Kids Grappling Dummy Buying Guide: Size, Material and Safe Solo Practice

A grappling dummy can be useful, especially when a young martial artist is working on his skills alone. It helps children to have a "repetition" tool to practise positions and movements that they have already mastered in BJJ, wrestling, Judo or other grappling classes. However, it's not just about picking the smallest size available; a decision for a child must be made with more thought.

The size, material, final weight, posture and type of practice are all important. Above all, a dummy should complement the teaching, not supplant coaching or partner training.

Below are some of the considerations that should be taken by parents and coaches before selecting one.

Start With the Right Size

It can be awkward to perform basic drills with a too-large or challenging dummy. A smaller-sized model will give a child a chance to focus on positioning and movement rather than on equipment geared towards an adult athlete.

DAAN MMA's current guidance is around 40–47” for kids and 59” for teens, and 70” for adults. For instance, one of its options for sale is the Premium Flexi Canvas, which comes in 40, 47, 59 and 70-inch sizes.

But height isn't the only factor. Consider the size of the child, their experience, strength and the drills being practised. The setups can vary between two children who are the same age.

The goal is not to find the maximum dummy the child can move. It's about finding pieces of apparatus that enable you to do controlled reps, with good technique.

Consider What the Child Is Learning

Consider the following ideas about what the child is learning:

Determine what the dummy is going to be used for before comparing materials.

A child learning BJJ could spend more time learning positions on the mat; a junior wrestler or judoka may need to learn a shape that is more appropriate for the basic standing entry and controlled takedown ranges of motion. DAAN MMA's training guide on grappling separates the standing designs for shots, throws and clinch position from mat-based sitting designs.

It may be then more helpful to browse the kids' grappling dummy options than to look for one by appearance alone, if you have a child's training objectives in mind.

The techniques in solo practice should be consolidated and should be previously taught by a qualified coach. A dummy will not be able to correct posture, to see when the movement is unsafe or to offer the changing reactions required from a real training partner.

Compare the Material

Dummy properties affect his or her normal handling, feel and durability.

Canvas can serve as a practical exercise platform to use in repeated grappling drills. The Premium Flexi Black Canvas model features canvas construction and comes in a variety of sizes, including 40 and 47 inches. DAAN MMA

The surface and finish are different with PU leather. DAAN MMA also has smaller PU leather models, such as 40 and 47” versions of its current Elite Black Leather Power Partner.

Vinyl is another alternative, especially if frequent training and regular clean-up are important. According to the current Elite Vinyl description by DAAN MMA, there are 47 inches available for kids and vinyl is easy to wipe down.

Don't assume that one material is the correct choice for all children, but do take into account frequency of use, training environment, budget and types of drills.

Kids Grappling Dummy Buying Guide: Choosing the right size, material and training setup for safe, supervised solo practice.

Pay Attention to Filling and Weight

Whether you are having trouble with filling or weight, it is essential to pay attention to both issues.

There are many grappling dummies that are supplied empty. This is important because the filling will help to dictate many of the final weight, firmness and handling properties.

The Premium Flexi Canvas Grappling Dummy is shipped empty and DAAN MMA recommends using old clothing, blankets or shreds of textiles for the shape, but poly filler or cotton is also an option. 

Don't assume that heavier is better when it comes to a child. The completed dummy should be sufficiently small to be usable for the exercise proposed. Parents must plan the preparation of the equipment according to the specific product guidance, and refer to the coach's advice on the characteristics of the equipment.

If there is no filling, there is some flexibility as the final feel will depend on how it is filled.

Simplify and Control Solo Practice

Children can continue to practise in accordance with their age and a grappling dummy can be used to support repetitions.

Begin with easy movements that the child is already familiar with. These can be repeated movements that the coach has approved, a familiar position or movement under control of the dummy. Do not make every practice session a speed test or a workout of strength or reps.

A purpose-built Joker Grappling Dummy for Kids may offer a young martial artist-specific choice; DAAN MMA's Joker line is made specifically for children and comes empty so it can be tailored for the child's training requirements.

Adult supervision, especially when practising at home, is helpful. Monitor the training area, ensure the mat area is clear and terminate a drill if the child is unable to perform the drill comfortably.

A Dummy Is a Practice Tool, Not a Training Partner

One of the key points parents need to be aware of is what a dummy cannot do.

It will not respond, react intelligently, turn around or say to a child when his/her approach is wrong. Those skills are developed as a result of coaching and suitable partnering.

The key to the dummy's strength is repetition. A child can repeat a familiar movement without the need for another child for each repetition. When used appropriately, it's part of a well-rounded training programme, not the only training programme.

Making Decisions With the Child in Mind

The first step in making a good buy is with the young athlete, and not just the product.

Take into account their body size and development, the type of martial arts they are doing, the positions their coach is teaching them and where and how the dummy will be used and how easy it will be to fill once it is in place.

The right kids grappling dummy shouldn't make practising more difficult. It should facilitate purposeful repetition.

It's the biggest difference for parents: select equipment that allows for controlled learning, proper technique, repetition and build consistency; and continue to keep the real coach at the heart of the child's martial training.