Grappling/MMA dummies are great to drill on and are even a greater tool if you do not have the time to go your gym. These dummies are great to practice drills and throws on. And they are great for conditioning if you just spend a few minutes a day throwing them around.
However, these dummies are not to replace your actual training partners. They are only to supplement your training as well as continue your development and progress away from your martial arts academy.
A common misconception by individuals unfamiliar with training dummies is that they are all the same. This is far from the truth. These dummies have been created with a variety of characteristics that makes them unmistakably different from one another. Furthermore, their design makes them suitable for different types of combat training, such as takedowns and striking. This review article will examine 6 training dummies catered to grappling and MMA enthusiasts. The table below provides a brief overview of each dummy but please do scroll down to read the thorough review of each grappling dummy.
Quick Comparison Table
| Dummy | Price | Weight | User Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| RevGear (Best for MMA) | $$ | 70/100/130 lbs | 4.5/5 |
| Title | $$ | 100/140 lbs | 4/5 |
| Combat Sports (Best for grappling and submission) |
$$$ |
70/90/120/140 lbs | 4/5 |
| Century VS.2 (most versatile) | $$$$ | 50 lbs | 4.5/5 |
| Celebrita (cheapest) | $ | 55/77/99/121 lbs | 4.25/5 |
| Ring to Cage | $$$$ | 70/75 lbs | 4/5 |
Training Dummy Features and Buying Guide
Before jumping directly into the review of specific training dummies, this section will list features important for evaluating what type of training dummies fit your needs best.
Target Group
- Wrestling
- Submission Grappling
- Mix Martial Arts (MMA)
Intended Use
-
Throwing and Takedowns
-
Ground and Pounds
-
Submissions
-
Mobility and Positional Drills
Dimension and Size: It is important to always examine the dummy’s dimensions and determine if it is the appropriate size for you and your intended use.
Weight: During your dummy selection process, do not forget to account for the dummy’s dead weight. Unlike trying to pick up a teammate, the dead weight feels heavier and is harder to throw and perform takedowns. Many training dummy owners suggest that you multiply the dummy’s listed weight by 2 to gauge how heavy it will feel during practice.
Durability: A product made with durable material can handle being used repeatedly and is more resistant to wear and tear.
Stitching Quality: A dummy that has high stitching quality with multiple rows of stitching and reinforcement in high stress areas is much better at taking the abuse from being thrown and slammed on the ground.
Limbs: Training dummies with limbs allow you to practice submission techniques like joint locks. In addition to that, these types of dummies could be clothed with a Jiu Jitsu or Judo uniform (gi), which is great for practicing specific gi techniques.
Reviews and Comments
1. Revgear Training Dummy
The Revgear training dummy, also known as the “fitness pod,” has been adopted as a training tool for various martial arts and fitness gyms. Its design integrates conveniently positioned handles that are useful for MMA practice and fitness workouts. The video below shows you a quick sample of how this Revgear product could be utilized to improve your striking and throwing techniques.
Features
- Height: 50 inches (127 cm)
- Weight Options:
- 1) 70 lbs (31.75 kg)
- 2) 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
- 3) 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Color Options (corresponds directly to the weight):
- 1) Green
- 2) Red
- 3) Blue
- 4) Black
- Material: Triple-ply synthetic leather with nylon stitches
- Handles: Handles could be used for throwing practice and as extra grips for striking.
- Ideal Usage:
- Ground and Pounds
- Takedowns and Throws
- Stand Up Striking
- Mobility and Positional Drills
Pros
- Durable material
- Easy to pick up and position upright with handles
- Great for practicing knee strikes
- Can be used for condition and strength workout
Cons
- Size and weight is smaller and lighter than ideal for larger practitioners
- No limbs for submission practice
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
2. Title MMA Dummy Heavy Bag
This Title training dummy stands out from the other options because it could also be used as a heavy bag. The top of this product has three rings for hanging it onto a heavy bag stand or from the ceiling. Without handles and limbs present, this Title dummy is limited in its use for submission grappling drills. The following video consists of a professional MMA fighter demonstrating, on a similar shaped dummy, how this type of dummy can be integrated into your MMA training routine.
Features
- Height: 50 inches (127 cm)
- Weight Options:
- 1)100 lbs (45.35 kg)
- 2) 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- Color Option: Black
- Material: Triple-ply synthetic leather
- Heavy Bag Usage
- Material – Nylon hanging straps utilizing a hook and loop design with D-shaped metal rings.
- Pocket Design – Upon using the Title dummy for takedowns and groundwork, the metal rings can be inserted into pockets on top of the bag that were designed to firmly hold it in place.
- Attachments – The metal chains and swivel for using this dummy product as a heavy bag is included.
