Tag Archives: Martial Arts

Sep 28 2009

How To Build A Grappling Dummy

100_2261In Search of the Ultimate Training/Grappling Dummy.

About 4 months ago I decided I wanted to purchase a grappling dummy that I could train with when I had no partners around.  I didn’t just want any grappling dummy, I wanted one that was fully capable of taking on many different positions, as well as capable of submissions.  Everything I found looked too stiff, or non-functional f100_2264or the purposes that I desired until I came across the Submission Master.  Unfortunately it was out of my price range.  I would highly recommend that if you have the financial capabilities to purchase the Submission Master, however if you don’t feel free to use the following design.  Be prepared this is no walk in the park project.  It will take some time, energy, as well as some ingenuity and creativity. 

First I started by gathering my supplies.  It cost me about $80 compared to that of $500+ for one already made.

  • 100_2275Most important:  4/0-4/0-2/0 200 amp service entrance cable / aluminum electrical cable ($30)(Lowes) (Frame) This is 3 separate cables sold together.
  • Condensed Foam ($20)(Wal-Mart) or use an old couch cushion to save money.
  • Pool Noodles ($10) (Wal-Mart) or pipe insulation
  • Canvas Painters Tarp ($10) (Lowes) – Optional, you could just leave duct tape as your final coat.
  • 3-5 Rolls of Mid-Heavy Gauge Duct Tape ($20-$35) (Lowes)
  • 5-10 lb Sand Bag ($5) Adds weight and makes it capable of punching.
  • Odds and ends like socks, clothes, and various other materials

100_2352I already had some of these items, so that helped me to cut some cost.  The only things that are a must is the Service entrance cable and duct tape.  Every thing else could be supplemented.

 I started by assembling my frame.  I took the two 4/0 gauge cables and intertwined them to form what I call a cross body frame.  The left arm and right leg are actually the same cable, and the right arm and the left leg are actually the same cable.  By crossing them like so, it will help provide stability, and durability.  At the ends of the cables I curled them to form the 100_2355hands and feet. As far as measurements, I used my own body lengths plus two extra inches all around to form the frame.  I am 5’10″, and the dummy is probably 6’2″-4″.  I would recommend your body length plus one or no extra inches.  I started from my fingers tips and measured to my chest bone, down to the tip of my opposite toes. 

I then used the 2/0 gauge cable to twist around the spine to provide support, and I used the remainder of the cable sticking up to form a skull .  I then covered the frame with noodles, and condensed foam. For the hands and feet I used old sparring gear, but I wish I would have just covered them in noodles and a sock.  They would have been more dimensional.  I added a sand bag to form the head and up100_2356per torso.  I wrapped it heavily in duct tape to provide the capabilities of handling punches.  After that I just kept adding condensed foam and duct tape.  I shaped him the way I thought he should look.  To finish it off I used a painters canvas drop cloth for his final layer.  I simply cut and glued, and used duct tape on the seems.  If one was capable of doing upholstery they could probably sew the finished canvas.  I used extra strength duct tape around the hips to finish him off.  

The only thing I had left to do was clothe him, and name him.  I used an old karate uniform, but you could use some old sweats. The dummy weighs about 50 lbs.

This dummy is great for Passing the guard training- over and over (the legs stay up!)
* Guard training – triangles, arm bars, guillotine, razor locks, sweeps… do it all!
* Knee bars…
* Leg locks…
* Heel hooks…
…from inside the guard, side mount, knee on stomach… every position.
* Turtle position
* “Start” position (sitting up on knees)
* North South position
* Mount and Side mount
* and, it’s great for striking, too!

It is fully flexible, and also capable of all of the techniques in the following video.

Final thought. This is only a proto-type, and I cannot guarantee how long it would last. If you are looking for the best quality grappling dummy without all of the hard work, get the Submission Master Grappling Dummy by CLICKING HERE.  They even offer a payment plan, and satisfaction guaranteed offer.

Feel Free to Contact me if you have any questions. CONTACT

Feb 25 2009

Future Black Belt In The Making

kaleb-somYesterday, I was excited when my son was announced Student of the Month in Karate.  When his Instructor Pat Malone handed him his medal and certificate Kaleb’s face just lit up.  I had the privilege of placing the medal around his neck as I looked upon him with pride.  Kaleb really has come a long ways in the martial arts. He has been training since he turnekalebsomd 4 years old.  Being the child of instructors can be very hard on him, but he always keeps a positive attitude.  Having to share your parents with many other students, stay at the gym for long hours, and stay out of trouble while his parents are busy setting up requires a lot of independence.  This is the first time Kaleb was selected for this in the two years of RMAA operation.  We are very proud of him. Kaleb is a future black belt in the making.

Oct 28 2008

2 Months and Going Strong

We have been offering free martial arts to the community for the last 2 months, and God has been blessing through it.  Children are memorizing scripture, learning discipline, and self control.  Tonight will be our first testing since we closed the school in Rogers.  I am very excited to see what our students have retained, and been able to apply.  This is a time where parents should be proud of their children.  The martial arts is a very thought provoking art which requires mental and physical strength.  Putting on that belt for the first time is a very rewarding moment especially for those who trained hard to obtain it.  Tonight students will demonstrate their abilities, and for those who succeed the honor is great.  We will have an awards ceremony 2 weeks from today, and students will be able to call themselves “Martial Artist”.  True martial artist are a rare breed.  Too many of our black belts are so caught up in the sport aspect as well as arrogant pride they lose focus of the true martial artist.  One who is humble, respectful, and at the same time proud of whom they have become.  A great deal of respect is due to those who have worked so hard to keep the martial arts an art.

Aug 27 2008

Karate Recap

According to the Sign in Sheet we had 29 people show up for Karate.  That is not counting myself or Katie.  It was a great class.  The students listened, and had a good time.  I think we will have allot of students registering next week.  I did have a couple parents that were frustrated, because their child wouldn’t stay still, but you know what, we got to remember that they are kids.  They are not Great Kung Fu Karate Masters.  That is why we call them the Ninja Monkeys.  After it was all said and done I think it was an overall successful class.  I’m glad we are back in session.