'Double Tapp' An idea turned into a reality

The Double Tapp started as an idea back in 2016. Why it came about is a different story altogether. This blog is too share with you the journey of an idea that was made into a reality.

I was just scribbling some designs down on paper and playing with a couple of traditional focus mitts wondering how I could make this better, safer and easier to use. I considered what made traditional mitts did for its user and its holder and the benefits they gave.

The idea came to me more by accident when I was putting the mitts away and placed them on top of each other, pretty much resembling what the Double Tapp is now. Yes it needed alot of work, more refinement, sleaker design, easy to use etc. It wasn't until I started to play around with some padding out of some old mitts and alot of duct tape that I could see my idea becoming a reality. I had drawing done and started to look for a supplier. The suppliers I found wanted something that they could touch and see. So I went to a cobbler near my dojo (karate club) and spent an hour with him going over what I wanted. I left feeling a little excited about what would come back and how I would make these in the 100's or even 1,000's. I was a little disapointed when I went to pick up the sample. It looked more like the end of a paddle than a mitt and the cost nearly sent me over the edge. but we live, learn and move on.

I persisted with the padding and duct tape and found a manufacturer overseas and he sent me a sample within 7 days. The sample was exactly what I was after. Even better when they said they could do it in any color I wanted. Yes I know of course they could but hey I was all new to this (and still am). I ordered my first shipment of mitts not knowing how I was going to sell them. I had a website sort of up and running and a facebook page with 3 followers (My wife, my son and me haha) by the time they landed. But no sooner had they landed I sold my first 3 pair to some students at the club. I posted a video on my facebook page and within a week it had received 18K views!!! And then of course the orders started to come through. I have just negotiated a shelf spot at a retailer of martial Arts equipment (Martial Sports Australia) and look forward to what other opportunities arise. I place my second order next month!

Tom