The choice of filled vs. an unfilled grappling dummy isn't just a matter of convenience and cost. The format you choose will impact the weight, flexibility, delivery, setup time, storage and usefulness to various techniques of the dummy.
Filled dummy is ready or almost ready for training. An unfilled dummy is an empty outer shell that you fill in with appropriate materials. If you are looking for a prefilled grappling dummy in Australia, you might want to prioritise immediate use. But an empty model can provide you with more weight, firmness and mobility control.
There is no automatic preference for either format. The right type to select depends on who will use the dummy, what they wish to practise and the amount of set-up they are willing to do.
Quick Answer: Filled or Unfilled?
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In the event you desire, select a grappling dummy that is filled in.
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Equipment which is in ready condition
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Minimal setup work
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Economy on sourcing of filling materials.
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An expected starting shape and weight
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A handy solution for the busy family.
When you want to choose, choose an unfilled grappling dummy:
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Dummy's final weight control
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Adjustability of firmness
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More flexible arms and more rigid body parts
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Easier initial transport and handling
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The ability to alter the filling at a later time.
If you are a novice and want things to be easy, you might want to go with filled equipment. An unfilled model might be more useful for a hobbyist who would like to modify it to use it for certain kinds of drilling.
So What is a Filled Grappling Dummy?
A filled grappling dummy has material inside its "head, limbs and body. The type of product will determine if the filling is textile fibre, foam, fabric or a combination of materials.
The primary interest is simplicity. You unbox the dummy, check it out and start preparing your training area. You do not need to collect old clothes, purchase polyfill or spend several hours balancing the material.
A filled dummy should have:
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Clearly defined body shape
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Reasonably balanced weight
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Flexible joints
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Low to moderate resistance
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No hollow sections can be seen.
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No dangerously hard impact points
But, filled does not necessarily mean that all the models will feel the same. However, the firmness, weight distribution and flexibility may differ from one manufacturer and design to another.
Please read the full product description before buying. Ensure weight is correct, body position, dimensions and if needed, adjustments are made.
What is an Unfilled Grappling Dummy?
Dummy is the outer training shell with no material inside. After delivery, it is filled by the buyer with appropriate textiles, fibre or foam.
The primary benefit is control. The weight of the torso, flexibility of the arms, and whether the dummy can be handled by a child, beginner or adult athlete can be determined.
DaanMMA now has various styles of canvas, PU leather and vinyl grappling-dummies, including many models that are unfilled to adjust the weight and feel. The product information from the company typically indicates that the products are made of used clothing, blankets, shredded textiles or polyfill or cotton, depending on the model and the desired effect.
This can be helpful if more than one individual will use the model, and the model is not filled in. A parent might use a lighter fill for a young athlete and as an adult hobbyst gradually add fill as training progresses.
The only thing is the outcome is partly dependent on the degree of care that goes into filling the dummy.
The reason for this selection in home training
The needs of a grappling dummy for home use are different than the needs of a grappling dummy for a martial arts academy where it is permanently housed.
You might need to do the following at home:
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Take dummy from room to room
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Save it at the end of each session
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Do not keep near pets or young children
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Carry it upstairs
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Train in a small area of floor.
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Minimise noise and impact
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Allow more than one family member to use it
A very heavy dummy could be beneficial for resistance but may be hard to move back into position. A very light dummy could be easy to store, but can be too mobile during some drills for control.
It's important to maintain the right balance because a home training tool is intended to be utilized often. A really stiff dummy that is difficult to manipulate might still be in storage despite the fact that it looked great when it was first bought.
The final weight is a particular concern for parents. A dummy designed for a child or young teenager should be easy to handle. User should be able to move it without unchecked lifting or dragging.
Why to Opt for a Filled Grappling Dummy?
1. It will save preparation time
The best part of it is that you don't need to stuff the dummy.
Making an empty dummy can be time-consuming as materials have to be collected, stones, hard objects have to be removed, large clothing needs to be cut or shredded and then spread out evenly. With a filled model, most of this work can be avoided.
This may suit:
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Busy professionals
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Parents who are seeking a present that is all set to go
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First time users who don't know how to fill
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Those who don't have extra cloths
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Customers who aren't interested in adding further setup
2. It offers you a starting point right away.
A filled model offers an opportunity to examine its size, shape and motion shortly after birth. Start simple drills without having to take an extra day to set-up.