- Ideal Usage:
- Ground and Pounds
-
- Takedowns and Throws
-
- Stand Up Striking
-
- Mobility and Positional Drills
Pros
- 2-in-1 design is easily adaptable between heavy bag and training dummy
- Sturdy material is thick and tough enough for regular striking use
- Life-like shape makes it great replica for a real opponent
Cons
- No limbs for submission practice
- Metal chains included is a little long for hanging at home
Overall Rating: 4/5
3. Combat Sports Legged Grappling Dummy
Combat Sports legged grappling dummy is a versatile product designed to endure throws, takedowns and strikes. Unlike the previous two dummies, this one has limbs for practicing submissions as well. The video below shows an demonstration on how to use this type of training dummy to improve your throwing skills.
Features
- Height: 64 inches (162.5 cm) or 70 inches (178 cm)
- Arm Length: Approximately 17-18 inches
- Weight:
- 1) 70 lbs (31.75 kg)
- 2) 90 lbs (40.8 kg)
- 3) 120 lbs (54.4 kg)
- 4) 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
- Color Option: Green and Black
- Material: Heavy duty nylon and military-grade vinyl
- Ideal Usage:
- Ground and Pounds
- Takedowns and Throws
- Mobility and Positional Drills
- Submissions
- Striking
Pros
- Great weight and size options even for the bigger and stronger users
- Durable exterior
- Can withstand maximum force ground-and-pound
- Good for throws and takedowns
Cons
- Short and stiff arms limit submission opportunities and makes it more prone to tear
- Ability to stand upright might diminish over time
Overall Rating: 4/5
4. Century Versys VS.2
Century has different types of training dummy with features similar to the model we will be reviewing here. They differ in shapes, sizes, weights and features, such as arms and head piece. For this review, we will be focusing on the model named Versys VS.2.
The Versys VS.2’s third leg is a distinct feature that grants it the ability to stay standing. Unlike the rest of the training dummies shown in this article, the VS.2 is also designed with portability in mind. The three legs could be folded together and you could separate the body from the legs by simply unzipping the zipper at its waistline. Century’s video clip below shows this training dummy as well as similar models and how they could be used to improve your martial arts ability.
Features
- Height: 60 inches (152.4 cm)
- Weight: 50 lbs (22.68 kg)
- Color Option: Only the color option shown above is available
- Material: Vinyl
- Ideal Usage:
- Ground and Pounds
- Takedowns and Throws
- Mobility and Positional Drills
- Subimssion
- Stand Up Striking
Pros
- Easy to pick up and stand upright
- Portable
- Awesome for practicing leg kicks and sweeps
- Good option for wrestling and judo takedowns
Cons
- Height is shorter than ideal for some individuals
- 50 lb is a bit too light for bigger/stronger users
- Arm stiffness makes it difficult for specific submission and throwing attempts
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
5. Celebrita MMA Grappling Dummy
Celebrita MMA’s grappling dummy is created with life-like characteristics. The ability to bend its legs means you have a wide variety of wrestling and Jiu Jitsu techniques that could be drilled with this dummy. An important thing to note is that it will be delivered to you “unfilled.” Therefore, you will have to open up this dummy via the zipper on its back and put in the appropriate filler material. The subsequent video shows an individual demonstrating how this dummy could be used for MMA and submission grappling training.
Features
- Height:
- 1] 40 in (101 cm)
- 2] 47 in (119 cm)
- 3] 59 in (150 cm)
- 4] 70 inches (178 cm)
- Arm Length: 14-18 inches
- Weight (corresponds to height above):
- 1] 55 lbs (25 kg)
- 2] 77 lbs (35 kg)
- 3] 99 lbs (45 kg)
- 4] 121 lbs (55 kg)
- Color Options: Red, Black, and Blue
- Material Options: Canvas and Artificial Leather (More expensive)
- Ideal Usage:
- Ground and Pounds
- Mobility and positional drills
- Submissions
Pros
- Adjustable stiffness by changing the stuffing material and amount
- Great for practicing chokes and leg locks
- Both canvas and leather options are durable
- Excellent selection options
- Body proportions good for gi specific techniques
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Does not stand upright by itself
- Does not come pre-filled
- Not designed for heavy strikes
- Arms are slightly shorter than preferred
Overall Rating: 4/5
6. Ring to Cage Grappling Dummy
This dummy is a hand constructed product consisting of a high quality material called Denier Cordura that is resistant to wear and tear. The primary purpose of this dummy is to sharpen your submission skills. Use it to drill techniques taught in class or from external sources like Jiu Jitsu books or DVDs. You can purchase this product pre-filled or unfilled. Unfilled is the cheaper route if you have household items that you think will make great filler material. The video below shows a Jiu Jitsu practitioner performing leg locks on a similar grappling dummy.
Features
- Height: 72 in (183 cm)
- Weight: 70 – 75lbs (31.75 to 34 kg)
- Color Option: Black
- Material: Military Grade Nylon
- Ideal Usage:
- Mobility and Positional Drills
- Submissions
- Ground and Pounds
Pros
- Great size for mimicking live training partners
- Adjustable arms
- Excellent build for gi and nogi submission grappling
- Can be used to practice foot and leg locks
- Comes with option for pre-filled or unfilled
Cons
- Inability to stand upright by itself makes it difficult to practice wrestling shots
- Designed only for light hits and not heavy strikes
- Lack of size and weight options
Overall Rating: 4/5
