Hi. I started learning Shorin Ryu a couple of weeks ago. I used to train using Tae Kwan Do. I was wondering if it's okay to punch a heavy-bag as if I were boxing. I don't want to lose my Shorin Ryu technique, but sometimes I wanna box on my heavy-bag for fun. Will that effect my punches and stances?

Tae Kwon Do***

Training on a Heavy Bag will be good for your Karate, it will improve your stamina and will actually help with your technique choice. You can land long arm and short arm techniques on the bag, karate has an abundance of both. You can also slug away with boxing style blows; it's good training.

As long as you know how to hit the bag safely and effectively, there is no problem with using it. I train in Shorin-Ryu and regularly work on a 6ft 150lb heavy bag. Sometimes I do sparring-type strikes on it, and sometimes I work self defense techniques from kata on it. A good heavy bag is an excellent impact training tool, along with makiwara and focus mitts.

Thanks for the replies. I'm happy to know other people train on a heavy-bag. Also, does anyone know if kicking the bag is safe? It's made out of cloth not leather like the other ones...

Kicking should be just as safe as punching. If you feel the need to avoid tearing skin, then some tape or cloth padding should be all you need.

Punching the bag is great for developing some strength, as you get the resistance not available when doing basics in the air, or forms. You can work your techniques as you would in basics on the bag, or do more free-form work doing combinations and the like. Change it up, and enjoy your routines.

Thanks for the replies. I'm happy to know other people train on a heavy-bag. Also, does anyone know if kicking the bag is safe? It's made out of cloth not leather like the other ones...

Kicking the bag is going to be just as safe as punching it, as bushido_man96 mentioned. Just make sure the bag is secure (not going to fall down when you kick it) and check to see if the sandbags that add weight to your bag have shifted to the outside. If they have, then a kick (or punch without gloves) that lands on a sandbag is going to be quite painful. I prefer bags that do not have sandbags in them, for that very reason.