This convenience may be enough to motivate the buyer to make it a regular practice – especially if his training time is already limited.
3. It has a more predictable weight.
If a listed final weight exists, then the buyer can have a better idea about the final weight that he or she will get. This can assist in planning where the dummy will be stored and whether it will be easy to work with.
The final weight of an unfilled model will vary based on the type and density of the material and packing density at home.
4. Decreases the chances of any basic filling errors
A first-time buyer could potentially end up with:
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Hard lumps
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Uneven limbs
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A heavy lower body
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A hollow torso
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Stiff joints
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An overpacked head
This setup risk can be minimized by selection of a well-prepared filled option.
A Filled Grappling Dummy has its drawbacks
1. May be more difficult to transport
A dummy that has already been filled is obviously heavier and bulkier when being transported.
As an example, for an Australian purchasing party, this could be significant when delivery is related to:
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An apartment building
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Stairs
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A remote property
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Limited access
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A small vehicle
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No convenient storage area
Always verify the actual size and weight when you receive them – not just from the pictures.
2. The resistance might not be appropriate for you.
Dummy may be a factory-filled dummy:
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Light wight for takedown practice
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Too heavy for kid's weight
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Too hard to manipulate or joint too stiff
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Too soft to use with top-pressure drills.
Filled models may be open and modifiable, but some may not be open or modifiable. Make sure this is the case prior to making a purchase.
3. There may be restrictions on customisation in the future
As your training progresses your needs may change.
Light dummy may be desirable for a beginner to repeat the movement, and then heavier resistance. Sometimes, an unfaced model can be adjusted in a more flexible manner and the permanently sealed filled dummy can stay at the original weight.
4. Handling returns can be less convenient
This is not a rule, but is a practical inference: A filled dummy is heavier and bulkier: repacking and/or transport may be more difficult if repacking is necessary. Check the return policy in place by the seller before unpacking or using the product.
There are several advantages to using a grappling dummy that isn't filled.
1. You are in charge of the end weight
The most compelling feature of unfilled BJJ dummy is its customisable weight.
You can create:
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A less stringent doll for kids.
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Moderate weight beginner's dummy
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A more stable torso while performing top control drills
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Easier submissions of softer joints
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Taller, heavier body for lifting, or positional, work.
The aim should not be to match the complete body weight of a live opponent. If the dummy is too heavy, it can become hard to handle safely and put undue strain on the seams.
2. Various regions may be soft or firm
There are areas in a human body that feel firmer than others and the same should hold true for a useful grappling dummy.
You may use:
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More flexible filling material in the head.
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Rotating shoulders
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Normal density in arms and legs
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More tightly woven fabric around the body
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Reduced elbow and knee packing
DaanMMA's published filling guidance suggests that softer polyfill or foam is required in the head and flexible areas, whilst heavier textile in areas which require more structure. It also says to not fill the whole dummy with sand.
3. It's easier to deal with prior to setup
Empty outer shell weighs less before filling. This may facilitate the transportation in an apartment, and moving up or putting in the room where it will be utilized.
It can be constructed right in the training area and not have to take a ready-made dummy through the house.
4. Appropriate domestic fabrics can be re-used
Old clothes, towels and fabric offcuts can be used for filling material if they are clean.
Not all unwanted things that people have at their homes are appropriate. All zips, buttons, buckles and other hard objects should be removed first.
5. Filling can be replaced at a later stage
You can open the dummy to adjust the contents if the dummy is too hard or has lost its shape.
You might:
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Use a hollow shoulder to add fibre to a shoulder.
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Use a stiff joint to remove material
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Increase torso weight
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Rebalance uneven legs
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Fill in any gaps or poor quality fillings
This versatility can be helpful for a growing athlete or when a family's dummy needs to be adapted due to changes in the family.
Unfilled Grappling Dummy drawbacks.
1. Filling takes time
A full size dummy needs a lot of material and more than many customers anticipate. Finding, preparing and inserting that material can become a separate project.
Those who can't obtain adequate fabric will have to seek fabric shreds and polyfill or foam, which diminishes the initial price benefits.
2. Filling, if not done well may make the product less usable
An improperly prepared dummy could twist, collapse or have hard spots.
