How to build a Grappling Dummy with realistic working parts

How to build a grappling dummy - This wooden dummy uses spline joints, to replicate natural bodily movements. In this video I show you how to make this dummy at home, with few tools, and a realistic budget. I made my dummy out of White Ash, and the total weight is 44 pounds.
I used 5/16" thick carriage bolts for the entire dummy. You could probably go with 3/8" thick bolts if you wanted to make it stronger. The length of each bolt will depend on how you build your dummy. I just had the carriage bolts sitting around, and cut each one to the length I needed. You could probably use hex bolts instead, if those are easier to get. I think you will like this dummy. Once it is completed, you will be able to do unlimited drills on lots of moves. I know it has helped, and is still helping me for sure.
Here is a link to a video showing the basic dimensions: • Wooden Grappling Dummy...
To check out pre-made grappling dummies, compare the best prices on Amazon here: www.amazon.com...
If you are thinking about training at home, it would benefit you to have a grappling mat. It cuts down on rug burns and can be great for tumbling and throws. I got some of those puzzle piece style grappling mats and they were great because you can set them up to fit any space that you have to train in. Plus they can come apart in sections for convenient transport and they also easily fold away when you are not using them. Here is a link to the same foam tiles I got on Amazon, they are very much well worth the investment - I guarantee that you will thank me later, my brothers and sisters of the gentle art! Check them out on Amazon here: www.amazon.com...
While you are there, check out the reasonable pricing on some of the best Jiu Jitsu Gi's here:
www.amazon.com...
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

To check out pre-made grappling dummies, compare the best prices on Amazon here: goo.gl/aZtbKM I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you!

[@jeremycointin1996]

Wow ... BEST DUMMY making instructional on the internet.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you very much

[@heruilin]

Most of the greatest content available on the internet is uploaded by people like yourself just wanting to share their creations with the masses. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this amazing video!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you very much!

[@askaboutRudyV]

Thanks for commenting on my dummy video. Your prototype dummy is a great idea. Good job. Genius, genius, genius! Very mobile and useful.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thanks for the share, improvements are planned for the upcoming future.

[@rodolfogregorio5176]

Thanks for the video, in the quarantine I build one following your instructions videos... Works really good, I regret I didn't take many pictures or videos of the wooden skeleton... Now it's covered with pool noodles and duct tape... Your videos were inspirational to me. THANK YOU

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Nice work!

[@juandenz2008]

Thanks for the tutorial and step by step instructions. I'm looking at making my own dummy and I'm comparing the various designs. Yours is definitely one of the best designs and sets of instructions !

[@kunedoman]

Very imaginative but this far from anything a regular dude can do. The time/cost and cursing in between is not going to out way buying one I would think. I fear the first M.A. friend who comes by to try it will get carried away & break a joint & the repair would seem to be extensive. I say that because that's what happened to my home-made dummy when I brought it into our adults class once upon a time. LOL, never did again!. NO DOUBT, what you created is awesome!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you for you kind words and funny story

[@davidsivits4472]

Great video and design. It would wonderful to see the dummy in action. Even demonstrate how to drill various maneuvers on the dummy. Thanks for the vid!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

got a couple of demo vids on this channel

[@ikindawannalearn9513]

I built one of these a while back taking some inspiration from your video (you can see mine on my channel). It has held up great! I used some free hardwood flooring that the neighbors were scrapping so mine is super heavy which is kind of nice actually. Hope you are still training! Thanks for sharing!

[@Scottygetright]

Very very cool vid man! You explain everything very well! Curiosity brought me here

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nounoursmanip]

thank you to you. I soon finished mine. personally I 'm fine sand and varnish to finish. your video is very well done. with patience everything is possible

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

That's great, I hope it works well for you. Working on a video now for a couple of improvements on the design, I will post ASAP. Thank you very much!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

SurvivalOfTheFittest Here is a link to the video where I show how to improve the hip joints -----> kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jKkp9_j8R7htk

[@rogue0192]

fantastic craftsmanship!! Im gonna make an all purpose training dummy and make a vid on it for my woodworking channel:) This inspired me! thank you!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Awesome, please share the link when you are done! That would be cool.

[@markymarco2570]

And you didn't.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Just an update. 3/22/16 - I am still using this dummy and am close to getting my blue belt now. thanks for watching!

[@crispyasfcks]

+SurvivalOfTheFittest how much for you to build one or me and I can pay for shipping.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Marvin Barrera Sorry friend, no time to build them; That's why I made the video. Good luck, and thank you!

[@noahp7062]

what belt are you right now- congrqts

[@timtaylor9590]

i'd love to see you make a more realistic model from wood. ya know instead of a stick figure version. i know it would be alot more work but would look really cool imo. anyway great work this looks like a very fun diy project!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I used foam padding to give the body a slightly more realistic shape. I like your idea and appreciate the feedback!

