Real Feedback. Real Results.
Our tests give you the numbers. Honest, Real and Brutal.Get accurate data on your current performance at any time or regular performance tracking to get the most out of your training.
Test Options:
Comprehensive Baseline Testing:
Recommended for new clients to establish a baseline performance on all tests. All tests included - $250
Category Packages:
Recommended for regular clients who are interested in tracking a particular category or combination of categories. Choose from one of our six categories of tests. All tests in each category included. $50 per category.
Design your own Package:
We cater to clients from all backgrounds including traditional martial artists, combat sports athletes and a wide range of sports and fitness enthusiasts. You are all different and have different interests and priorities. Combine any 4 tests to create your own package for $50, or choose individual tests for $20 per test.
Test Categories:
| Striking Characteristics | Reaction Speed and Precision | Functional Stability |
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| Transitional Maneuverability | Physical Condition | Applied Strength |
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Test Descriptions
Category 1: Striking Characteristics
This category of tests offers a great wealth of experimental data on various characteristics of the Client's striking. Power, force, speed, force/speed etc. can all be analysed in great depth to offer a comprehensive picture of the Client's striking effectiveness.
Note that in all striking evaluations, only one side (ie. left or right) is officially tested for the purposes of uniformity. If the Client desires both sides to be tested, the other side can take the place of the second technique allowed in a typical strike evaluation test.
Striking Power
Equipment
PowerKube strike pad complete with USB interface and PowerKube software package.
Wrist wraps and gloves – supplied by Client.
Description
The PowerKube can be used to measure the power of any strike or kick but in a standard Striking Power test, only two techniques are measured due to time constraints. Each strike is performed 10 times on the PowerKube. Each strike is practised 5 times before the following 5 are officially recorded. For safety reasons, the Client must wear wrist wraps and some form of boxing or martial arts striking glove for hand techniques. The Client must bring their own wrist wraps and boxing gloves when performing the test.
Striking Force
Equipment
Load Star load cell complete with USB interface and Boxing Analysis software package. Wrist wraps and gloves – supplied by Client.
Description
The Loadstar load cell can be used to measure the force of any punch but in a standard Striking Force test, only two arm/hand techniques are measured due to time constraints. Each strike is performed 10 times on the load cell. Each strike is practised 5 times before the following 5 are officially recorded. For safety reasons, the Client must wear wrist wraps and some form of boxing or martial arts striking glove for hand techniques. The Client must bring their own wrist wraps and boxing gloves when performing the test.
Striking Frequency and Force
Description
The Loadstar load cell can be used to measure the force of any punch but in a standard Striking Frequency and Force test, only one arm/hand technique is measured over the 60 second testing period to standardise the test. The Client is allowed to practice the technique on the load cell prior to commencement of the test as a warm-up and to familiarise themselves with the equipment. During the test, the Client strikes continuously and with as much force and speed as they can muster for the duration of the test. Once complete, several values can be drawn from the data including average and maximum strikes per second, number of strikes per minute, reduction in striking force over time due to fatigue etc. For safety reasons, the Client must wear wrist wraps and some form of boxing or martial arts striking glove for hand techniques. The Client must bring their own wrist wraps and boxing gloves when performing the test.
Category 2: Reaction Speed and Precision
The terms "Reaction Time" and "Response Time" are often confused in popular conversation. They are not actually interchangeable concepts, however. Another term that is of note when speaking about Reaction and Response Times is Movement Time. Reaction Time is the time it takes for a test subject to begin some form of physical reaction to a stimulus. Movement Time is the time that it takes a test subject after they have Reacted to complete a movement in response to a stimulus. Response time is the time that it takes a test subject to React and Move ie. It is a combination of Reaction Time and Response Time for a particular action. The following tests ascertain Reaction and Response Times for predetermined martial movements.
Offensive Response Speed
Description
The Offensive Response Speed test is used to determine how long it takes for the Client to perform a predetermined strike in response to a visual signal. This test determines how long it takes for the Client to react to the visual stimulus and initiate and complete an offensive move. The Client is positioned in front of the Speed and Precision Station. The Client is required to start the striking hand from contact with the lower arm capacitive switch. If kicking, the Client's foot must start from the ground. When the examiner activates the visual indicator light, the high precision timer is simultaneously started and the Client strikes the central pad. When the pad is struck accurately, it sends a signal to stop the timer. This time represents the total Offensive Response Time for the Client. This test is repeated 5 times to give a good spread of values to calculate average and maximal Offensive Response Time.
