Training instrument and input device

A training instrument, comprising:

• a main body comprising first and second grip areas spaced apart from one another by at least a curving portion;
• a strain gauge remote from the first and second grip areas;
• and
• a receiving portion configured to have a controller detachably attached thereto, the controller including a battery, a processor, and a transceiver;
• wherein the strain gauge is configured to be powered by the battery and to output to the controller data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument caused by a force applied to the first and second grip areas by a user, when the controller is attached to the receiving portion.

A training system comprising, comprising:

• a controller;
• and
• a training instrument, comprising:
• a main body comprising first and second grip areas spaced apart from one another by at least a curving portion;
• a strain gauge remote from the first and second grip areas;
• a first electromechanical connector;
• and
• a pocket shaped and arranged to have the controller removably provided thereto, the controller including a battery, a processor, a transceiver, and a second electromechanical connector configured to physically engage with the first electromechanical connector when the controller is provided to the pocket;
• wherein the strain gauge is configured to be powered by the battery and to output to the controller data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument caused by a force applied to the first and second grip areas by a user, when the controller is provided to the pocket, via the first and second electromechanical connectors.

A training system comprising, comprising:

• a controller;
• and
• a training instrument, comprising:
• a main body comprising first and second grip areas spaced apart from one another by at least a curving portion;
• a strain gauge remote from the first and second grip areas;
• and
• a receiving portion configured to have the controller detachably attached thereto, the controller including a battery, a processor, and a transceiver;
• wherein the strain gauge is configured to be powered by the battery and to output to the controller data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument caused by a force applied to the first and second grip areas by a user, when the controller is attached to the receiving portion.

A training method comprising:

• having a training instrument including a main body comprising first and second grip areas spaced apart from one another by at least a curving portion;
• a strain gauge remote from the first and second grip areas;
• a first electromechanical connector;
• and a pocket shaped and arranged to have a controller removably provided thereto, the controller including a battery, a processor, a transceiver, and a second electromechanical connector configured to physically engage with the first electromechanical connector when the controller is provided to the pocket;
• wherein the strain gauge is configured to be powered by the battery and to output to the controller data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument caused by a force applied to the first and second grip areas by a user, when the controller is provided to the pocket, via the first and second electromechanical connectors;
• and wherein the controller is provided to the pocket;
• and
• transmitting, to an external terminal via the transceiver, data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument output from the strain gauge.

A training method comprising:

• having a training instrument including a main body comprising first and second grip areas spaced apart from one another by at least a curving portion;
• a strain gauge remote from the first and second grip areas;
• and a receiving portion configured to have a controller detachably attached thereto, the controller including a battery, a processor, and a transceiver;
• wherein the strain gauge is configured to be powered by the battery and to output to the controller data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument caused by a force applied to the first and second grip areas by a user, when the controller is attached to the receiving portion;
• and wherein the controller is attached to the receiving portion;
• and
• transmitting, to an external terminal via the transceiver, data indicative of a deformation of the training instrument output from the strain gauge.