Common problems include:
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One leg being heavier than the other
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A 100% solid torso
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Hollow shoulders
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Lumpy striking surface
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An overfilled neck
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Sedimentation in the lower trunk
The transition needs to be done slowly.
3. The finished weight is unknown beforehand
The listed weight of the shells is not the final training weight of the shell. What you add is what you will get.
Monitor the filling while working. A household scale can be useful to ensure that a dummy isn't heavier than intended.
Before you choose 8 factors should be considered.
1. What are techniques you wish to practise?
There are many different types of dummies that are available, and the type that you use for your home training will vary depending on the purpose that you have in mind.
May consider for positional repetition and submissions:
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Elbows and knees that are bendy
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Clear definition of arms and legs
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A "chair" or "kneeling" shape.
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A trunk that does not move.
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Hands or feet for drills that involve gripping the object
You may choose to use the following for throws or lifting drills:
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A sturdy body construction.
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Secure seams
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Balanced weight
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A more compact shape
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Less rigid limbs
Weight might not be the most important factor, especially when it comes to ground and positioning.
A filled versus unfilled decision doesn't correct an unsuitable body design. Click on the dummy shape first, then choose the fill for the dummy shape.
2. Who will use it?
Different needs for a dummy of one adult compared with a training tool for the whole family.
Consider:
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User age
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Height
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Strength
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Experience
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Training frequency
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Dummy can be moved
A lighter set-up may be beneficial for a young athlete. A knowledgeable adult might like a higher level of resistance, but can still lift the dummy to position.
3. What degree of convenience are you after?
Know how much time you have.
While an unfilled dummy might seem more movable, when you know you're going to be waiting for several weeks to fill it, it's not the right option. A ready-made option is better if it can be used straight away.
On the other hand, those who appreciate the setup process and prefer to have precise control over the equipment might be frustrated by a factory-limited model.
4. Are there adequate fills available?
When ordering an unfilled model, make a guess as to the materials you already have.
Appropriate choices can be:
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Clean textile offcuts
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Shredded clothing
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Old towels
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Soft blankets
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Polyfill
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Foam pieces
Two or three old shirts won't make a full sized dummy.
5. In which Australian locality will it be delivered?
Conditions of delivery depend upon the buyer and location. When selecting a filled product, think about how you will get the product into your home, not just the shipping charges.
Ask:
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Can the parcel be carried through the entrance?
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Will it need to go up stairs?
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Do you have anyone who can help?
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Is it possible to relocate it from the delivery site?
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Can you easily get to the storage room?
When both types of shells are offered, the unfilled one can be easier to handle initially.
6. Where will it be placed?
Filled Dummy always fills the shape of it.
Plan whether it will be:
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On the training mats left
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Kept in a cupboard
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Kept in a garage
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State change: Moved into other room
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Placed on a rack
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Stored horizontally
Don't store in damp places or over-heated areas. The exterior and the stuffing should not be allowed to get wet.
7. What are your training needs going to be?
After a couple of months, beginners tend to get new interests.
You may begin with:
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Basic mount transitions
Then progress to:
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Guard passing
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Back takes
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Armbar entries
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Kimura sequences
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Leg entanglements
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Wrestling transitions
The adjustable dummy lets you change firmness and/or weight as training progresses.
8. What is the manufacturer advised?
A generic weight recommendation, without checking the actual model, should not be used.
Dummy size, type of material, seam strength and location may vary. Follow the seller's instructions for:
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Filling type
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Suggested weight
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Closure method
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Cleaning
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Storage
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Warranty
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Permitted use
Filling an empty Grappling Dummy the right way.
STEP 1: Make sure it is an empty shell.
Before adding material:
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Check all seams
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Find all the filling holes
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Check functioning of zips or closures.
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Make sure the limbs are securely attached
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Follow the instructions of the model
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Take a picture of the empty dummy for reference.
If there is a product problem, report it before filling the product.
Step 2: Add the preservative
Launder and dry washable fabrics.
Remove:
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Buttons
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Zips
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Hooks
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Buckles
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Metal decorations
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Hard plastic pieces
Slice up large clothing and blankets. Smaller pieces are easier to distribute and do not make hard lumps.
Step 3: Begin with narrow areas
If the design permits, fill hands, feet and smaller parts of the limbs first.
