Grappling Dummy Size Guide: 40, 47, 59 or 70 Inches? When you start to realize that the same kind of training tool can be found in various heights, it can become confusing when selecting a grappling dummy. Does 40 seem too small? Does it seem like 70 inches is too big? Should an infant or young child be automatically placed in an adult-sized dummy?

This grappling dummy size guide details the real-world differences between the 40 inch, 47 inch, 59 inch and 70 inch sizes, to assist parents, BJJ practitioners, MMA athletes, wrestlers and home trainers choose accordingly.

No single size is automatically regarded as best. Your body size is important, as are your weight, your training style, the space you have, the design of the dummy and particularly with unfilled dummies the amount of weight you place inside the dummy.

The importance of the size of Grappling Dummies!

Grappling dummy is intended to provide you with a tangible object to move around, control and repeatedly drill with when you don't have someone around to do it.

For some techniques, if the dummy is too small, it may feel confining or not feel natural. Practising movements where length and positioning of the body are important might be difficult.

If it's too big or bulky, though, moving it in between reps may grow tedious. It may take younger athletes more time to drag the dummy around than to practice technique.

There are several different grappling dummy sizes, and they may have an impact on:

• Whether or not you can quickly move the dummy around

• How realistic work positions are felt

• What are the techniques they can do comfortably?

• How much will fill up the space in the container?

• Final training weight

• Storage requirements

• Floor space

• The availability of toys for children and/or adults

This is why the adage "the bigger the better" is not always true.

The Human Softball Dummy's size is only part of the equation when picking the right grappling dummy.

Just because a dummy is bigger it isn't automatically better, as is sometimes thought to be.

Initial inspection of the actual design.

Some grappling dummies are designed to be used mainly in the seated BJJ positions. Others may have straight legs and a more takedown/straight wrestling posture that can be more beneficial for takedowns or wrestling.

Some of them can be used in multiple positions.

Also the height listed does not necessarily indicate that the dummy will respond to the same degree as a person of the same height. They add to the training experience in terms of limb construction and flexibility of joints, torso shape and filling density.

When choosing, take five criteria into account:

• Dummy height

• Dummy design

• Training discipline

• Final filled weight

• The availability of training and storage areas.

The right size, small dummy, may be more useful than a large dummy, which is harder to handle.

The 40-Inch Grappling Dummy is compact and can be easily handled.

Usually, a grappling dummy that's 40 inches is small and is suitable for kids. 

It may be good for younger players, for those who are smaller in stature, and where ease of use outweighs the need for them to mimic the size of an older training partner.

The benefits of a 40-Inch Dummy are:

The smaller size typically will require less filling and the final dummy will be easier to:

• Lift

• Turn

• Reset

• Store

• Carry

• Move between drills

This may be helpful for younger trainees who are developing basic body positioning and repetitions.

A smaller dummy can also be a good choice for bedrooms, in a small home gym, or shared areas where a larger dummy would not be practical.

What Can You Practise?

If the design of the dummies is not to scale, a 40-inch dummy may be used for drills that involve:

• Basic mount positioning

• Side-control movement

• Simple transitions

• Arm positioning

• Basic submission mechanics

• Ground movement

• Introductory wrestling sequences

The primary restriction is the size.

As trainees grow taller and stronger, they might want to try out longer arms and legs and a larger torso to position them more realistically.

47-Inch Grappling Dummy: Step-Up Without the Step Down.

The 47-inch size is as a middle size option between smaller junior and larger training dummies and is also suitable for kids. 

Perhaps it should be considered for juniors, teens, small users or novices requiring a larger dummy than the 40 model.

Why Choose 47 Inches?

A 47 dummy can offer more space for:

• Guard-related positioning

• Armbar entries

• Mount transitions

• Side-control drills

• Wrestling movement

• Basic takedown repetition

But it is still fairly easy to deal with.

That balance matters.

