stance”button2223, “Basic Stance”button2223, “Basic Punches” button1424 and “Basic Kicks”button2225, as shown insteps1420,1430,1440 of flow diagram1222 ofFIG. 14 and illustrated by corresponding screenshots22B-22F.
• Choosing the “Proceed to Warm Ups”button2229 causes the RC application tosteers user190 into selecting a warm up exercise as ifuser190 had selected the “Warm Up Exercises” button from the Main Menu screenshot ofFIG. 21A.
• Referring back to the flow diagram ofFIG. 12B and the “Main Menu” screenshot ofFIG. 21A, insteps1235,1240,1245,1250, within the “Main Menu” screen,user190 is also presented with a choice of “Doctor's Medical Tips”, “Warm Up Exercises”, “Choose A Workout” and “Your Progress Report” (buttons2120,2125,2130,2135).
• Ifuser190 selects “Doctor's Medical Tips”button2120, a “Doctor's Medical Tips” screen as shown inFIG. 23 is presented with choices that include “Common Injuries”button2320, “Injury Analysis”button2330, and “Injury Treatment”button2340. As shown in the flow diagram1237 ofFIG. 15, videos related to injuries, such as prevention and treatment of common injuries are made available for viewing byuser190. For example, instep1510, a doctor explains common injuries related to mixed martial arts, such as joint sprains and hyperextensions, instep1520,user190 can view videos of common martial art related injuries, and instep1520, videos of treatment of common injuries are presented touser190.
• Returning to the “Main Menu” level (seeFIGS. 12B and 21A),user190 can also select “Warm Up Exercises”button2125. Within “Warm Up Exercises”, as illustrated by screenshots ofFIGS. 24A-C and flow diagram1242 ofFIG. 16,user190 can choose from a variety of warm up routines such as stretching only, or a combination stretching and warm up, or rope jumping. Note that these warm up routines described are exemplary and other suitable warm up routines known to one skilled in the physical education arts and/or martial arts including mixed martial arts are also possible.
• Afteruser190 completes one or more recommended “Warm Up Exercises”, which reduces the risk of injury,user190 can elect to begin a workout by selecting “Choose A Workout”button2130 from the “Main Menu”, which causes coach monitor120 oftraining station110 to display “Choose A Workout” screen ofFIG. 25. Accordingly, a choice of workouts is offered touser190 as illustrated by the flow diagram1247 ofFIG. 17. Workout choices can include “Boxing”button2520, “Kick Boxing”button2530, “Muay Thai Workout”2540 and any other suitable martial arts workout “Workout X”button2580, which can be for example a mixed martial arts workout (“MMA”) Workout (steps1710,1720,1730 . . .1770). Instep1780,user190 can also select “Live Competition”2590, which is described in greater detail below.
• Note that the reactive coach (“RC”) application executing on coach monitor120 enablesuser190 and/or his/her human trainer(s) to customize both warm up routines and workout routines based on his/her skill level (strengths and weaknesses), fitness level, and/or any pre-existing injuries inputted byuser190 into the RC application's user injury database. The RC application can then avoid aggravation of pre-existing injury by disabling one or more specific technique(s) within these warm up or workout routines, based on reported injuries and the RC application's medical database associating specific techniques with certain injuries.
• It is also contemplated that other martial art workouts can also be incorporated into, or in place of these exemplary arts described above. Hence, Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Escrima, Aikido, Ninjitsu, Wrestling, Kendo, Judo, Krav Maga, military-style hand-to-hand combat training, and the many styles of Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, are also within the scope of this invention.
• FIGS. 18A-C are flow diagrams illustrating in greater detail the operation of one embodiment of the reactive coach (“RC”) application interacting withuser190 during an exemplary workout session ontraining station100. Instep1805, the RC application begins by looking up user data to determine which workout routines are available and displays the available choices touser190 via “Choose a Workout” screen as shown inFIG. 25. Upon the selection of the specific workout routine, the respective workout screen is displayed on coach monitor120 (step1810). Detailed exemplary Boxing and Muay Thai workout screenshots are shown inFIGS. 26A-26D.User190 is now able to choose specific moves such as kicks and punches by following the instructor on the video screen (step1815). Workouts can also be modified depending on the specific accessories selected byuser190.
