Too long, didn’t read: go here and start training.
But preferably, before you do: read on.
I have done, and still do, a lot of solo training; you can find some of it here. For the most part, because I have a weird schedule and can’t make it to all the classes I’d like to attend. So I train when my schedule allows, which often means I don’t have a training partner, hence solo training. For that training, but also when I work with clients, I have used the Impetus timer app for over ten years. It is relatively flexible, allows for some programming and is stable. But it is also limited.
I’m also a bit of a nerd and did some programming over 40 years ago. Back then, it was in BASIC on an Apple IIe, and I also learned a bit of Pascal. Heck, I even programmed on a Philips Videopac. I wasn’t very good at it though and, to the chagrin of my father, gave up on it when martial arts and self-defense became my primary focus. But I always enjoyed technology and computers and have worked a lot with them. Fast-forward many decades and enter Grok AI and vibe coding. I decided to try and make an app for my own training and about a month later, you can see the result now: Shadow Boxing Randomizer App
So what is it?
A free, practical shadowboxing training tool built by a martial artist, for martial artists. No fluff. Just shadow boxing.
- An app that speaks out loud single techniques or combinations for Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA.
- It’s completely free to use, but donations are appreciated.
- Small size, 125Kb, works even on a slow internet connection.
- The techniques and combinations are random, with minor logic to avoid certain repetitions.
- It works on computers but I mostly focused on phones.
- It uses the text to speech feature of your web browser, so no need to download lots of files.
- You can customize a lot: Number of rounds, duration, pause time, fixed or varial tempo of calls
What I suggest for best results:
- Start with single techniques or short combinations (2-3 techniques) and set about 5-10 seconds in fixed call tempo. That allows you to adjust to reacting to audio cues and do the technique or combo once or twice before the next one comes along.
- Do a single technique or 2-part combination, and set fixed call tempo to 30 seconds. Do the calls stationary, then add footwork, then add footwork for the technique/combo plus footwork to move away from the imaginary opponent. By the time you do all that, the next call will be there.
- Most of all, experiment with the different sliders and options. Make it work for you.
- Consider using earbuds and conneect them to your phone. Use whatever you have, or I can recommend these (affiliate link) as their fit is good for the explosive momvements you’ll do. Earbuds help a lot in reaction time, especially if you don’t train in a quiet envirnonment or don’t have acces to good speakers.
- It’s not just shadowboxing; I’ve used the app for my heavy bag training as well. Worked great, especially with earbuds. If you teach a class, you can put it on a speaker system and walk around correcting students instead of having to do so while you call out techniques.
Again, this is free, no charge. It’s one of those things I would have liked to have years ago, so I want others to enjoy it right away.
What’s next?
- It depends. If there is enough interest, I have some ideas to create an advanced version with custom modes (offense, defense, footwork, etc.), more advanced techniques for each of the combat sports, different levels of complexity, letting the user select or deselect certain techniques, and much more.
- I haven’t implemented any of these because it means a totally different programming architecture with multiple files and different programming tools. Aka, a lot more work. For now, I wanted something that works as a lightweight file and does the job but that limits the possibilities for more advanced functionality.
- So it all depends on the response I get from all of you. Speaking of: leave a comment here below if you find a bug or have suggestions for improvements or new features.
Most of all, go to the app here and start training. Enjoy!
P.S.: special thank you for my Patrons and the other beta-testers for their feedback.
