Top 10 Best Grappling Dummies 2019
One annoying thing about doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo is that it is hard to practice technique on your own. You can watch videos, read instructionals, lift weights, do yoga, and lots of other things on your own that may help your game but it is really hard to practice technique without a training partner. This is where our lifeless friend, the grappling dummy can help.
A Grappling Dummy will never truly mimic the resistance and feel of a live training partner but it can help you to figure out movements and work through certain techniques. They are also good for drilling and for having a bit of fun.
If you have never used one before it can be difficulty to know what criteria to look for when searching. However we have done the hard work for you and picked out the best grappling dummies available currently and have also provided a list of things to consider before purchasing.
The Top 10 Grappling Dummies
1. Celebrita MMA Grappling Dummy
Pros:
- Allows you to put Gi on it.
- Unfilled allows you to decide on weight and density
- Excellent value
- Comes in different size
Cons:
- None to report
Breaking Grips score : 10/10
The Celebrtia dummy is an unfilled dummy with curved legs which allows allows you to position it in a number of common Jiu-Jitsu positions such as closed guard, turtle and back control.
A good tip for filling is to use cut up pool noodles for the arm sections. The dummy itself works well for practicing both drills and submissions.
Despite being very quite the Celebrita dummy is more likely to develop small tears when compared to other heavier nylon dummies like the ones below. After 8 months of regular use my dummy has 2very small tears that I was able to patch up with Gorilla Tape.
My favorite thing about this dummy is that it comes in 4 different sizes. If you are an adult I would recommend getting the largest 70” size as the other sizes seem to be more suitable for kids/teens.
Overall, an excellent dummy that will not break the bank.
2. Daan MMA Grappling Dummy 70″
Pros
- Durable dummy made of synthetic leather
- Shoulder moves full 360 rotation
- Unfilled dummy means reduced shipping costs
Cons
- Arms can come off too easy as Velcro wears down
Breaking Grips score : 8/10
This Synthetic Leather dummy is one of the more budget friendly options on the market but offers excellent value for money.
It comes unfilled which I prefer as it lets me choose my own desired weight/consistency. I used pool noodles in the arms and legs as I think it provides more realistic limbs on which to work on submissions. The shoulder joint actually moves in a realistic 360 degrees fashion which is something that is not available in many of the higher end dummies.
The synthetic leather itself is hard wearing and is easy to clean when compared to some of the other canvas and nylon based dummies on the market.
Only small issue I had is that the dummy is that the Velcro arms of the dumy can become attached when you don’t want them to. I presume this will only become more of a probelm as the velcro wears down.
Overall, a good value dummy that
3. Ring to Cage Deluxe Ground & Pound Dummy 3.0
Pros
- Dummy has hands and feet
- Allows you to work leglocks
- Available filled and unfilled
- Very durable and easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive!
Breaking Grips score : 10/10
Ring to cage have a number of grappling dummies currently available. The 3.0 Ground and Pound dummy is by far their most superior product and is one of the best grappling dummies I have ever used.
The dummy feels realistic to use and is suitable for working a wide range of submissions and positions that you cannot do with other dummies. It is made from
My favorite thing about this dummy is that it comes with hands and feet . With the rise of leglocks in competitive Jiu Jitsu it is great to have a dummy on which you can drill toeholds, and heel hooks and even wristlocks.
The biggest worry about any dummy is it’s durability. However you can train away to your hearts content with the Deluxe 3.0 as the quality stitching and material means that the chance of a tear are slim. It does not absorb moisture and is easy to wipe down after too
The biggest issue I have with this dummy is that it is very expensive. For many people it will be too expensive for personal use but it could be an option for academy owners who are loking for a top quality training dummy.
If possible I would recommend going for the filled version as it is hard to perfectly fill on your own. The filled version is the perfect weight and consistency and is worth the extra money.
Pros
- Arms can be fixed using cord
- Good brand
- Kids and adult sizes
Cons
- Body proportions not perfect
Breaking Grips score : 8/10
Another offering from Ring to Cage. Their deluxe ground and pound is perfect for practicing BJJ submissions.
This dummy comes in a kids and adult size and is available filled or unfilled and is appox 70lb when filled. The best thing about this dummy is that the arms can be manipulated using straps and a piece of cord. This replicates real life sparring and allows you to practice a wider range of scenarios.
The main complaint with this dummy is that the proportions of the body are not perfect. For example the neck is a bit skinny and the butt is wide. However this is a minor complaint as the dummy is in nearly every other way far superior to 90% of the other dummies on the market.
The dummy is slightly cheaper than the Deluxe 3.0 model above but still expensive compared to other dummies. However if you are looking for a well designed and durable dummy for BJJ, then you cannot go far wrong with this product
5. Jandila Grappling Dummy
Pros
- Longer arms
- 4 different size options
- Excellent value
Cons
- Can be hard to fill perfectly
Breaking Grips score : 8/10
Jandilla are a relatively new entry to the grappling dummy market. The Jandila dummy comes in 4 different sizes and 3 different colors. Grappling dummies rarely come in different sizes so it is great to get a choice which allows you to find a dummy that matches your own size.
The knee’s come in a bent position which allows you to work from guard. As is the case with the Defy Dummy this position is really a matter of personal choice.
The dummy comes unfilled which is fine but it can take quite a while to adequately fill it in order to give you the desired feel. Functionally the dummy works quite well and the longer limbs allow you to easily manipulate the arms and legs.
Grappling dummies can be very expensive with many dummies costing $200 plus. This dummy is much cheaper and is of equal quality to many of the more established products on the market.
