WHY EVERY MMA FIGHTER NEEDS A GRAPPLING DUMMY!!

What's up, guys and girls? In today's post, we're tackling a question that many MMA fighters ponder: Should you get a grappling dummy? Is it worth spending your hard-earned cash on one? Let's dive in to see if this tool could be beneficial for your training.

Is A Grappling Dummy Worth the Money?

When it comes to improving your grappling techniques, a grappling dummy can be a valuable asset—but only if you're disciplined enough to use it consistently. If you're someone who's going to slack off or skip drills, then owning a grappling dummy will be a waste of money. However, for disciplined fighters dedicated to putting in the reps, a grappling dummy can offer significant benefits.

You need to know what to do and make sure you're drilling the proper techniques.

Role of A Good Coach

This is where having a good coach comes in handy. A knowledgeable coach can guide you, ensuring you're drilling the right techniques the right way. Throughout my career, grappling dummies have played a crucial role in my training and success. I've clinched multiple submission victories, including three in the UFC, many thanks to the hours I spent drilling on a grappling dummy.

Types of Grappling Dummies

Submission Master Grappling Dummy

I've experimented with different types of grappling dummies over the years. One of my most-used ones is the Submission Master Grappling Dummy, particularly useful for practicing techniques while you're on the bottom.

Techniques Practiced:

Closed guard
Kimuras
Triangles
Bump sweeps
Bump sweep to guillotines

Bubba Grappling Dummy

Another grappling dummy I’ve used extensively is the Bubba Grappling Dummy. This dummy closely mimics human movement, especially in the upper body and legs.

Techniques Practiced:

Head and arm triangles
Arm bars from side control
Kimuras from side control
North-south chokes

Personal Experience and Success

When I fought my second UFC fight against Volmeer Lazaro, I had just recovered from a year-long injury. During my downtime, I drilled countless reps on my grappling dummy. My ground game wasn't top-notch then, but consistent practice helped me improve.

In-Action Example:

In my fight with Lazaro, I used a bump sweep that I had drilled thousands of times on my dummy. This disrupted his balance enough for me to stand up and gain the upper hand.

That moment solidified my belief in the effectiveness of grappling dummies. I dedicated so much time to drilling that specific move that it became second nature to me.

I drilled that move about at least 3000 times on that dummy. So now I'm really good at that move because of that.

Training Techniques and Conditioning

The dars choke I executed against Ablera Hilllo was another move honed with hours on a grappling dummy. Besides drilling techniques, I focused on grip conditioning by executing dars choke holds on the dummy, holding as tight as possible for about 30 seconds, and repeating the process. This built my arm endurance so I could sustain intense grappling without tiring quickly.

What happens when you don't train your squeeze, your squeeze conditioning? You could be a great striker, go for a choke and miss it, and then all of a sudden, you're getting out-struck by someone who's not as good a striker as you.

Efficient Use of Training Time

When you train with a partner, a typical jiujitsu class might give you about ten reps of a particular technique. However, when you're using a grappling dummy, you have the flexibility to put in as many reps as you want, fine-tuning your skills at your own pace.

Conclusion

So, should you get a grappling dummy? Absolutely, but only if you're committed to putting in the work. A grappling dummy can become one of the most valuable tools in your training arsenal. It has certainly helped me achieve significant milestones in my MMA career.

If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with grappling dummies, drop a comment below. Let's keep the conversation going!

Be sure to check out top-quality grappling dummies like the Submission Master and Bubba Grappling Dummy, and start drilling those moves today!

Stay disciplined, stay committed, and may your grappling game reach new heights!

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Thank you for reading!