Repeat placing the dummy back into position to practice alone. Sometimes the “more realistic” dummy is difficult to set up and will actually prevent you from finishing the same number of quality reps as the easier-to-set-up one.

The question for parents isn't necessarily:

How much is my child's age?

A more pertinent question is:

“Are they able to comfortably move and reset this dummy in the drills that they will perform?”

59-Inch Grappling Dummy: A Versatile Middle Ground

This size is of special interest to:

• Teenagers

• Smaller adult practitioners

• Developing athletes

• Mixed-use home training

• If you don't want to impose a max size but rather use more realistic proportions, then use this mode.

Why a Mid Size dummy can work well!

This category will offer sufficient body length for more varied technique practice, and generally will be less difficult to maneuver than the longest of the choices.

This extra length may feel better for the BJJ practice as it makes a transition between positions feel less compressed.

It can also offer extra body space to manoeuvre and exert control on, on wrestling movements.

A mid-size dummy can then be a good solution for athletes that are past the junior dummy stage but not quite ready yet for a full-size training partner or haven't yet found the training partner of the appropriate size.

When 59 Inches May Be Too Small

The dummy might not be an accurate representation of a normal training partner for a tall adult who wishes to perform this exercise with a larger person to simulate training with a larger opponent.

Likewise, those athletes that specialised in larger body takedown positioning will likely prefer a longer model.

This is not to say that training on a 56" dummy is not working. It just implies that the objective of training should be taken into account when making the decision.

This 70" grappling dummy is a full-size training grappling dummy for adults.

If someone wishes to have a bigger training body and has sufficient space and physical capacity, he or she can use a 70-inch dummy.

In the case of adult BJJ and MMA players, its longer torso and limbs can sometimes make some positions feel more like playing with an adult player than with an adult child.

Benefits of a 70-Inch Dummy

The extra space may come in handy especially for:

• Full-body positional transitions

• Guard passing sequences

• Mount-to-submission combinations

• Back-control practice

• Wrestling movement

• Takedown entries

• Ground-and-pound positioning

• Longer movement chains

A bigger dummy also offers a greater area for controlling hips, shoulders and limbs while performing multi-step drills.

Take the Practical side into account.

In addition, a 70 inch dummy will need:

• More filling

• More floor space

• More storage space

• Clearly, more work to be done to re-position.

• Careful weight selection

Where buyers can get it wrong, however.

They opt for the biggest dummy and pack it on too. This can make it hard to maneuver and may hinder the practice of it.

The training dummy does not have to be as heavy as an adult opponent.

Solo drilling is typically a repetition of the technical aspects, rather than a tedious and repetitive dragging of dead weights across the room.

Size comparison of Dummy Grapple.

Use this table as a guideline and not a rule.

Two people that are the same height can have different sizes due to their training objectives and strength levels.

By Age or Height, Should You Choose a Grappling Dummy?

That's not enough based on age.

One trainee aged 14 could easily use a dummy which is a little bigger, whereas another aged 14 might be better on a lighter, easier to move dummy.

Being taller is helpful, but shouldn't be the only criterion.

Consider:

User Size

Positional drilling can be easier to understand with a dummy in a practical size of the user.

But the height match is not required.

Strength

The athlete has to move the dummy several times.

If the final filled weight makes all resets challenging, it isn't technically appropriate.

Experience

For beginners it is better to have a small dummy so that they can learn step by step.

Advanced practitioners may want more advanced training groups that work on longer combinations and positional work of a greater level of detail.

Training Goals

The requirements for a simple ground move by a kid differ from what is needed for takedown entries by an adult wrestler.

Select based on training; NOT based on the number on the product page!

So, what size should a BJJ belt be?

Shape of the dummy may be as significant to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as overall height.

Common elements to BJJ practice include:

• Guard positions

• Side control

• Mount

• Back control

• Armbar entries

• Kimura movements

• Transitions

• Positional chains

Thus, perhaps a grappling dummy that is seated or flexible is a better choice than the tallest grappling dummy.

