PAD RECOMMENDATIONS

Thai pads
-if you want softer thai pads that protect the holder (good for older instructors):
http://store.titleboxing.com/twin-th...s-leather.html
http://www.ringside.com/Windy-Thai-P...ctinfo/WPAD+1/
http://www.ringside.com/Fairtex-Extr...tinfo/XTTPAD3/

-same as above, but if you just want the cheap stuff (and don't mind a lack of durability):
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-mma-thai-pad.html

-if you're not so worried about having dainty shins & forearms, these are the best:
http://store.titleboxing.com/boon-sp...thai-pads.html

Focus mitts
-cheap stuff that should last
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-c...nch-mitts.html
http://store.titleboxing.com/incredi...nch-mitts.html
http://store.titleboxing.com/titlebo...cro-mitts.html
http://store.titleboxing.com/cobmic.html
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-i...nch-mitts.html
http://www.ringside.com/2011-Ringsid...ctinfo/RWCPPM/
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-p...nch-mitts.html
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-p...unch-pads.html
http://store.titleboxing.com/platinum-punch-mitts.html


I've seen a lot of youtube vids of kung fu schools working pads and mitts.
While I applaud the attempt, the problem I see with most of the vids is the approach.
Seems a lot of folks do forms where the mitts just happen to be there.
The purpose of the mitts is to be dynamic.
Kinda like sparring, where you don't have to worry about damage but can throw everything you've got at a target. At the same time, it's an opportunity for a coach to offer subtle adjustment to technique and really get hands on.

There's a pretty easy method for putting together a good pad routine...
Step 1 - Pick your techniques
General recommendation would be at least 1 punch each arm, 1 kick each leg, and 3 or 4 combos.
Step 2 - Pick your defense
Probably want to come up with defense and maybe counters for at least hooks & straight punches (right & left), as well as hook/round & straight kicks (right & left). EDIT for Ray: defense does not necessarily require head movement.
Step 3 - Start with the basics
Start with the single techniques first.
If your combos have more than 3 techniques, break them down into 2-technique chunks so you can work on your transitions. (ie jab-cross-hook becomes jab-cross and cross-hook).
Also do simple defenses.
At this point, you're doing each technique for repetitions.
Step 4 - Build up
Now put your combos together fully
Add your counters onto your simple defenses
Still working techniques for repetitions.
Step 5 - Integrate and freestyle
Here you mix in your offense & defense.
Stuff should come out more at sporadically, to the pad holder's discretion.
The person hitting should have no idea what's coming next.
Pad holder needs to call out shots at first.
Eventually, the highest level of this is like a sparring match where the pad holder just catches what the hitter throws, calling out nothing.