How To Make Your Training Dummy

If you’re into mixed martial arts or grappling, then you know the importance of having a training dummy.

They help you work on your techniques, accuracy, and power. But did you know that you can make your training dummy? With a little bit of time and some basic materials, you can create your own personal grappling dummy that will be perfect for your training needs.

When it comes to training for grappling, there are many options available.

You can join a class, purchase a pre-made grappling dummy, or make your own. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, or if you simply enjoy DIY projects, then making your grappling training dummy might be the right choice for you. The process is relatively simple and only requires a few materials. Here’s how to do it.

Memo: If you can’t get your hands on any of these things, feel free to wing it!

The following measurements are estimated. Your numbers will be different.

1. A thick cable of about 3 MTS which is 10 ft.
2. PVC tubes are about 3.5 MTS/11.5 ft. in length and 5 cm/2 in. in diameter (count of 2).
3. PVC “T” joints of the exact width of the PVC tubes (count of 2).
4. PVC “elbow” joints of the exact width of the PVC tubes.
5. A rope about 3 MTS/10 ft. long, the width dependent on what is utilized to drill the holes.
6. A lighter or any additional way to make a fire to burn the ends of the rope.
7. Duct tape for a count of 6 or 7 rolls.
8. Padding or anything you can use to stuff the dummy muscles with like diapers, cloth, newspapers, clothes, pool floats, pillows…etc.
9. A saw or similar to cut PVC tubes.
10. Fabric (the cloth you will lay on in step 1) & Pen to draw the dummy’s outline, use the most inexpensive as it’s just for sketching on, see the first step.
11. Clothing is optional like a Kimono dress for the dummy.
12. This is voluntary: masking tape, scissors, or any other cutting instruments.

Building The Dummy

Step 1: If you can, have somebody outline the shape of your body while you’re laid down on the cloth that’s spread out on the ground.

IMPORTANT: You must be capable of distinguishing where the joints are for later requirements such as the knees, elbows, wrists, etc. Make sure you’re clear.

Step 2: Measure the length of each group of your body parts that were outlined. The arms, the torso including the head, and legs.

Step 3: Cut the cables with any cutting instrument, using the sizes you acquired earlier. You can essentially use masking tape to hold down the cloth you laid on from shifting anything around.

Step 4: The most straightforward action for this stage is to measure your body parts and create your clone!

Step 5: Cut the PVC pipes based on your body part sizes to make the frame of the dummy! Also, note down the areas where there are going to be PVC “T’s” and “Elbows”.

Let’s begin putting together the dummy’s parts to form its structure! Check out the image for a better idea.

Step 6: You’re going to need to drill pairs of holes as you can see in the image, to pass the rope through them.

Memo: We’ll drill the PVC “T” to likewise open it and pass the cable through it.

IMPORTANT: The holes must be placed in natural locations where we want them, so that the body parts bend like behind the knees, at the throat, the front side of the shoulders, etc.

Step 7: Cut 11 pieces of the rope at about 30 cm./12 in. each AND use them to bind the drilled parts.

Step 8: We’re now required to drive the cables we cut previously via the tubes.

Step 9: Fasten the “elbows” and “T”s to the PVC tubes utilizing duct tape to stop the cable from slipping out the ends and secure the ends with duct tape as well.

We’ll cut the “hands” in half because they’re too large/tall. That’s up to you.

Step 10: Start filling in the dummy and complete your project! We utilized 2 chestpads (or use pillows) and fastened them together with duct tape.

Step 11: As we conclude stuffing each body part, we’ll secure it with duct tape!

*Head can be added with padding similar to the chest and back.

Step 12: This step is optional. Put some training gear on your dummy and enjoy!

In closing, constructing a grappling dummy is a quick and easy process that only requires a few materials and some creative thinking. With a little time and effort, anyone can have their training partner to help them improve their grappling skills. This is an exciting process that can be used to improve your grappling skills. By following these steps, you can create a safe and effective training tool that will help you become a better grappler. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and build your own grappling dummy today!

“Patience and persistence have a supernatural impact where hardships vanish and barriers disappear.”