[@lacydean4641]

Great video.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thanks for your support

[@demandspacetourism1]

Excellent film and a brilliant idea. I'm gonner do it.

[@1015cardinal]

I'm impressed, great job

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you very much

[@leoetine]

Excellent job man! It's even a great work of art and your design would be used by many industries without the padding. For grappling, it's awesome how it works, and if I'm able to one day, I'll definitely build one. It's a lot like the realistic dummy that's out there, which is ridiculously expensive. I'll shoot you the link to see if you've ever seen it. I say you spruce up your design, don't show the changes, sign up for a design patent, and work on getting someone to make them and sell them for the crazy amount of money these other people are charging, but for much less so that you trump the market

[@Gearz86]

Wow. Pretty neat. Wood work seems a little intimidating, but props.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

+Gearz86 Hey thanks. If you have zero experience, then you certainly would have some after! :)

[@Gearz86]

So I'm starting to build one of these out of 2x4s.... Question: Why do you put the t-nut on the inside? Seems to work fine if it were just exposed on the outside...and saves some work. You could also replace it easier if it ever gets stripped. Do t-nuts slip out often?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Gearz86 Yes Sir, I started with my t-nuts on the outside, and the first time I used the dummy they all came out lol. So that was a development that seemed to me to be needed. Thank you for asking, best wishes.

[@abraxistraining]

it really seems a good tool to train

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you for sharing

[@SerbianTexan]

This is genius! Thank you!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Filip Gecic Thanks for sharing!

[@Sustainashave]

Hello The lamp cable your using is called gooseneck tube in the uk, not sure if called the same anywhere else, can get it from electrical spares shops. hope this helps. great design, im in the process of building mine, if i like it (enjoy training on it really) im going to build it out of Oak cheers

[@Allthingsperceptual]

thank you for the info, I hope it turns out for you; thanks for stopping by.

[@GuroDon]

Material Cost: low. Man hours in building: many many many!

[@Davidkun18]

muy bueno me gusto el vídeo. muy inteligente e ingenioso

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Gracias

[@GardeningForTheWin]

Very nice!

[@creantor72]

Great job I think i'll try it soon... Do you think it's possible to put some springs (elbows armpit and legs)? I think it could be great to get some résistance on the dummy (sorry for my poor english i'm french)

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I think yes! I have not done that because I did not feel the need for it. Thank you for your question.

[@joeofdoom]

I love that you've done all this in wood just cause its so nice to look at but dont you think you could have gone for kind of a hyrbrid wood and pvc and it been more articulate particularly the spine and neck and all the muscle areas padded with thick layers of upholstery foam maybe some bungee cord to stop it flopping about so much.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

joeofdoom Great ideas! thanks for the comment, maybe some day soon I could work on a hybrid. dummy 2.0! :)

[@joeofdoom]

I plan to make one sometime soon so perhaps i can do a video and obvs if I do i'll have to give you some credit for inspiring it

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

joeofdoom Please do post a link here somewhere in the comments!

[@blacksilkblacksilk]

That DOES direct my ideas for my next dummy in a very unexpected direction. i always wonderd about a realistic dummy with joints, but always thought of welded steel, which i cannot do. But this is within my reach. So my obvious question is: how`s wear and tear on the joints over time? Thanks for sharing and take care silk ;-))

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

The joints on my dummy have held up great over three years of training, not ideal for throws however.

[@blacksilkblacksilk]

SurvivalOfTheFittest Thanks, Sir That was what I wanted to hear. Lookig forward to building my own version. take care silk ;-))

[@nuggetandeliyahshow2536]

3:55 you see the bug on the triangle piece of wood?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Haha yeah i left that in editing 🤣🐜

[@adriantomovic805]

May you please find a way to make it stand so that you could perform takedowns? Thanks

[@adriantomovic805]

But make it in a 2 in 1 where you can do both takedowns and ground work Thanks!

[@binaryglitch64]

You sound like the Apple Right to Repair guy... I don't remember his name or channel name, but I'll try to remember to comment on this comment with a link to his channel.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

lol

[@binaryglitch64]

youtube.com/@rossmanngroup

[@stevenfoltan9158]

awesome!

[@georg2039]

good job! nice!

[@telnet-23]

I'd pay you expenses and labour to build me one of these :P My wood work is shoddy as hell and it'd only cost me more to try build one myself haha. Seriously you should try selling them..I think you could make a fair amount of money from the BJJ community with them dude. The fact it's wood too means you will get some knuckle conditioning if you chose to hit it. It's genius in quite a few ways!