Employ soft, easy-to-manage filling materials, and refrain from ‘stuffing' large fabric bundles into tight spaces.
Maintain the joints flexibility. An elbow or knee packed as tightly as the torso will be challenging for positioning during the drills.
Step 4: Make the same size limbs
Add same quantities on the left and right sides.
Compare:
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Arm thickness
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Leg weight
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Joint flexibility
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Overall length
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Firmness
Correct an imbalance before moving to the torso.
Step 5: Add layers to the body.
Don't stuff all of the leftover fabric in at once.
Instead:
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Add a small layer.
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Spread it out towards the perimeter.
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Compress it gently.
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Check the shape.
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Repeat gradually.
The torso should offer support, but not be solid.
Step 6: Maintain softness of head and neck
Front-headlock, guillotine or control drills may cause discomfort for very hard head. When recommended by the manufacturer: Use of soft polyfill, foam etc.
The neck should maintain its basic contours and not be totally stiff.
Step 7: Close and test the dummy
Put the dummy on the mats and run him through the positions you will be playing.
Check:
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Can the hips bend?
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Are the knees able to be lined up?
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Do both arms have the same range of motion?
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Is it even when sitting or lying down?
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Is the torso stable?
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Will it be safe to move it?
Adjustments should be made prior to compressing the last layer.
What Materials are Best to Stuff a Grappling Dummy?
Shredded textiles
Shredded fabric provides weight and structure. It is easier to distribute than whole clothes.
Use it mainly in:
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Torso
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Hips
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Upper legs
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Larger body sections
Ragged clothing and towels
These are available, and should be divided into smaller pieces.
Don't pack large jeans or towels into hard packs. The aim is to provide equal resistance as opposed to making one solid internal object.
Polyfill
Polyfill is lightweight, soft. It is suitable for flexible applications, such as:
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Head
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Hands
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Feet
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Joint areas
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The denser filling is surrounded by outer layers.
Polyfill is used on its own and can make a very light dummy, and is frequently mixed with textiles.
Foam pieces
The soft foam helps to keep the shape while keeping the weight down. Choosing clean, dry sharp-free pieces.
Contained weight inserts
Some users put small amounts of weight into securely closed pouches. Do this only if allowed by the product manufacturer.
The pouch should always be soft, and soft filling should be kept around it; it should never be hard.
Fillings to Prevent
Don't put the following inside your dummy:
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Loose sand
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Stones
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Metal objects
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Wood pieces
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Soiled or damp clothes
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Hard fitting clothes
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Large hard bundles
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Uncontained rubber granules
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Household rubbish
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Items that have sharp edges
Loose sand may move into one area, causing concentrated weight. Hard objects may cause damage to the shell or make certain training positions hazardous.
Who Are the Different Buyers?
BJJ beginner
A filled dummy is acceptable if the beginner wants to play right away and is not knowledgeable about the filling process.
When a beginner is being coached by another athlete or an expert athlete or trainer, an unfilled model might be better as the coach is able to suggest the right weight and body style.
Busy hobbyist
A filled model is convenient for a person who has limited training time.
But, for an individual who has a specific position in mind, maybe they would want an unfilled model so that they can adjust their joints and torso.
Parent purchases for a child
A model may be made at a lighter, more manageable weight when it is not filled.
It can still be used with it filled, but parents should check the weight delivered and ensure that the child can move it safely.
Adult supervision is still essential particularly when lifting and throwing is involved.
Athlete practising leg locks
It's the build of the body that matters more than the question of whether it's empty or full.
Look for:
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Defined legs
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Usable feet
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Bendable knees
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Flexible hips
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A shape that allows for entanglements
An unfilled model provides greater flexibility of the knees and ankles.
Shared household
An adjustable unfilled dummy might be appropriate for a family that has people of various sizes. As younger athletes develop, material can be gradually added.
A filled model is useful if everyone is at ease with the same weight.
Frequent home-training athlete
An accomplished player might opt for an empty model and control it with great accuracy.
Torso can be tight and ready to take pressure, limbs can move for submissions and transitions.
Some tips to avoid common mistakes:
Using only price as a criterion for selection
When the buyer has to buy a lot of filling separately, a less expensive shell is not necessarily good value.
Compare the total set up cost and effort.
