When you know how an individual's training dummy material will impact the daily usage, making it easier to select a training dummy. This canvas grappling dummy guide summarizes the benefits of a canvas dummy, what types of BJJ and MMA drills it can be used for, what to look for when purchasing a canvas dummy and how to keep it usable for regular training.

A dummy can help with repetition of movements for beginners and intermediate athletes, without having to find a training partner for each practice session. But, size, construction, filling and material all have an impact on how-does-it-feel during training.

Canvas is one of the materials that is often used for grappling dummies as it offers a hard fabric to grapple on and can be suitable for repetitive home practice. It's also different to take care of compared to a smooth synthetic leather or vinyl.

What is a Canvas Grappling Dummy?

Canvas grappling dummies are of human shape with canvas fabric instead of a smooth vinyl or synthetic leather.

It can be either a torso or a head, arms and legs (depending on design) positioned to enable the movement of grappling. Some are filled models, others are empty and can be filled with the filling material of the users' choice or with different firmnesses.

It's not about to copy the resisting opponent, but rather to try to replicate them. Rather it should be a dummy that offers consistent physical structure to which you can repeat the practice of positioning, transitions and mechanics of technique.

This is a great rep to use for newer athletes between classes.

Why is the material of the Canvas important?

The material has an impact on the feel of the dummy, how to clean it and on what it will respond when it is handled regularly.

The surface of Canvas is usually a textured woven. This can give stable handling comfort during handling and positioning of the dummy during drills. But, whereas a smooth wipe-clean surface may repel moisture, dust and sweat, it can be absorbed in the fabric if it has not been taken care of properly.

The quality of canvas comes not just from how long it lasts, but also from its resistance to bursting and tearing.The durability of canvas is not only important, but also resistance to bursting and tearing. The user must also be ready to maintain the cleanliness/dryness of it.

For those that train on a regular basis at home, it's just as critical to select a material you can realistically maintain as it is to choose the correct size.

Who is the most appropriate gamer to be a Canvas Grappling Dummy for?

BJJ Beginners

Repetition is usually more important to beginners than speed.

Practising techniques like moving from side control to mount or practising the armbar sequence may seem complicated when being learned for the first time. Using a dummy will allow the athlete time to slow down and repeat each step.

You may repeat the sequence without putting pressure on a partner, correct your position and go through the sequence again.

It can then be helpful to have a canvas dummy to practice movements they have already been demonstrated for in class.

It should not be used as a substitute for live rolling, as a static dummy can't provide any timing, resistance or reactions from another person.

Intermediate BJJ Athletes

A dummy can be used in other ways by intermediate athletes.

They have the opportunity to memorize more than one movement, but can link a number of techniques together. For example:

• guard pass, side control and mount to submission entry.

This type of drilling can be useful to help make transitions more familiar.

Intermediate users can also do the same movement on both sides of the body instead of the side that they like.

This makes a dummy a handy tool to use when a partner isn't present for reps.

MMA Athletes

A canvas grappling dummy for MMA training can also aid with drills that feature the strikes in conjunction with the positional control.

Users can then engage in movements from mount, side control and other ground positions; followed by controlled ground and pound movements, depending on the dummy design.

But the training should not be inappropriate due to the construction of the dummy. Not all grappling dummies will be able to take repeated high impact striking, throwing and/or aggressive takedowns.

Prior to using higher impact drills, be sure to review the manufacturer's intended use.

Home Trainers

For athletes who need to practise between classes, canvas dummies can be of great convenience.

The home-training dummy makes it possible to train 10 or 15 minutes at home without having to organise a partner session.

This can help to fit in short sessions throughout the week.

An average home setup should have a minimum amount of mat space away from the dummy to move around safely. Avoid training on rough asphalt, concrete or sharp flooring as contact with these surfaces can tear the fabric.

Which other type of grappling dummy might someone want to use?

While Canvas is very useful, it will not work for every athlete.

A person who desires a softer feel and surface that's quickly wiped up after each use might want vinyl or synthetic leather.

Similarly, if an athlete is a regular practitioner of high impact strikes, he or she might need a dummy that is designed for both grappling and striking instead of choosing a dummy based on the outside material.

If you don't want to do this, you might want to try another one if you put your weight in the following situations:

• Easy wipe down cleaning,
• repeated heavy striking,
• frequent commercial-gym use,
• outdoor use,
• Or for a particular throwing application.