[@97todii]

Good, cheaper than a ductape dummy

[@mendof9]

muy bueno! te felicito

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Gracias :)

[@JerProductions2]

Nice!

[@kanku5994]

Wahoo your dummy is truly amazing !!! I think use your model for my construction. Do you have a plan that contains measures EVERY parts? I'm interested

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I didn't really measure the parts. In the video, I suggest to use the measurements of your own body.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

kANKU 59 here is a video with links to plans: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnfJkJSviZakl9U

[@carpejkdiem]

In a way. You're kind of awesome :-) gr8 job!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thanks for sharing my video, I hope people can use these ideas to improve their own dummies.

[@svengrenholm98]

It looks really cool. Is it possible to lock the knees and elbows? If so how? I really wanna make one but It would be useful to lock the knees on it especially

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I am able to lock the knees and elbows on my dummy, by tightening the bolt that holds them together. If the spline joint is a tight fit, locking the joint is easy; But if the spline joint is loose, it may not lock very well. So, make sure the male and female pieces fit together snuggly.

[@svengrenholm98]

SurvivalOfTheFittest Thanks for the extra info :)

[@TheMboe76]

Great job on this! But no freakin way I'm spending 2 months building a training dummy out of wood so it can be smashed to piss the first time I crank too hard... PVC is the way to go... Faster to build and more durable. You can get range of motion too with rubber elbow, knee, hip and shoulder pieces.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I used hardwood and quality bolts, and my dummy has maintained it's condition during normal ground training for 3 years now. I did smash it up a bit when doing throws however.

[@ChromeGhost]

What are your thoughts on using velcro attachments to the dummy so that you can simulate it holding certain positions(holds, submissions etc, wrapping it's legs around you forming a guard). Perhaps even using 3d printing for hands?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

+Too Future That's brilliant! Thank you for your ideas

[@ChromeGhost]

+SurvivalOfTheFittest thank you. I'm planning on building one of these myself and it would be interesting to see what can be done by using those ideas. Would be good to communicate back and forth on this ongoing project

[@chainkeeper9156]

was that a sex seen at the beggining?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Jack Klug Yeah kind of - but it was soft core, so it's OK for KZbin! ;)

[@No_Rice_No_Power]

How long did the construction take?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

It took me six weeks, in my spare time, because I was designing it as I was going along through trial and error. I bet it could be made in a hurry if you used power tools. A dado saw, for instance, could cut the splines and joints no problem. Chiseling them by hand is slower.

[@FPScounter]

Would it be recommended to buy a gi for a dummy or some clothes? and for the head, some kind of cloth or something? What do you think? :)

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Yes, indeed. I wrapped mine with foam insulation from the craft store, and put clothes on it. It makes it easier to train when you are not worried about banging your knee on a hard piece of wood. I put a Gi on it when I am training moves that involve a Gi.

[@FPScounter]

SurvivalOfTheFittest Alrighty! Thanks.

[@jaehyunmin118]

Do u think i can get measurements on the pieces please

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

min sanity That is a fair request, and not the first. I do not have a set of measurements, but will begin drawing some up. Please give me a week or two to complete the work. Thanks for sharing the video!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

min sanity Here is a link to my new video, showing the basic measurements to get you started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnfJkJSviZakl9U

[@mikemoto501]

how to spend all of your free time if you are retired

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

LMAO

[@epic_boi4799]

It would be a lot easier to just buy 2x2s rather than cutting 2x4 s

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

good point! they didn't have those at my handy little hardware store

[@hectormiguel05]

How much to build one for me?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Sorry, but I do not build dummies. Thanks for sharing the video!

[@SS-gu7io]

Weight?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Welu Palu I made my Dummy out of White Ash, and the total weight is 44 pounds.

[@leoetine]

Here is the one I was talking about: www.bubbadummy.com/

[@GamingLoadown101]

do you build? I would buy one

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

GamingLoadown101 I don't build dummies, that is why I made this video! ;) It is just a showcase of ideas that you can use to build your own dummy. Maybe a pvc hybrid would be easier?

[@60millionman]

Hey man do you think you could make me one of your dummies and i'll pay you ?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I would like to, but I work more than full time, and have too many commitments to make dummies. Does this dummy seem too difficult to make yourself? It took me about six weeks to get it finished to where I really liked it, but it was worth it.