Depending on the practicing age, 40 or 47 may be manageable practice for kids. 

For smaller adults and teens, a mid-size frame is available.

If the adult practitioner prefers a “fuller” body proportion, a 70-inch model is suggested.

But, keep in mind that live partner training should not be a substitute for solo drilling. A dummy cannot resist, react, escape or change the course of his/her movement like a human can.

What size should be the best for the wrestler?

The dummy is required to perform different tasks in wrestling.

If you have a primary aim that is:

• Takedown entries

• Body-lock positioning

• Throws

• Top control

• Mat returns

• When a standing opponent is present, moving around them. Turning around an opponent who is standing.

It may be more important that the dummy is built than a slight height difference.

These techniques may be more suited to a standing style dummy.

Even smaller wrestlers should consider a weight in which they can easily wrestle.

For larger athletes, a longer dummy is more advantageous, but if too much material is added onto it then technical repetitions can be slow and awkward.

What Size is Good for MMA & Ground & Pound?

MMA training can involve both standing and ground activities.

A home session can have the following:

1. Takedown entry

2. Top control

3. Position adjustment

4. Ground-and-pound positioning

5. Submission transition

There is no need for using the maximum size of a dummy, but these combinations can be fitted on a larger dummy.

The key to ground and pound training is not to be as tall as your opponent as it is to be stable and positioned.

Work on suitable training surfaces and appropriate technique at all times.

Filled Weight Can Make a Difference in height.

One of the most crucial aspects of any grappling dummy size guide.

Two dummies of the same size and weight (seven hundred empty) can feel so different when one is lightly stuffed and the other is rather full.

The heavier model will:

• Are more difficult to use to lift

• Be harder to reset

• Resist movement more

• Increase the stress on seams

• Takes longer to re-position

The one that is lighter can be:

• Less tiring for repetitive drilling. More convenient with repetition drilling.

• More flexible

• Easier to store

• The Bugs are designed for people who are new to programming.

In the present guidance on using grappling-dummies DAAN MMA also notes that the fillings used in the limbs influence the weight and flexibility, making the softer the material, the more movement will be maintained.

Consequently, refrain from asking just:

Which size will I need to purchase?

Also ask:

What will be my final weight for training?

Guest blogger Jack Loughridge reviews the best Grappling Dummy for a Home Gym!

Home trainers in Australia frequently have to give consideration to training quality versus space.

Before ordering, measure:

• Training floor area

• Storage location

• Doorways

• Shelves or cupboards

• Distance from furniture

• Mat dimensions

Now visualize the dummy stretched out not only standing upright, but fully extended.

When the arms and legs of a 70" version are extended for a grappling position, it requires much more usable floor space.

If you have a small apartment or bedroom to train in, perhaps a 40, 47 or mid-sized dummy will be more practical.

Convenience is important as equipment that is easy to access is likely to be used regularly.

Choosing between filled and unfilled dummies, and selecting the proper size.

Without a dummy, you will have greater control over what your training weight will look like.

This may be helpful when purchasing a larger size.

For instance, a grown-up might like the size of a 70 inch dummy but not that it be very heavy. The user can therefore choose suitable soft filling and distribute it in an appropriate way, to keep the large body size but not make the dummy overly difficult to move.

It should also be distributed according to the function.

You generally want:

• A structured torso

• Flexible arms

• Willingness to bend knees and joints

• A softer head area

• Hard lumps not visible by touch.

Remember that not all dummies are the same and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for the model you buy.

There are a number of common mistakes people make when using a common grappling dummy.

Selecting the Largest Size Automatically

The larger image does not necessarily equate to the better.

The more manageable the dummy the more useful repetitions it can provide, than if it is too cumbersome.

It is best to choose only by age.

Children and adolescents are at different stages of development.

Take into account height, strength and training experience.