Examine your training strategy and then make the best choice.

Well, what can you do with a Canvas Grappling Dummy?

Using a grappling dummy is most effective for a structured repetition and not random motion.

Positional Transitions

Some common BJJ positions you can practise are side control, knee-on-belly and mount.

The aim is to become more familiar with the sequence, and position the body.

Submission Entries

Using a dummy can help practice technique approaches like choke or control positions, as well as armbars, towards the technique.

It can be especially helpful in keeping in mind where knees, hips and hands should be.

Guard Passing Movements

There are some Dummy designs that enable the athlete to practise some basic passing and moving around the legs.

For beginners it is good to do slower reps to concentrate on posture and direction.

Mount Control

Frequent dwelling and traveling to mount can aid newer athletes get more acquainted with weight placement and positioning.

MMA Ground Drills

The use of the dummy is appropriate for striking practice for MMA athletes who may wish to use the dummy to practice controlled positioning and Ground and Pound combinations.

Again, adhere to the suggested use of the particular model.

Before purchasing, you should be sure to check the following:

Select the appropriate size for the item.

Some drills may be cumbersome if the dummy is too small or too large for your body and training techniques.

A smaller size might be preferable for younger athletes and smaller beginners and for adult athletes, a model that provides realistic space for positioning around the torso and limbs is preferable.

The crucial thing is not just to select the biggest one that's out there.

Select a size that is manageable to control, move and store.

Filled or Unfilled?

An empty dummy allows you to have greater control over the level of firmness as well as overall weight.

But it takes time to get ready for it as well!

A filled model is typically more handy as it can be utilized earlier, but shipping and handling might also differ as a result of the weight.

When opted for the unfilled model, examine manufacturer's guidelines about which filling materials to use.

Inspect the Stitching

Examine carefully high stress zones like:

• shoulders
• hips
• knees
• elbows
• neck
• any filling opening and/or zip.

These are areas that are pulled and bent over repeatedly during grappling drills, and are therefore important with respect to strong construction.

Consider Joint Position

There are dummies which are either in a sitting position or bent in the limbs, with some dummies having straight limbs.

There is no one right or wrong design.

The correct shape will be dictated by the type of training you are focusing on, primarily groundwork, submissions, positioning or all three.

Canvas vs Synthetic Leather Grappling Dummies: Which is better?

Both may be helpful, but have different practical applications.

The materials used for making features are Canvas and Synthetic Leather/Vinyl.

It should be based on training style, and not appearance.

A smooth synthetic surface might be more attractive if you want an easy-cleaning surface to be your top priority.

For those who want a fabric build and aren't intimidated by upkeep, canvas would be a suitable clothing for them.

Maintaining a Canvas Grappling Dummy - how?

Sweat, dust and friction build up over time and it is important to provide regular care.

Regularly clean Surface

Once trained, clean/mop all obvious dust and debris from surface with a clean, dry cloth or soft brush.

For deeper cleaning follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Do not apply household chemicals, bleach, strong detergents automatically as they may not work on all types of canvas materials, dyes and coatings.

When cleaning solutions have been approved, test it in a small area first.

Don't allow the Dummy to get wet.

Avoid getting the canvas of paper wet with water.

If moisture gets into the filling it will take a lot longer to dry than moisture on the outside of the filling.

This may cause odor and/or damage to the filling.

Clean using as little moisture as is necessary.

Allow to dry thoroughly.

Whenever the dummy is sweaty, or after cleaning, put it in a well-ventilated room.

Never instantly put a soiled dummy in a cupboard or storage container or closed bag.

Circulation of air is desirable.

Do not set against a heater or other strong heat source (unless specified by the manufacturer).

Check the Stitching

Check regularly, weekly.

Focus on joints and seams that are most force exposure when performing the preferred drills.

Watch for:

• loose threads
• stretched seams
• fabric thinning
• small tears
• and damaged closures.

A small problem that is treated early is usually more easily managed than if it is left to be treated when the area has been opened up.

Check the Filling

Use of an unfilled or refillable dummy could lead to a progressive change in filling over time with repeated use.

Grab the arms, legs and torso and feel.

If one area is much easier than another, re-distribute product as per product design (if possible)

Technical drilling tends to be simpler with a consistent shape.

