Best ground combat dummies to elevate your ground fighting skills
Tackling the Best Grappling Dummies: A Guide for Wrestlers and Martial Artists
Ready to level up your wrestling, jujitsu, or mixed martial arts game? Investing in a grappling dummy is the way to go! These lifelike training companions offer an affordable and lightweight training partner, perfect for improving your skills at home. In this guide, we'll dissect the key aspects of choosing a grappling dummy, explore some popular models, and dish out answers to frequently asked questions.
From Unfilled to Filled: Deciding on Your Grappling Dummy Type
Grappling dummies come in two varieties: filled and unfilled. Filled grappling dummies are a bit pricier, especially catering to serious martial artists and studio training, while the unfilled alternatives are more budget-friendly and ideal for home settings.
Finding the Perfect Size: It's All About Height and Weight
Grappling dummies usually come in at least three distinct heights to ensure you can find one closest to your own height (although you'll likely be facing a much lighter opponent!). The majority of these dummies are lighter than their users, making them suitable for various techniques and tricky positions.
The Key to Flexibility: Mastering Joint Movements
All grappling dummies are crafted to mimic the resistance and range of motion of your opponent, often featuring flexible ankle and wrist joints for better training.
Quality Matters: What to Look for in a Grappling Dummy
Colors for Easy IdentificationAlthough most grappling dummies come in black, many options come in a variety of other colors to help you easily distinguish between them during training. Some dummies may have pops of color concentration in vital areas like major muscle groups or the face.
Tough ExteriorsFrom leather and synthetic blends to canvas, grappling dummies boast materials with exceptional tensile strength to withstand rigorous training sessions.
Filling MaterialsFilled grappling dummies utilize heavy materials like sand, pellets, or weights. Some dummies even come with a mix of materials for more flexibility during training.
How Much Will Your Grappling Dummy Cost?Grappling dummies range in price from around $30 to $350, depending on the brand, materials, and quality. Inexpensive grappling dummies cost between $30 and $100, mid-range options go for $100 to $200, and high-end models range between $200 and $350.
Grappling Dummy FAQs
Can You Use an Adult Grappling Dummy for Kids Instead of a Youth Option?
Using an adult-sized grappling dummy for kids isn't universally recommended, as their height could compromise technique development since they won't be practicing holds with opponents of their weight class or size. On the flip side, using an adult dummy during training can be beneficial for understanding how technique translates to people of various sizes in real-life situations.
How Should You Clean Your Grappling Dummy After Training?
Leather and vinyl grappling dummies can be wiped down after your workout sessions. If you need a deeper clean, handwashing and air-drying your canvas grappling dummy might be your best bet. You should avoid using hot water to prevent any potential shrinkage, as some detergents could cause color fading, especially on dark-colored dummies.
Why is a Grappling Dummy's Weight Less Than That of a User or Opponent?
Grappling dummies are designed to facilitate light individual wrestling and martial arts practice, allowing you to experiment with new techniques and develop your skills without an additional obstacle. They are also anatomically exaggerated to cater to individuals of all shapes and sizes, so their weight and size are meant to be average. If you want a heavier grappling dummy for a more realistic martial arts experience, consult the manufacturer for recommended fill materials and optimal weight.
The Best Grappling Dummies Worth Checking Out
Top-Tier Grappling Dummy
Ring to Cage Unfilled Grappling Dummy
This Ring to Cage grappling dummy is a sterling choice for wrestling, mixed martial arts, and judo practice. Not only does it absorb throws and strikes like a champ without showing any wear and tear, but it also comes with instructions to get you started. The downside? It arrives unfilled, so you'll have to provide the filling yourself.
Top Grappling Dummy for the Budget
Jayefo Kids Grappling Dummy
Crafted with kid safety in mind, this grappling dummy features a weatherproof design suitable for both casual punching bag use and wrestling practice. It's particularly great for kids learning martial arts, although it's ultimately unfilled, meaning you'll need to purchase the filling materials separately.
Worth Checking Out
Combat Sports Grappling Dummy
Premium quality and durability come at a premium price with the Combat Sports Grappling Dummy. This vinyl grappling dummy holds up extremely well to hard strikes and is available in various weights, making it an excellent choice for adult grapplers who want to push their training sessions to the limit.
- For a unique training experience, consider integrating arts into your fitness routine by learning martial arts like mixed-martial-arts to complement your sports training.
- In addition to grappling dummies, arts enthusiasts might find pleasure in exploring various forms of artistic expression such as dance or music, as they can help improve flexibility and coordination.
- On hot summer days, make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out for an intense sports or martial arts training session to ensure you're staying safe and comfortable.