Defensive Response Speed
Description
The Defensive Response Speed test is used to determine how long it takes for the Client to perform a predetermined block in response to a visual signal. This test determines how long it takes for the Client to react to the visual stimulus and initiate and complete a defensive move. The Client is positioned in front of the Speed and Precision Station with their hand positioned on the lower arm capacitive switch. When the examiner activates the visual indicator light, the high precision timer is simultaneously started and the Client must move their hand rapidly from the lower arm to make contact with the upper arm capacitive switch. When contact is made with the upper arm capacitive switch, it sends a signal to stop the timer. This time represents the total Defensive Response Time for the Client. This test is repeated 5 times to give a good spread of values to calculate average and maximal Defensive Response Time.
Reaction Time
Description
The Reaction Time test is used to determine how long it takes for the Client to react in response to a visual signal. This test determines only how long it takes for the Client to react to the visual stimulus and initiate a movement. The Client is positioned in front of the Speed and Precision Station with their hand positioned on the lower arm capacitive switch. When the examiner activates the visual indicator light, the high precision timer is simultaneously started and the Client must move their hand rapidly from the lower arm to make contact with the upper arm capacitive switch. When the Client's hand is removed from the lower arm capacitive switch, it sends a signal to stop the timer. This time represents only the Reaction Time for the Client. This test is repeated 5 times to give a good spread of values to calculate average and maximal Reaction Time.
Speed Accuracy (Choice of Strike)
Description
The Accuracy test is used to determine how many times the Client can accurately strike the central pad within a 10 second period. A short time interval is used because in this case, the Client's endurance or resistance to fatigue is not being tested. The Client is positioned in front of the Speed and Precision Station. When the examiner activates the visual indicator light, the high precision timer is simultaneously started and the Client begins striking the central pad. Every time the pad is struck accurately, it sends a signal to the event counter which increments the total by one. This test is repeated twice to calculate the Client's average speed-accuracy value (number of accurate strikes in a 10 second period).
Category 3: Functional Stability
Core strength and stability have been identified as extremely important characteristics for a fighter. This category examines and measures these physical attributes.
Static Stability
Description
The load cell is placed on the floor and the Client stands on one leg on the force-plate for a period of 30 seconds before switching legs and repeating the exercise on the other leg. The load cell monitors the Client's body weight as it shifts during this exercise. This graph can then be analysed to determine average and maximum variation amplitude during the exercise. These figures can be compared to the Client's body weight to determine percentage body weight shifting. This measure assigns a basic numerical value to the Client's Static Stability. Note that each time the Client has to steady themselves externally during the test (ie. By grabbing onto the wall for example), it is counted as a static stability critical failure and noted on the test.
Stability Under Loading
Description
The Client stands fully upright behind, and in contact with, a pair of barriers. One at hip height and one at chest height. The examiner places the hand-held force gauge against the top of the Client's sternum and slowly begins to increase pushing force against the Client. The Client must resist the force to the best of their ability. Only sustained force is examined in this test. If the Client 'jerks' to attempt to create an impulse of force, the test is marked as a failure. When they are forced to step back, the test ends and the force is recorded. The test is repeated 3 times and the maximal value is noted.
Stability While Pushing
Description
The Client stands in front of the load cell with their chest in contact with the front pad of the load cell. The Client raises their hand and makes contact with the load cell with their palm without shifting away from the load cell. The Client must, without stepping back away from the load cell, apply as much pressure in a push against the load cell for 30 seconds as they are able without pushing themselves away from the load cell or making any rapid 'jerking' movements. Only sustained force is examined in this test. If the Client 'jerks' or pushes themselves away from the load cell, the test is marked as a failure' and a single other attempt is allowed. This test is repeated once for the right and the left arm.
Core Stability
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. The Client is required to perform a 'shoulder-bridge' movement from the floor (from their back, the Client draws their feet in until they are close to the hips and then raises the hips forming a straight line from their shoulders on the floor, through their hips to their knees). Mats can be used. The structure of the shoulder bridge is examined for the duration of the test. As soon as the hips drop at all, breaking the straight line from shoulders to knees, the test ends and the time is recorded. This time gives an indication of the Client's ability to maintain Core Stability. This test is only attempted once.
Category 4: Transitional Manoeuvrability
This category examines the Client's ability to move efficiently, quickly and precisely under various standardised restrictions and conditions. One of the most important but possibly most overlooked aspects of combat is effective movement.
Ground to Standing Test
Description
This test measures the time taken for the Client to rise into a standing combat position from a prone position on their back. The Client begins in front of and facing the Speed and Precision Station on their backs. The examiner activates the visual indicator light and the high precision timer simultaneously and the Client rises into a standing position as quickly as possible and strikes the central pad. As soon as they strike the pad, the timer stops. The quality of the Client's transition is also examined during the movement, with notes added if they had to use one or both hands to make contact with the ground during the transition or if they did not transition into their typical defensive posture. These notes qualify the effectiveness of the transition since reductions in defence during the transition makes it less effective. This test provides a transition time which is qualified by any notes on the quality of the transition. This test is performed 5 times.