Ignoring Filled Weight

When purchasing an unfilled dummy, the height of the shell is just one half of the equation.

Consider how much it is going to weigh when it is full.

The Dummy's Position is ignored.

A BJJ dummy sitting on the floor and a standing wrestling dummy of the same size can be totally different when training.

Forgetting Storage

A big man stays big when he's done working out.

Research its potential home space before you buy it.

An attempt to replace Partner Training.

Using a dummy for repetition, position familiarisation and solo work.

It does not offer realistic reactions or resistance, nor time or sparring experiences.

The easiest method to select your size is to consult the label.

If you continue to have trouble, answer these questions:

1. Who will be the person using the dummy the most?

Child or teenager or smaller or larger adult?

2. What will they be practising?

BJJ positions, wrestling, submission or combination of takedowns and MMA?

3. Do they have ease and comfort in their movement of the dummy?

Keep in mind, there may be several resets needed for each drill.

4. What is the space available?

Take measurements of training and storage areas.

5. Does the dummy have any gaps?

With an empty model, you can make a lot of adjustments to the final weight and firmness.

6. Is the user going to increase in size any time soon?

If your junior is still growing, a slightly larger, but still appropriate-sized model could make more sense in the long run.

Final Thoughts

There is no single “best” size for a grappling dummy, it is not just the largest that you can purchase.

Dummy sizes can be used for kids and smaller trainees, as a 40” dummy will provide manageable practice. A 47" dummy can be a helpful next step in the user growth process. A 59" dummy can be used for a more versatile middle sized size and a 70" dummy can be used for larger scale positional practice with adult proportions! 

Several factors should be taken into account when making a decision: the athlete's size, strength, sport, space, dummy design and intended filled weight.

Most importantly, pick a dummy that you can use regularly.

By using the right size and the correct material of the training dummy, solo BJJ, MMA and wrestling classes can be more repeatable, organised and repeatable. It should enhance your existing training regimen rather than make every drill more challenging due to the size of the equipment.

C. 10 Short FAQs

1. What size is the grappling dummy that I should purchase?

Select based on the user, size, strength, and training format and space. The ideal dummy is one that the athlete can easily maneuver and return to position with repeated drills.

2. Will children be able to use a 40” grappling dummy?

If the trainee is smaller, younger, or younger than 40 inches, a 40" dummy may be appropriate as it can be easier to handle and is smaller. Take into account the size and strength of the child (not the child's age). 

3. For which person should a 47" grappling dummy be worn?

For kids, younger juniors, teenagers or smaller trainees, who require a larger length to train without the hassle of transitioning to an adult size dummy, a 47" dummy would be suitable. 

4. Will a 59" grappling dummy fit an adult?

This can be appropriate for smaller-size adults or those who want a more compact medium-sized dummy. If you're taller, you'll want to choose a larger one for providing a fuller body alignment.

5. Is a grappling dummy of 70″ only suitable for adults?

A 70" dummy is much easier to use for adult-sized training due to its length and filled weight. The user must be able to move and position it easily and comfortably.

6. Can I use the same size grappling dummy as I am?

Not necessarily. It is not as crucial as to match a height, but it is important to select a dummy that fits for your techniques, strength and preferred training weight.

7. What size of grappling dummies is ideal for BJJ?

The best size is different for each person. Kids and smaller trainees might enjoy a 40–47" dummy while larger teenagers and adults could find a mid-size or 70" dummy.

8. Should grappling dummy weight be more important than height?

They are both important but the weight plays a significant factor on how easy it is to lift, reset and control the dummy. This is particularly important if purchasing an unfilled dummy.

9. What size grappling dummy should I use at my home training?

Select the biggest size that you can train and store easily. A smaller or medium-sized dummy could be the better option in confined spaces.

10. Will a grappling dummy be a substitute for a training partner?

No. Repetition and positional practice can be practiced with a dummy but cannot be performed with live resistance, timing, reactions or sparring.