Easy Math: Ignoring the final weight
Never fill a dummy to the point where it is tough to move.
Resistance only comes into the picture if there is still usefulness left to the equipment.
Equalizing the firmness of each section.
The purpose of the torso, head, joints and limbs are different. It may be unrealistic and positioning may be difficult if dummy density is uniform.
Overpacking the joints
Limiting practice of submission with rigid knees and elbows. Allow for sufficient flexibility in natural positioning.
Choosing an incorrect dummy design
Don't confuse a standing throw dummy with a seated BJJ dummy. Select based on the techniques that you will be practicing.
Expecting live resistance
A grappling dummy is unable to react, defend, balance, or as a result of its mistakes.
It's ideal for:
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Repetition
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Movement sequencing
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Position recognition
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Conditioning
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Reviewing techniques
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When the partner isn't available for training.
It is not intended to replace coached and partner-based training but to supplement it.
How to keep a Filled or Unfilled Dummy full?
The maintenance is the same after both formats are prepared.
Wipe the exterior
Wipe away sweat and dirt with a suitable technique for the exterior material. Avoid soaking the shell.
Allow it to dry
Never put a wet dummy in a closed cupboard or bag.
Check seams & closures
Look for high pressure areas like:
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Shoulders
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Hips
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Knees
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Neck
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Zips
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Arm connections
Discontinue use if a seam starts to come apart.
Redistribute the filling
With repeated use, material may settle. Reach down and massage or move contents when lower body becomes firmer or body shape of torso is lost.
When filling a washable outer cover, DaanMMA's filling guide suggests that it is advisable to check and adjust a dummy that has lost shape, and remove filling before washing a washable outer cover.
Store it safely
Keep the dummy:
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Clean
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Dry
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Out of reach of sharp objects
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1,000 meters from a heat source
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Out of obstructed walkways
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Supported, not tightly folded
Which one is better? Final Verdict.
When convenience takes precedence, a filled grappling dummy is better. It is appropriate for buyers who wish to train fast, do not have leftover filling materials and prefer to have a starting weight ready.
When it comes to customisation, an unfilled grappling dummy is better. It provides weight control, firmness control, joint movement control and future adjustments. It is especially helpful for athletes who have a particular training objective, parents, and shared households.
The choice can be boiled down to one query by most buyers:
Do you prefer to save time when setting up or want to define the final training feel?
Opt for filled for when you want something now. Opt for unfilled, if you prefer flexibility. Choose the body shape that is correct in both, adhere to the models instructions and handle the dummy within a safe weight range.
C. 10 Short FAQs
1. What is the advantage of a filled grappling dummy vs an empty one?
Convenience is a filled dummy and customised weight and firmness is an unfilled dummy. The optimal option will depend on your training objectives and training time.
2. What does a grappling dummy that is not filled with objects represent?
It signifies that the product has the exterior dummy casing and no stuffing. You must add suitable textiles, polyfill or other manufacturer-approved material.
3. What can I fill a grappling dummy with?
Common materials are clean shredded textiles, old clothing, towels, polyfill and soft foam. Before filling, remove all buttons, zips and hard objects.
4. Is it possible to stuff an old clothes in a grappling dummy?
Yes, but big piles of clothing can result in uneven or tough spots. Typically, cutting the fabric and mixing it with soft polyfill will give more control.
5. Is it possible to fill a grappling dummy with sand?
Loose sand is not generally suitable as it can tend to be deposited in one place and provide too much weight. Use only a small sealed weight insert when manufacturer indicates.
6. What's the best weight for a grappling dummy?
It should be heavy enough to give some sort of useful resistance, and light enough for the person who's going to use it to move safely. Use the weight guidance for the particular dummy model.
7. Can you use an unfilled dummy for kids?
Yes, as the final weight is under parents' control. Keep it light and supervise the lifting, throwing and takedown drills.
8. Is the delivery of prefilled grappling dummies more difficult?
They are normally heavier and bulkier than empty shells. Before ordering, verify the dimensions and weight of the delivery, as well as access to your home.
9. Is it possible to modify a grappling dummy to fit?
When the model can be accessed and it is designed to be adjusted. Please read the product instructions before opening or altering the product.
10. Is it possible to train with a grappling dummy instead of a training partner?
No. It can be used for repetition, conditioning and solo technique practice