Ground Movement Test
Description
Note that this test is performed on a concrete floor with no padding or mats in place. The Client should be familiar with ground movement on hard surfaces before attempting this test or injury could result. Confer with your trainer and GP before attempting this test. This test is a modified version of the Illinois Agility Test to be performed using ground movement instead of running. A line of 3 cones are distributed on the floor with a distance of 3m between them. The Client starts from a standing position at the Speed and Precision Station with their hand in contact with the lower arm capacitive switch. As they are ready to attempt the test, they remove their hand and begin movement to trigger the timer to start. As soon as the test begins, the Client goes to ground and must complete a three-loop circuit around the cones without coming to their feet. ie. Only roles and ground movement is allowed in this test. No low running etc. In addition, the Client cannot touch or knock over a cone. If the Client comes to their feet or touches a cone, the test is marked as a failure and the Client is given only one more opportunity to complete the test. Once the circuit is completed in accordance with the rules, the Client must roll back to the Speed and Precision Station, get to their feet and strike the central pad to stop the timer. The results from this test yield a time which can be used as a measure of the Client's ground movement effectiveness.
Illinois Agility Test – Running Obstacle Course
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. A 10-meter course is marked out with a series of 4 cones at the starting line and a line of 4 cones down the centre of the running course spaced 3.3m apart. Clients start by lying chest to the ground facing the course and hands on the ground at the shoulders. The examiner starts the high precision timer on the Go command and the Client starts running the course. The course consists of three laps. The Client starts with one straight lap, returns to the start and then performs a series of figure-8 style loops around the central cones before returning and completing one more straight lap on the other side of the central row of cones. If the Client touches any of the cones or does not complete any of the circuit course, the test is marked as a failure and they are allowed one more attempt. Once the Client finishes by crossing the start line, the timer is stopped and the value recorded. This test is only performed once due to time constraints.
Disorientation Test
Description
This test is designed to predict how the Client will perform under the effects of disorientation which may be sustained during combat due to repeated impact, stress, trauma, throws, falls and injuries. The Client is given a standard Striking Accuracy test on the Speed and Precision Station to establish baseline performance before being blindfolded and spun on the spot for a period of 30 seconds. The blindfold is then removed and the Client must rapidly perform another standard Striking Speed Accuracy test on the Speed and Precision Station under the effects of the disorientation. These two Speed Accuracy tests are compared to show the percentage drop-off in performance as a result of disorientation.
Category 5: Physical Condition
The Physical Condition tests examine various physical markers to get a broad overview of the Client's fitness as far as the specific physical requirements of combat are concerned. These tests include explosive strength measures, pain tolerance, endurance and flexibility.
Pain Threshold Test (optional)
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. Due to the necessary pain component of this test, we emphasise its optional nature. Two measurements are generated by this test. Pain Threshold is the point at which the Client registers a stimulus as pain. Pain Tolerance is the point at which the Client can no longer tolerate the pain. The hand held force gauge is fitted with a flat, small-diameter steel probe which is applied to various predetermined points on the Client's body, including the bony surface of the base of the skull just behind the ear (Mastoid Process), the sternum and the bony protuberance on the outside of the ankle joint (External Malleolus). The applied force is slowly increased until the Client registers this as pain. This is a measure of the Client's Pain Threshold. The force is then increased until the Client can no longer tolerate the force and this gives a measure of Pain Tolerance. An average or mean is calculated based on measurements taken at all locations on the right and left hand side of the body. These measurements give an indication of the Client's sensitivity to, and tolerance of pain. Important characteristics to know within the context of a fight.
Expletive Test – Combat specific fitness test
Description
The Client begins facing the load cell. At the Go command, the examiner starts the high-precision timer and the Client performs as many full Burpies as they are able to within a 30 second period. The Burpies are Spartan Standard Burpies which require the Client to make contact with the ground with their chest at the lowest movement of the push-up. On the Change command, the Client then stands and punches the load cell as fast and hard as they are able for 30 seconds. On the Change command, the Client transitions to Burpies again for a period of 30 seconds before a final 30 second period of strikes on the load cell. A record of the number of complete Burpies for each section is recorded as well as the data from the load cell on strike frequency and force. This test provides an indication of fighting fitness within the context of a dynamic, evolving threat situation. It provides feedback on the Client's tolerance to exhaustion and fatigue through analysis of the data.
Jump Height Test
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. The Jump Height test is often used on its own by other testing facilities to give an indication of a subject's explosive strength. We at MARTEL do not believe that it is comprehensive enough on its own but that it is valuable in conjunction with the other tests that we provide. The Client begins on the jump pad with feet approximately shoulder width apart. On the Go command, they crouch and perform a full-body jump trying to achieve maximum height before landing solidly without bouncing. The jump pad sends a signal to start the high precision timer when the Client's feet leave the jump pad and stops the timer when they touch down. This time is used to determine their jump height. This test is performed 5 times to provide average and maximal values.
