How to Choose the Right Grappling Dummy Size for Kids and Adults

Purchasing a grappling dummy can appear to be an easy choice, but it is important to take into account the size of the dummy needed and not just the largest one available. If the dummy is too large, it can be cumbersome to carry and can lead to incorrect technique. A dummy that is too small, however, may not give the “realistic resistance” the practitioner needs for useful practice. This grappling dummy size guide can assist parents, young athletes, teens, beginners and adults find the right training dummy for their martial art training needs, experience levels, strength, goals and height.

Generally brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, MMA, judo, and self defence practice uses grappling dummies. The right model should be easy to control, and at the same time provide a realistic training experience.

Why it is important to choose the right size? Why it is important to select the right size?

Size and the weight of a grappling dummy impact upon its safety and efficiency of use. The user might have to perform a number of lifts, drags, turns, pins or repositions on the dummy during solo training. These movements become challenging with proper posture if the equipment is too big or bulky.

Practicing using an appropriately sized dummy can support the practice of:

• Takedown entries
• Guard passing
• Side control and mount
• Armbars and triangles
• Escapes and transitions
• Wrestling drills
• Ground-and-pound practice

The primary objective should be for children to move safely and be confident. The dummy should be a suitable size to the adult and the correct proportions for the child, but it should not be so large that it is hard to handle for repeated sessions.

Grappling dummy size comparison for kids, teenagers, and adults to help choose the right training size.

Recommended Grappling Dummy Size for Young Kids

Generally younger children will be best served using a grappling dummy ranging from 90 to 120 cm. In this range it will be easier for the child to carry, position and control the range during basic training.

Generally, a lightweight model is recommended for children under 8 years. The training of martial arts at this level should emphasize movement, balance, coordination, body position, and basic control; not heavy lifting or powerful throwing.

Home training may be more fun with a smaller dummy. Children will continue to practise if they can complete a drill successfully.

Parents should keep in mind that the filled weight is important as well as the height. Even if a child has a small dummy, tightly packed with heavy clothing it may still be too challenging to move safely.

A best size for older children.

A dummy of about 120 – 140 cm is suitable for children aged 8 – 12 years.

For a beginner or smaller child a 120 cm model may be preferable. If a taller, stronger or more experienced child, they may be able to use a 130 cm or 140 cm dummy.

When purchasing, it is easy to fall for that extra large size that they will be able to use for multiple years. A large piece of equipment can be frustrating to train with, and may lead to improper lifting habits, though.

A dummy which enables the child to do the following is the best:

• Maintain good posture
• Use complete techniques without difficulty
• Do not strain to move the dummy
• Repeat drills comfortably
• Be trained under appropriate guidance

The proper technique should always be more important than having a heavier training partner.

Finding the right size for teenagers

Typically, teens require a size between a junior and full adult model. The dummy which is grappling can be 140 cm or 160 cm, depending on the athlete's height, strength, sport and experience.

A lighter or younger teenager might want to use the 140 cm dummy for groundwork, submissions, transitional work, and positional work.

A taller and/or more advanced teenager may be better off using a 150cm or 160cm model for wrestling, takedowns, top control and full body drills.

The dummy should be realistic but the athlete should be able to move it safely. If the technique is too difficult to complete, the dummy could be too heavy and/or be stuffed too full.

Grappling dummy size for adults is a recommended size.

For adults, a dummy between 160cm and 180cm will be appropriate for home or gym training.

160 cm Grappling Dummy

If you have limited space, are a beginner, or are a smaller adult, a 160 cm model will work. This can be easier to position and store with maintaining body length for submissions, guard passing and controlled takedowns.

170 cm Grappling Dummy

The 170 cm dummy is a good compromise for realism and manageability. It works well for average sized adults and can be used for BJJ, wrestling, MMA, judo and general grappling.

180 cm Grappling Dummy

For taller or stronger athletes, a 180 cm model might be more appropriate, and would allow them to train with a larger training partner. Clinch, pressure, top control, takedowns and full-body positioning can be helpful with it.

The larger dummies require greater training space, however, and can become difficult to move after training.

Choose the Size According to Your Martial Art

You should also base your choice on your training objectives.

For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu use a flexible dummy that has usable arms and legs. This will allow for better armbars, kimuras, triangles, transitions to mount, guard passing, and back control.

A heavier, slightly larger dummy may be more beneficial for single leg takedowns, double leg takedowns and entries, lifts, sprawls and control practice drills during wrestling.

MMA: Make sure to get a durable one that can be used for grappling and controlled striking. Standing, clinching and ground movements should be easy.

Beginners and children should select low intensity resistance rather than high intensity resistance. The more advanced athletes can use larger or heavier dummies for conditioning; however, technique should still come first.

Pay Attention to the Filled Weight

The weight of the dummy is determined a lot by the contents of the dummy. Materials used for filling include old clothes, towels, fabric scraps, shredded fabric and foam.

Begin with a lighter fill and gradually increase the weight. Torso should be firm and not floppy, arms and legs should be flexible.

Don't fill the joints too dense. If the limbs are overfull, it can become difficult or unfeasible to do submission drills.

Consider Your Available Space

If you are looking to buy a large model, you should first measure the area you will be training and storing it in.

A smaller dummy can be more easily used in an apartment, bedroom, garage or tight home gym. A larger model will take up more floor space, especially when it comes to takedowns, transitions, and wrestling drills.

An important consideration is also where the dummy will be stored. After full size model is completed, it can be cumbersome to transport.

Final Thoughts

The optimum size varies based on the individual who is using it. For young children, a lightweight 90cm – 120cm dummy will typically be suitable. Older children could choose from 120 cm to 140 cm, while older teens can sometimes opt for between 140 cm to 160 cm. The length of 160 cm or 170 cm is suitable for most adults, and for taller and stronger athletes, you can choose 180 cm.

With the help of this grappling dummy size guide, parents and martial artists can select equipment that will allow safe practice, realistic drills, correct technique, and long-term improvement.