[@60millionman]

I really don't have the time or the patience to make it and i know i'll mess it up. besides it would come out much better if you make it and i would pay for your time.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Kregg Carter I am nobody special. If you can't make this yourself, perhaps a carpenter near you would appreciate the work, and could even do a better job than I did. I regretfully must decline. :( #woodendummy

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Kregg Carter I like your channel, and am now subscribed

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I have made what I think is a major improvement to this dummy. It is really just a simple addition, but helps a lot. Check out that video here ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jKkp9_j8R7htk

[@Teen-Conor]

SurvivalOfTheFittest do you want to sell a dummy? I have to time to build one, and yours is by far the best one I saw. Thanks

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I could get into making these if I wasn't already so busy myself. I only have the one dummy and I need it for training! :) So sorry to decline your request, best of luck to you.

[@hafzamacie8858]

I am sure it could be improved. Check out the plans on the Stodoys plans website.

[@thejchristopher]

Brilliant! But are we going to ignore that roach that made an appearance at 3:55 or was it a cricket?

[@Allthingsperceptual]

lol - housefly

[@celerystick1663]

Can this grappling dummy stand on its own? Also this dummy looks incredible

[@adeadlynightshade1]

Reply if watching in 2015

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Crash Override I am still using this same dummy to train, and am planning to release another demo video within a month or so.

[@Aaron-pt5ps]

Can this dummy stand for throws and takedowns?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Aaron Wire This dummy works best for ground training. It does not stand up very well on it's own. Thank you for your comment; If I get the time, I could probably design one that stands up some day...

[@jtdsouza]

One might have to add substantially more weight to be realistic with a takedown.

[@hku99]

Sweet man so much potential. Thanks for the upload. The ideas running through my head

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you very much!

[@sebacht]

Thank you so much for sharing. Since I´m currently have to stay away from the mat because of an injury, I´m going to make a dummy myself and find your dummy to be the best. Do you have any new advice or improvements to share since making the prototype that might be useful for a first time maker? Cheers!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I have not made any improvements yet. I have been happy with what it does so far. Useful for training most positions, but it would need some modification if you wanted it to posture up for gaurd training. This dummy took six weeks for me to make, just take your time and be patient, it will be worth it to make it right. Good luck!

[@alainjoncas8713]

Hey man awesome video i've build my dummy and actually completed today. I'm in a process to do an improvement to it. I'll add some muscles to it . I was thinking about pool noodles and the way that I envisioned it for now seems to be working, i've done a forearm so far. here's the technique.. 1. Use pool noodles (ones that are empty in the middle) 2. Cut the length for the part that you want to cover twice (one goes on top the other one goes under) 3. fit both parts up and down the part you want to cover. 4. Use an heat gun to model mucles (but just a little to shrink the pool noodle a bit) . 5 Use Dock tape and tape both parts. 6. Finish with the heat gun also, the tape will shink also. advice... don't overheat because it will melt a lot, do this in a well aired area because it stinks and the fire alarm has trigged into my house... so doing it outside could be better :D Hope it help

[@alainjoncas8713]

I forgot to say, one major improvement with pool noodles is when you have a head that is heavy and falls all the time. By putting a pool noodle (tight a bit) on the neck it avoids the head to fall on the sides. In my case I added 2 pool noodles (one full, and 2 halves on top of the full one). The head still moved and it takes back to it place when the pool noodle fills up with air. Also Thx for posting some drills , i'm a beginner in BJJ and it helps a lot.

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Alain Joncas This is great, thank you for sharing the video! I love your idea to shape the pool noodles into muscles, and putting them around the neck sounds like it will improve the dummy I am working with. Thank you once again, and enjoy learning the gentle art. :)

[@alainjoncas8713]

I dont know how to send it to you . But i took a pic of it (completed this pm) :/

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Alain Joncas Can you post the picture to your google+ page? I added you to circles

[@alainjoncas8713]

Ill try its a first for me.... wint be long

[@Adam-lm2dx]

how to make a torso ?

[@jaehyunmin118]

Im about to start making the dummy but just seen your going to post improvements soon. When will you post new video?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Here is a link to my new video, I only posted 1 improvement; my other ideas didn't work out like I thought they would. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jKkp9_j8R7htk

[@jaehyunmin118]

SurvivalOfTheFittest saw ur comment on how to make elbow and knee joints tighter so they dont move so loosely Is there anyway to do that to the shoulder and hips joint?

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

I have been trying to think of a way, but have not come up with anything good so far. I am sure it could be better.

[@General_reader]

who would give this a thumbs down?!?!?! awesome video man! keep it up for all our sakes!!!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Thank you very much. :)

[@General_reader]

by the way, mine doesn't look as nice as yours!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

Well as long as it works good enough to drill some moves, I say it was worth it. May your skills increase as a result, cheers!

[@khue6377]

Genius man !

[@AskJimHow]

Pretty cool Grappling Dummy! Anything that can make your training more realistic is a great idea. Keep up the good work!

[@SurvivalOfTheFittestvideos]

thanks for the share!