Plyometric Pushup Test
Description
This test gives an indication of upper-body explosive strength. The Client begins in push-up position with their hands on the jump pad approximately shoulder width apart bu ensuring that the fingers do not extend over the edges of the jump pad. On the Go command, they perform a plyometric push-up and push off the jump pad while keeping their feet firmly planted on the ground, trying to achieve maximum height before landing solidly without bouncing. The jump pad sends a signal to start the high precision timer when the Client's hands leave the jump pad and stops the timer when they touch down. This time is used to determine their plyometric push-up jump height. This test is performed 5 times to provide average and maximal values.
Sit and Reach Test – Flexibility
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. The Client sits on the floor with their legs straight out in front of them and their feet against a foot-stop beneath the Sit and Reach Block graduated board. The Client then stretches forward with their fingertips as far as they can reach and a value for their maximal stretch is recorded off the graduated board.
Category 6: Applied Strength
This category provides a number of useful measures of the practical sustained forces that the Client can generate. An industry standard test of human strength is the dynamometer-based isometric grip-strength test. We at MARTEL do not believe that this gives a broad enough measure of the Client's practical strength and so have broadened this single test to include a range of other isometric strength tests. Since the industry standard base test is isometric, we have decided to keep all of our strength tests isometric in nature. It is possibly easier to exert strength through movement, as in lifting a weight, than to produce force against in a static hold, although these kinds of static holds may give a better indication of wrestling strength than the ability to lift weights. Grappling or wrestling for extended periods of time requires the ability to sustain force periodically without movement or rest. Constrictor snakes, such as the boa constrictor or python, are nature's wrestlers and can perform maximal sustained isometric contractions for periods of up to 20 minutes at a time. Another measure that can be drawn from the isometric strength tests is how the Client's body reacts to fatigue. A high resistance to fatigue and minimal performance drop-off while fatigued is one of the physical performance characteristics noted in top performing combat sports athletes.
Grip Strength Test
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. The Client grips the hand dynamometer with as much force as they can muster and a value is recorded. This measures the Client's isometric grip strength and is a value often used on its own to reflect overall strength. We at MARTEL do not believe that this is an accurate enough reflection on its own but it certainly has value in conjunction with other strength tests. The test is repeated for both the right and left hands and the results are also given as a percentage of the Client's body weight.
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull
Description
This is a standardised test which is not unique to MARTEL. This test is used to determine strength at the UFC Institute in the US. The Client can examine descriptions and potential video footage online prior to attempting the test. In addition, there are comparative values that can be examined online to confirm the Client's relative performance. The Client stands on the load cell force plate. The Isometric Short Bar chains are adjusted so that the bar is located level at the centre of the Client's thigh mid-way between knee and hip. When ready, the Client pulls against the bar with as much force as they can muster for a period of 30 seconds. The force must be sustained. ie. Short-duration spikes will be ignored in the analysis. The load cell registers how much force they are able to generate. This value is given as an absolute value and also as a percentage of body weight. The output from the load cell is recorded for analysis. The data can be used to analyse maximal sustained force, average sustained force and drop-off due to fatigue. This test is performed once.
Isometric Pushing Strength Test
Description
It is recommended that this test is combined with the Stability While Pushing Test to provide more information for analysis and to expose more potential weak points that can be improved. The Client stands in front of the load cell and adopts a pushing stance against the force plate. Anything goes as far as the pushing test is concerned with stance, hand and shoulder positions etc. The only rule is that the force must be sustained. ie. Short-duration pulses will be ignored in the analysis. When the Go command is given, the Client pushes with as much sustained force as they can muster for 30 seconds. The load cell registers how much force they are able to generate. This value is given as an absolute value and also as a percentage of body weight. The output from the load cell is recorded for analysis. The data can be used to analyse maximal sustained force, average sustained force and drop-off due to fatigue. This test is performed once.
Isometric Bench Press
Description
The Client lies with their shoulders on the load cell and adopts a bench-press hold on the Isometric Short Bar. The Bar is adjusted so that the Client's elbows are bent at 90 degrees and are in line with their shoulders. The force must be sustained. ie. Short-duration pulses will be ignored in the analysis. When the Go command is given, the Client pushes against the short bar with as much sustained force as they can muster for 30 seconds. The load cell registers how much force they are able to generate. This value is given as an absolute value and also as a percentage of body weight. The output from the load cell is recorded for analysis. The data can be used to analyse maximal sustained force, average sustained force and drop-off due to fatigue. This test is performed once.
