For times when you can’t work with a live sparring partner, a grappling dummy can be a great substitute. We’re going to look at some of the best grappling dummies that you can buy online.
A grappling dummy encourages both offensive and defensive positions for many martial arts. These include MMA, BJJ, and Judo. This means you can find dummies that are for a specific art, as well as multi-purpose models. Here are three of our top picks.
Our Top Picks
Grappling dummies are sold in several sizes, weights, and styles. So, you’ll need to ensure you get the best one for your training requirements. Here we deep-dive into each model on our list.
Contents
- 0.1 Winner: Celebrita MMA Grappling Dummy
- 0.2 Runner-Up: Jayefo Grappling Dummy
- 0.3 Jendila Grappling Dummy
- 0.4 Deagle MMA Grappling Dummy
- 0.5 FNine Sports Grappling Dummy
- 0.6 Century Versys Grappling Dummy
- 0.7 Aoneky Leather Grappling Dummy
- 0.8 Ring to Cage Grappling Dummy
- 0.9 DEFY Sports Grappling Dummy
- 1 Grappling Dummy FAQ
- 2 Grappling Dummies Summary
Winner: Celebrita MMA Grappling Dummy
Our top contender on the list comes from Celebrita with a dedicated MMA grappling dummy. Displayed in a sitting position with the hands to the front, this comes unfilled but can be filled up to 120 pounds.
The size options are as follows:
- 40″ up to 55 lbs
- 47″ up to 77 lbs
- 59″ up to 99 lbs
- 70″ up to 121 lbs
This gives a good range of heights and weights to pick from. Adults will want to go for the 59-inch or 70-inch models. The other two sizes are designed for children. The adult grappling dummy uses canvas material and comes in black, blue, or red.
The grappling dummy is ideal for MMA, judo, or jiu-jitsu. It has a solid construction and once filled will resemble the image seen above.
Pros:
- 90 degrees curved legs
- Positioned on knees and elbows
- Can be filled with many material types
Cons:
- Some difficulties in entirely stuffing the dummy
Product Specifications
Size | 40 inch and 47 inch |
Position | Sitting |
Ready filled | No |
Runner-Up: Jayefo Grappling Dummy
Our next option is this all-purpose grappling dummy from Jayefo.
This is a full-size standing dummy that is available in both five and six feet sizes. It can also be purchased in a couple of different colors.
It is made with thick canvas material and is made to feel as though you are fighting with a real opponent. This is possible due to the realistic sizes available.
Designed to mirror and move like that of a human body, this is fantastic as a BJJ grappling dummy. It can also be used for punching and wrestling moves.
Though this does come unfilled, you can use poly-fillers or cotton for the best results. Or, for a cheap filling solution, torn old clothes and blankets will also be suitable here.
Entirely durable and made to last, this dummy has printed targets on its body to increase your aim.
The movable head, hands, and legs resemble a person, with an industrial zip securing it. As well as an over flap to the back featuring sticky Velcro.
Pros:
- Mirrors a real opponent
- Printed targets
- Great maneuverability
Cons:
- It needs a lot of material to fill fully!
Product Specifications
Size | 6 ft |
Position | Standing |
Ready filled | No |
Jendila Grappling Dummy
For a dummy that encourages many drills, the Jendila dummy is a good grappling partner to practice on. It also makes a great BJJ dummy bag.
It comes in four vibrant colors and three sizes.
- 48 inches
- 54 inches
- 60 inches
- 66 inches
- 72 inches
It is a grappling dummy that is made from durable canvas fabric. The idea of this makeup is that it can withstand much harder force than similar models.
Like the first two, this one also comes unfilled. Jendila suggests that polyfill isn’t quite dense enough for adults, only for children. Yet, for adults, the Jendila dummy is ideally stuffed with shredded clothes or rags.
With a 65 lb weight limit at its largest size, kids can best work with this dummy at the 30 lb size.
Now with longer arms in its design, armbars can be practiced more effectively here. With improved knee and foot sections, ankle and leg locks can also be readily attempted.