Store It Naturally

Avoid stacking heavy weights, kettlebells and other equipment on top of the dummy.

If compression is left too long, it may cause seams to be put under undue stress, and can create a distorted filling.

Keep the dummy in a dry room indoors (preferably in a natural position of lying or sitting according to the type of dummy).

Don't make these common maintenance mistakes!

A frequently made error is keeping the dummy when he or she is still damp.

One of those is using strong cleaning products, without verifying their suitability for the canvas.

The kind of training surface is also important. If the dummy is dragged across concrete or rough floor surfaces over and over, unnecessary wear and tear will result.

Other errors are not putting enough stitches on, overstuffing an unfilled dummy and heavy gym equipment on a dummy.

It doesn't have to be a lengthy maintenance. It's easier to have a simple cleaning regimen than a complicated one.

An easy weekly maintenance plan.

Most of us, as home users, can have a simple care.

Ensure that the surface is checked after each session and the dummy is then aired out.

Check shoulders, neck, arms, hips and legs for signs of wear once a week. Look for and feel for changes in filling distribution in the torso and limbs.

Periodically clean the surface by following the manufacturers' instructions and inspect storage area for moisture and/or items that might cause damage to fabric.

It only takes a few minutes, but will make it much easier to detect changes before they get bigger problems.

For the novice, here are some explanations of why this is important.

For beginners, the focus has more often been on learning technique, and they can't be bothered with equipment maintenance.

However, if the dummy is damaged or poorly formed, it would be less beneficial for practice.

With a shifted filling the shape of the body is altered. While transitions can often make the seam worse, it can further damage if it is torn. Canvases that are damp are not conducive to training.

Knowing how to take care of the basic equipment at the start, makes a better home training routine.

Final Thoughts

Canvas grappling dummy can be a great training buddy for BJJ newbies, intermediate level fighters and MMA practitioners with extra training time in between classes.

It has the most significant value if it is consistent. Transitions, positional movements and technique sequences can be practiced as a series of movements without a partner for each repetition.

But there's more to selecting a dummy than just selecting a size and colour. Take into account its structure, placement of the limbs and how it will be stuffed, and its purpose of training.

Canvas should be given regular upkeep, too. Ensure that the surface is clean, dry completely, pay attention to stitching and filling position and avoid rough surfaces and moisture.

This use of a grappling dummy turns it into something more than just another home gym product, but rather a valuable tool to add to the arsenal of an MMA or BJJ coach.

C. 10 Short FAQs

1. What is a canvas grappling dummy used for? 

A canvas grappling dummy is used to practise BJJ, MMA and grappling movements such as positional transitions, guard passing, mount control and submission entries without needing a training partner for every session. 

2. Can a canvas grappling dummy be beneficial for BJJ newbies?

Yes. It can assist beginners to practice simple movements, transitions and entries into the submission position without the need of a training partner during practice outside of class.

3. May use a canvas grappling dummy in the practice of MMA?

Yes, in some products, based on the product design. Determine if the particular dummy should be used for grappling or whether it has a place in controlled striking practice as well.

4. Canvas is better than synthetic leather?

There is no point that can be said as universally true about either material. Canvas is a texture fabric that is used to make a surface, and synthetic leather is more likely to wipe clean.

5. Clean a canvas grappling dummy by using what?

Clean surface with surface debris and clean according to manufacturer's guidelines. Do not pour water or other chemicals on the fabric unless they are recommended for use.

6. What is the number of times a grappling dummy must be cleaned?

After training (particularly sweaty training) light surface care can be performed. More comprehensive cleaning should be based on the use and manufacturer's guidelines.

7. Do the same for the second canvas grappling dummy.

It's best to keep it as dry as possible since any excess moisture can get to the filling and require more drying time.

8. What should you check when maintaining a canvas grappling dummy?

Inspect the stitching, joints, fabric surface, closures and filling distribution for wear, looseness, tears or major changes in shape.

9. Do you prefer filled or unfilled grappling dummy?

Either unfilled or filled dummies can be used, depending on the design, the latter being more convenient for use while the former gives more control over the firmness and filling material. However, it depends on the requirements that you have.

10. Is it possible for a grappling dummy to the same as actual BJJ training?

No. A dummy is good for repetition and practice with movement, but doesn't provide the same resistance, timing and reactions as a live training partner.