6. Ring to Cage MMA Training Dummy/Fitness Bag
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Comes in different weights
- Good for working on ground control
Cons
- Not human shaped
- Cant work chokes
Breaking Grips score : 8/10
Often we don’t really need a dummy to practice certain movements. Most of the body control and pressure drills for MMA and grappling do not actually require a life like figure.
The Ring to Cage Fitness Bag is also excellent for MMA as you can easily work on your ground striking technique and cardio. There are strategically placed handles that allow you to push and pull the bag as required.
One of the biggest issues with grappling dummies is that the limbs can often become severed with the filling then coming loose. The Ring to Cage fitness bag will never have this problem and for that reason it is the most durable product on the list.
7. Jayefo Beast 3.2 MMA Grappling Dummy
Pros
- Good starter dummy
- Good value
- Comes in 2 sizes
Cons
- More likely to tear
Breaking Grips score : 7/10
The Jayefo Beast 3.2 is a sitting dummy that is designed for MMA and BJJ practice. The dummy comes unfilled and the manufacturer claims that it can weigh up to 170lbs when filled. Old clothes and cotton are the best material to use for filling as sand may leak.
It comes in a 5ft, 6ft, and 7ft model. The 5ft model is great for kids training.
The material used for the dummy seems to be good quality but the tears and small holes have become visible after a few months of use. The dummy is still usable but the life expectancy of it may be shorter when compared to some of the other options.
Overall a good value dummy but perhaps you should invest in another model if looking for durability.
8. DEFY Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grappling Kneeling Dummy
Pros
- Come in 2 different colors
- Fits a Gi
- Comes in 2 different sizes
- Durable and good value
- Has hands and feet
Cons
Breaking Grips score : 7/10
Defy sports specialize in manufacturing martial arts equipment and training aids. This dummy comes in a fixed in a kneeling position in order to allow you to more realistically work MMA and BJJ technique.
The kneeling position allows you to recreate certain sparring situations but can also prevent you from doing others.
The dummy comes unfilled which helps to keep the price down. Old clothes stuffed tightly are the best bet for filling.
The dummy comfortably fits Gi which is great if you are looking to work on chokes. It also comes in 2 different sizes which is allows you to find a size that is closer to your own weight class.
9. Classyak MMA Grappling Dummy Standing
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Classyak have made a number of grappling dummies over the years. This grappling dummy comes in 3 different sizes and is suitable for adult and kids training.
Unlike most of the other dummies on the list this dummy comes standing which makes it good for working on throws. The dummy seems pretty durable and is made from the same synthetic leather as the other products on the list.
My big issue with this dummy is that the arms are too short. This limits your ability to effectively work arm attacks.
The manufacture claims that when filled the dummy can be up to 120lbs in weight. However you will have to spend time very carefully filling it to get to this weight.
10. ROLL HARD BRAND Jiu Jitsu MMA Ground and Pound Dummy
Pros
- Designed with hands and feet
- Available filled or unfilled
Cons
- Dummy very thin
- Only available in one size
Breaking Grips score : 6.5/10
The Roll Hard dummy is designed for Martial arts looking to work on striking and grappling. It comes filled or unfilled but is only available in one size.
The dummy comes with hands and feet which is great for working techniques such as wristlocks, heelhooks, and toe holds. The hands also help you to set up other attacks that require you to hand fight.
My main complaint about the dummy is the proportions. It is quite thin dummy with some parts of it being too thick. However it is still quite functional and overall is a well made product.
Key things to look out for
Do you want the dummy to come prefilled or are you have to fill it yourself?
If you read the reviews above you will notice that grappling dummies either come filled or else prefilled. Prefilled dummies are typically filled with sand. With the unfilled dummies you have your choice of filling and will have to do manually. People use sand, old clothes, paper, and soft toys as filling.
Prefilled dummies are a lot less hassle. They are ready to use and generally of superior quality quality.
With unfilled dummies it can be hard to properly fill and you may never be able to replicate the factory filled version. However it is worth noting that unfilled dummies can be significantly cheaper as transport costs are much lower.
What moves exactly do you want to practice?
Think about what techniques and movements you want to practice before buying a dummy. For example if you want to work back attacks then you need to look for a dummy that has a suitable neck and arms that will replicate an opponent.
If you are looking to practice your ground and pound then you need to find a dummy that will stand up to sustained heavy pressure.
Does the Grappling Dummy need to be able to wear a Gi?
If you exclusively train in the Gi there is no point in purchasing a dummy that can not fit a Gi top. If you do you will not be able to practise a wide range of submissions and movements that require the Gi. Most dummies will fit a Gi but some are too wide and thick and the arms can be too stiff to fit into the sleeves.
What weight and size dummy do you require?
Ideally you want to find a dummy that matches well with your own height and weight. There is no point in buying a 4 ft dummy if you are over 6ft. Not all dummies have size options.
The weight of a dummy depends on the type of filling used. Sand will be much heavier than old clothes. The weight of the dummy will also directly affect the cost of shipping with some of the filled dummies costing €50+ to ship.
Is the Dummy in a fixed position? (e.g knees bent)
Some dummies come with the knees fixed in a bent position. Some people feel this is a more realistic position for a grounded fighter as it is rare that a fighter or grappler will have their legs straight. I personally prefer a straight leg dummy that i can manipulate myself rather than one with fixed knees. I think dummies with fixed knees are better suited to practicing MMA striking whereas straight legged dummies are better for grappling as it allows you to work leg lock techniques more realistically.
Other dummies have fixed arm positions which can limit the rotation of the arm. Take the time to find a dummy that is in a position that will suit your training needs.