Best of all, the Jendila is a sitting dummy type, which means it can maintain its position on its own.
Pros:
- Allows for multiple drills
- Ideal for adults and kids
- Holds position well
Cons:
- Not that easy to stuff
Product Specifications
Size | 42 inches, 66 inches & 72 inches |
Position | Sitting |
Ready filled | No |
Deagle MMA Grappling Dummy
Deagle MMA presents its grappling dummy, which is perfect for kids and teenagers.
The Elyminator model is a cheap option as it only comes in the size of four-foot. That’s why it’s not a good option for adults. As with the others, it comes unfilled and has been tested in labs for its quality and material. The outside layer is a durable EMX canvas.
When filled, this can take up to 80 lbs, though Deagle MMA recommends between 20 and 50 lbs. Filling this dummy can be done quickly with poly fillers, or a cheaper option is to use old clothes.
Designed to withstand everything that is thrown at it, this dummy is triple stitched. It claims to work harder against any potential of tearing or breaking. So, it can be thrown to the ground, punched, kicked, as well as offer some of the best grappling submissions.
It comes in three great colors, with a target for practicing direct strikes. This makes it an ideal choice for youngsters to build up that much-needed focus.
Pros:
- Durable EMX canvas
- Triple stitched
- Realistic shape
Cons:
- Not designed for adults
Product Specifications
Size | 4 ft |
Position | Standing |
Ready filled | No |
FNine Sports Grappling Dummy
FNine Sports is next with its MMA type sitting position dummy which is available to buy in several sizes. These are the following:
- 40 inches
- 47 inches
- 59 inches
- 70 inches
The two smaller sizes are aimed at children, so the 59 and 70-inch options are for adults. You won’t be spoilt for choice as you can pick from a selection of bright colors.
All sizes come unfilled and depending on the filling used will differ in weight. Once full, the grappling dummy will weigh between 35 and 55 kg. Ideal filling materials are cotton, shredded material, or filler material types. You can even use old clothes and blankets if you have them around the house.
Using smooth canvas, the finish here is of top quality and high standard material. This is what ensures the durability of this dummy for a long time.
Pros:
- Practical, workable position
- Wider choice of sizes available
- Smooth canvass
Cons:
- Some positioning issues mentioned
Product Specifications
Size | 40, 47, 59 and 70 inches |
Position | Sitting |
Ready filled | No |
Century Versys Grappling Dummy
Century offers a grappling dummy in the form of their Versys Fight Simulator. This model is more of a low-base free-standing punch bag that can be used for groundwork as well.
What we like about the Versys, is that it works well for both ground training and stand-up training. This allows you to incorporate both styles of training in one. This makes it ideal for MMA rather than BJJ training.
Best of all for some people is the fact that the base of this grappling dummy comes pre-filled with sand. As well as EPE foam on the inside, the bag in total weighs approximately 100 lbs. This is a hassle-free solution for your home gym and one that can be used by all levels.
Pros:
- Pre-filled
- Allows for stand-up and ground training
- Large striking surface
Cons:
- High price tag!
Product Specifications
Size | 100 Ibs |
Position | Standing |
Ready filled | Yes |
Aoneky Leather Grappling Dummy
For a large 6-foot leather grappling dummy, Aoneky offers a professional option. Its makers consider it the ultimate training partner for MMA, BJJ, and wrestling. You won’t need protective wrestling headgear for this opponent, though!
Made with increased stitching, this dummy benefits from reinforcement all over. It also has a triple-ply and synthetic leather type cover, so it’s a durable choice.
It is arguably the highest quality heavy dummy on this list. The Aoneky can be slammed over and over again. Yet, it will still return to its perfect form after every session!
As with most of the others, you’ll have to fill this dummy once it arrives. Also, the arms have a span of 19 inches once they’re filled. You can use fillings such as recycled textiles, cuttings, or shredding. Depending on the filling, once full it can weigh up to 140 lbs.
