THE ORIGIN
THE ORIGIN
The Spark of an Idea
Punching Bags Were Always There
Punching bags were always part of Cedric’s life. Growing up, they weren’t just fitness tools—they were sources of energy, discipline, and fun. From the rhythmic thud of gloves hitting leather to the challenge of landing the perfect strike, punching bags left an imprint on Cedric’s life.
“I’ve always loved how a punching bag keeps you on your toes. It’s not just about strength; it’s about rhythm, focus, and precision,” Cedric recalls.
But when life brought him to a smaller home, where space was at a premium, he faced a problem: how could he recreate that same experience without the traditional setup?
Big Ideas for Small Spaces
For someone like Cedric, who thrived on dynamic, high-energy workouts, traditional fitness equipment felt bulky and uninspiring. The absence of a punching bag didn’t just leave a gap in his routine—it left a gap in his energy.
Instead of giving up, Cedric started to think differently. “I didn’t want to just replace the punching bag. I wanted something new—something that could do even more,” he says.
What if there was a tool that combined the intensity of a punching bag with the unpredictability of a real opponent, all in a compact, accessible design?
A Foam Ball and a Big Idea
The breakthrough came on an ordinary Sunday morning. Cedric was helping out at his church nursery, experimenting with a foam ball to visualize how sound waves bounce off walls. He started slapping the ball against the wall, then punching it, harder and faster.
“That’s when it hit me—literally and figuratively. The movement was so unpredictable, so engaging. It felt like I was sparring with an invisible opponent,” Cedric laughs.
The foam ball wasn’t perfect—it was too light and inconsistent—but the potential was there. What if he could design a ball specifically for this kind of movement?
Engineering the Unpredictable
With a background in physics and acoustics, Cedric was no stranger to complex systems. But designing a ball that combined precision, unpredictability, and durability was a new kind of challenge.
“There are no manuals for this,” Cedric says. “Most sports balls are standardized. I had to start from scratch.”
The big breakthrough came when Cedric realized that a ball behaves like a spring—storing and releasing energy with every strike. By applying this concept, he could control the ball’s weight, density, and rebound velocity. Inspired by the Earth’s structure—core, mantle, and crust—he developed a multi-layered design that delivered dynamic motion and complete control.
A Tool to Train Mind and Body
The OODA Ball wasn’t just a product—it was Cedric’s answer to the challenge of creating a workout tool that engaged both body and mind. Named after the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), the ball mirrors the mental process of staying sharp and adapting to unpredictability.
“It’s not just about hitting the ball—it’s about thinking fast, moving smart, and staying in the moment,” Cedric explains.
Whether it’s sharpening reflexes, building strength, or tapping into the flow state, the OODA Ball brings the energy and excitement of a real fight to any space.