• Referring also to the screenshot ofFIG. 26E, the RC application tracks the performance ofuser190 by monitoring the hits on the sensor(s) ofimpact target110 and recording the sensor data associated with user190 (step1820).Countdown timers2652,2654,2656 allowuser190 to pace himself or herself during the warm-up, workout and cool-down phases. As shown in flow diagram ofFIG. 18B, this performance data is compared with a predetermined target performance level thereby enabling the RC application to determine ifuser190 is performing below, at or above the target performance level (steps1835,1840). By using audio and/or visual feedback, e.g., “Behind”, “On Target” and “Ahead”icons2682,2684,2686, the RC application is able to promptuser190 to maintain, speed up or slow down the intensity of the workout (step1845). Based on the recorded performance, the RC application is also able to compute and display the calories burned byuser190 on coach monitor120 (step1850).
• Audible feedback can be dynamically adjusted to optimally motivateuser190 to perform at the appropriate level. For example, if user is falling “Behind”, appropriate motivational sound bites include “You're falling behind”, “Pick up the pace”, “A little faster”, “Stay focused”, and/or “You can do it”. More detailed sound bites may include “Breathe in through nose, out through mouth” when forexample user190 is about ten hits behind.
• Conversely, whenuser190 is “On Target”, appropriate motivational sound bites include “There ya go!”, Good Job!”, “Excellent”, “Good pace. Keep it up”, “That's it! Right there”, and/or “You're on target. Keep it up”. Wheneveruser190 is on target for twenty or more seconds, appropriate sound bites may include “You're doing great! Stay focused” and/or “Keep it up”.
• Whenuser190 is “Ahead” of the prescribed workout regimen provided by the RC application, then appropriate sound bites include “Slow it Down”, “You're going too fast”, “Don't burn out”, “Watch your pace”, “Stay in sync” and/or “Easy does it . . . Stay with me”.
• In addition to the intensity of the workout,FIG. 18C illustrates the RC application tracking the accuracy ofuser190, by determining ifuser190 is accurately hitting the correct locations of impact target110 (step1865). Upon request at anytime during the workout, the RC application can display recorded user hits, accuracy and/or caloric data to user190 (step1870). Based on current user workout profile, which can optionally include biometric information such as heart rate, respiration rate and/or environment conditions, the RC application determines and recommends appropriate workout levels to optimize the effectiveness and safety of the workout (step1875). The RC application can also highlight available workout routines based on the profile of user190 (step1880).
• Referring back to step1780 of flow diagram1247 inFIG. 17, and also the “Live Competition” button2550 ofFIG. 25, in this embodiment, the reactive coach application also enablesuser190 to initiate a live competition with, for example, one or moreother users219,229 . . .289 working out onplatforms210,220 . . .280 ofFIG. 2. Hence by selecting “Live Competition”user190 is able to compete online with one or more other users working out on similar training stations coupled tostation110 via a local or wide area network, such as the Internet, in a manner described in greater detail below and as shown inFIGS. 19A-19C.
• Flow diagram ofFIG. 19A and screenshot27A illustrates the RC application executing onstation110 enablinguser190 to search for other remote users over a network to compete with (step1905). Next, a request is made to the selected user(s) requesting competition (step1910). If the remote user(s) accepts the invitation to compete, then the PC application connects the competing users and activates video connection(s), thereby enabling the users to see each other during the competition on their respective coach monitor displays (step1920). Note that Live Competitions can be organized informally by a group of users, or organized more formally by human coaches or promoters in amateur or professional settings. Communications between training stations can occur peer to peer or via RC server.
• Instep1935 ofFIG. 19B, a Live Competition screenshot as illustrated byFIG. 27B is displayed, enabling the connected competing users and any coaches to be able to view each other in real-time via video feeds. The connected users then select the type of workout (step1940).
• Having selected a particular workout routine for competing, the RC applications executing on the respective training stations,e.g. stations210,220 . . .280, synchronize with aRC Server290, and the live competition session begins (step1945). During the live competition session, the performance ofusers219,229 . . .289, such as accuracy of hits, calories burned, are recorded on their RC monitors executing ontraining stations210,220 . . .280, respectively (step1950). To facilitate ease of implementation in different networking environments,training stations210,220 . . .280 can communicate directly with each other and/or viaRC Server290.
• As an option, theRC server290 can also possible for users of different skill levels to compete by permitting the introduction of handicaps, for example, by weighting the scores of the users to create a more level playing field. TheRC server290 can also permit the competing users to share each other's workout data in real time.
