Grappling Dummy Balance: Why Weight Distribution Matters
In addition to the weight being felt when lifting the dummy, a grappling dummy weight distribution can have a significant impact. A mis-distribution of weight through the head, shoulders, torso, hips, arms and legs may alter their balance, rotation, foot location/footing and the reaction of the dummy during throws or positional exercises. If an athlete starts using the DAAN MMA equipment regularly, the weight distribution of the equipment can explain why a dummy will be different over time.
Why Weight Distribution Is Important
The grappling dummy is continually lifted, turned over, pulled, thrown and moved again.
These movements may cause the filling to be under pressure at various points within the dummies.
The dummy might behave more predictably in familiar exercises if the weight is reasonably balanced.
However, if the shift in filling is considerable, then the centre of gravity may also change.
Can change the fall, rotation or ground settling of the dummy.
So, grappling dummy balance is important to take into account in addition to the dummy's overall weight.
The Torso Is an Important Starting Point
Typically, the bulk of the dummy's weight will be in the torso.
When filling is focused on one side of the body, it may begin to lean or turn differently than normal.
Press on either side and feel the firmness of the chest, abdomen and back.
Look for:
- Uneven firmness
- Soft sections
- Compressed areas
- Changes of shape (visible)
- Having one side heavier than the other
Complete grappling training equipment response can be affected by a change in the torso as it acts as a connection between the upper and lower portions of the dummy.
Avoids Checking the Head and Shoulders
Affects upper-body balance – head and shoulders.
This area may be subject to repeated blows from mats and other surfaces when throwing and transitioning.
If one shoulder is softer, or more compressed than the other, the dummy could rotate differently when moved.
Check both shoulders, and at the point where the arms meet the body.
The repeated drill can feel more consistent with the use of balanced upper-body weight.
Listen to the Hips
The hips are particularly significant as they are near the centre of gravity.
If there is a change in filling around the hips, the dummy will alter its stance, fall or lie on the ground.
The hips can also be subjected to pressure at multiple times during takedown and positional work.
Check for firmness or shape changes to both sides.
If one can be felt as noticeably heavier, the dummy can naturally move towards the heavier side when in motion.
This may impact BJJ and wrestling training in which there is a definite positioning of the body that is useful for repeating techniques.
Arms and Legs Also Impact Balance
The limbs can have less weight than the torso but still affect the movement of the dummy.
This can be important if there is a difference in filling in one leg or arm.
For instance, one leg that is heavier could lead to the lower body rotating in a different manner when throwing.
Similarly, a heavier arm will affect the behaviour of the dummy after being moved.
Inspect limbs opposite to each other and compare to see if they are firm and shaped similarly.
The aim is not to be mathematically exact but for there to be a more or less uniform training response.
Centre of Gravity Can Change
The point where the dummy's weight is balanced is called the centre of gravity.
If the centre of gravity is moving during the filling, the filling can be done.
This can change:
- Rotation
- Throw response
- Ground contact
- Standing balance
- Positional stability
The dummy may not be damaged when the centre of gravity is shifted.
This can be just inside material moving or compressing.
This is why grappling dummy maintenance should involve not only checking the appearance but the feel of the dummy, too.
The Distribution of Weight in Storage Can Also Influence the Weight Distribution
The way that a dummy is stored can also impact its shape and internal balance.
When folded, compressed under other equipment or left in position for extended periods of time, pressure may be concentrated in one area.
When possible, store the dummy following the manufacturer's recommendations and refrain from putting excessive weight on any part of the dummy.
Frequent repositioning may also assist gym owners to detect changes before they grow into severe.
Do Not Add Filling Without Checking First
When a dummy feels unbalanced, it may not be the case that more filling will make him or her feel better straight away.
It sounds as though the problem may be that the filling is not the same as the original filling but that the filling has shifted.
Adding too much filling can be too firm in one area, or alter the overall training response.
Examine the whole dummy thoroughly.
Adjustments may be required, make according to the manufacturer's instructions for the particular model and use suitable filling techniques.
This is especially important if you have a lot of equipment for combat sports that are used often.
Move to the Inspection of the School and Its Curriculum
While visual checks are beneficial, movement can provide further information.
Raise the dummy, move and watch the fall and/or rotation.
Make a comparison between its present behaviour and the normal behaviour of that piece of equipment.
If it is always facing one way or it is having abnormal ground contact, check the corresponding areas for imbalances.
This can help to pinpoint the distribution where the change may have taken place.
Final Thoughts
Dummy weight distribution issues can impact balance, centre of gravity, rotation and ground response.
A "dummy" with fairly even filling will have a more consistent throwing action in repeated throws, transitions and positional drills.
Look for any differences in firmness or weight in torso, shoulders, hips, arms and legs.
Take into account storage, repetition of pressure and the movement of the dummy in normal training.
Keep an eye on grappling dummy weight distribution, and regularly maintain the DAAN MMA equipment to improve understanding of changes in movement and keeping the training environment more consistent.
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