Pros:
- Super strength cover
- Reinforced stitching
- Full 360-degree maneuverability
Cons:
- Difficult to fill fully!
Product Specifications
Size | 6 ft |
Position | Standing |
Ready filled | No |
Ring to Cage Grappling Dummy
Ring to Cage offers a different type of grappling dummy to the sitting and standing options. What’s great about this model is that it comes pre-filled, so it can be used immediately.
It is approximately 60 lbs with measurements of 38 inches by 15 inches. It uses a polyester-coated vinyl material which is as strong as leather alternatives. It only comes in black, but it’s been triple-stitched to ensure ongoing use for many years to come.
This increased reinforcement means that you can punish it as much as possible. Yet, you don’t have to worry about it sustaining its original shape and form.
It’s ideal for grappling, training, throwing, punching, and groundwork. It also boasts several handles, which makes it easy to move. This makes it ideal for MMA and wrestling athletes and fitness workouts.
Pros:
- Pre-filled
- Several handles
- Extremely durable material and design
Cons:
- None yet mentioned!
Product Specifications
Size | 60 Ibs |
Position | Standing |
Ready filled | Yes |
DEFY Sports Grappling Dummy
Our final grappling dummy on the list comes from the makers at DEFY Sports. It is available in two color options, either black/red or black/white. It is a sitting grappling dummy that is available in either 5 or 6 feet.
Making use of durable material, this artificial leather model is the company’s GD2 Model. Boasting of 100% guaranteed quality in its build. It comes unfilled so you’ll have to add this yourself. But, once it is filled it will be similar to a real opponent.
It has a double face to practice striking both sides. But, the best part is that this is a submission-style dummy that offers fantastic value for money.
Pros:
- Artificial leather
- Double face area
- Mirrors that or a real opponent
Cons:
- Some issues with shoulder and arm attachments
Product Specifications
Size | 5 ft and 6 ft |
Position | Sitting |
Ready filled | No |
Grappling Dummy FAQ
How to use a grappling dummy
In the simplest terms, you use a grappling dummy as you would a real partner. The difference is that you have more control over the dummy than with a sparring partner.
So, it’s more a case of training based on the position of the grappling dummy you buy. You can then practice how you would as if there was a real person in place of the dummy. This is precisely where they’re designed for.
This allows you to practice all types of strikes with different body parts as weapons. The main use though is groundwork. It’s best to buy a grappling dummy that can be placed in many positions for submission training.
If you don’t have padded BJJ mats at home then you can still use these models on the bare floor.
Different dummy types
- MMA – Tend to be more durable to suit the demand of this sport. Movement-wise, they usually offer two positions for greater depth of training.
- Grappling – A more lightweight dummy and more flexible to move into different positions.
- Throwing – Heavier dummy types are often designed for conditioning. These usually have no arms or legs, so are limited on the number of grappling moves that can be tried.
- BJJ – BJJ grappling dummies usually offer a choice of two positions. These are lying flat on the back or one with a positioning that allows closed guard or back submission.
Shall I buy it filled or unfilled?
This question falls to personal preference and ease of filling. If you buy an unfilled grappling dummy you can fill it to the preferred weight you want it. But, if you buy a filled dummy, the weight can’t be adjusted.
For us, the main question is how easy is the grappling dummy to fill. Some are harder than others and need more materials due to bigger sizes. If you don’t want the hassle of filling it yourself, buy one that comes already filled.
Different position grappling dummies
There are two main types of positions when it comes to grappling dummies. These include sitting and standing.
Sitting dummies are ideal for groundwork training. Standing dummies are those upright most ideal for grappling moves as they’re flexible.
Grappling Dummies Summary
Whilst the best grappling dummy can’t replace a real sparring partner, they do offer a lot. This became even more clear when many gyms were closed and people had to train at home.
We’ve brought you what we regard as the best grappling dummies for MMA, BJJ, Judo, and other martial arts. You’ll have to select which is the right one for you based on stance, size, and weight.
What we will say is that the models from Celebrita and Jayefo are two of the most versatile options.