• As shown instep1965 of flow diagram ofFIG. 19C, at the end of each workout competition, the performance data of competingusers including user190 is uploaded to a reactive coach server, e.g.,server290. Next, theRC server290 compares all the user data to determine which user has the most accurate hits, and sends compiled data to the competing users and determines the ranking of the competing users of the workout competition, including the ranking of user190 (steps1970,1975). At the end of the workout competition, theRC server290 terminates connections of the individual coach monitors executing on training platforms involved in the competition (step1980). TheRC server290 then determines which users are eligible for posting results to social network walls and pages.
• Other competitive arrangements are also possible. For example, in addition to being about to compete live against other remote users, it may also be possible to compete against a simulation of one or more well-known martial art artists programmed into the reactive coach application, or against one of more fictional martial artists such as avatars, action heroes and/or villains from movies or comic strips.
• Before, during and after solo workouts and/or live competitions,user190 can elect to display workout progress data locally (step2010), or share workout progress data with others in a social networking context by logging in (step2015), as shown in the flow diagramFIG. 20. Sharing options include posting weight loss, calories burned (step2020) and posting live competition results (step2025).
• In some embodiments,user190 can also register to facilitate donations to a charity based on the results of one or more workouts. For example,user190 may have multiple sponsors who have pledged to donate $1 to the American Red Cross for every pound thatuser190 is able to shed during a specific period. The reactive coach application is able to monitoruser190 as he/she is working out and automatically send the appropriate messages to the donor(s) and the charity to facilitate such pledged donations.
• In some embodiments, instead of displaying the coach on the display screen ofcoach monitor120, a holographic image of the coach can be projected proximate touser190. It is also possible to replace the physical form ofimpact target110 with a holographic image of an impact target. Further, holographic images of live competitors can also be projected proximate touser190.
• It is also possible to incorporate shopping cart(s) functionality into the reactive coach application. For example, a link to an online music store such as “iTunes” can be incorporated into the RC application user options. Similarly, an online store for fitness equipment and accessories can also be incorporated into the RC application.
• In sum, the present invention provides a system and methods for reactive martial arts fitness training that provide customizable single or multi-user dynamic martial arts training with an optional social networking capability. The advantages of such a system include the ability to reactively train a user over time without aggravating any pre-existing injuries that the user may have.
• While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, many of the functionality of the embodiments described above can be implemented entirely in software, entirely in hardware, or a combination of both software and hardware. Although sub-section titles may be provided to aid in the description of the invention, these titles are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
• It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (4)

1. A martial arts fitness machine comprising:

an impact target having one or more sensors disposed to collect user input with respect to hit direction, impact g-force, hit timing, and hit location on the impact target;

a base pad having one or more pressure switches disposed to calculate velocity of a kick, foot location, weight, user location, kick impact estimation, and kick start/completion;

a computer disposed to collect data from sensors and pressure switches, operatively coupled to a reactive virtual coach monitor application disposed to evaluate a user's progress, injuries and workout/regimen recommendations; and

a frame disposed to hold the impact target.

2. The martial arts fitness machine ofclaim 1 wherein the fitness machine is networked to a competing martial arts fitness machine via a reactive coach server, and wherein a user working out on the fitness machine is interactively competing with a competitor working out on the competing martial arts fitness machine.

3. The martial arts fitness machine ofclaim 1 further comprising a motion sensing camera configured to track movement and position of the user.

4. The martial arts fitness machine ofclaim 1 wherein the computer monitors calories burned by the user.

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