How to Make a Grappling Dummy
Please read the Grappling Dummy vs Throwing Dummy article before you read this one. It will allow you to select the type of dummy you want.
I will have to apologize, I don't have any before pictures available. I made this dummy in 2000. It was a lot easier than I expected. I has held up great. I use it to practice submission holds. I wouldn't recommend it for take down work. I don't think it would hold up. It might be OK, if you completely duck taped it. For most ground strikes, I use a heavy bag.
To make the dummy, I started with insulated coveralls, cloths line rope, a hooded sweatshirt, a futon mattress, a little bit of sand, and duck tape. The coveralls and hooded sweatshirt were purchased at the Goodwill for about ten dollars. The futon mattress was found on moving day, by a dumpster. The other materials were purchased at retail establishments. I figure I have well under twenty dollars invested.
The first step is to tie the arms and legs of the coveralls shut, with the cloths line rope. After that, stuff the coveralls with the insides of the futon mattress. The best kind of futon mattress to use is stuffed with a cotton like material. It is excellent for making a dummy. Futon's are very easy to find free or very low cost in this area. However, if you can't find one you can use rags or old cloths as stuffing. In this area, the Goodwill sells there older stuff for a quarter once a week. This is a cheap option. I added a little sand, in a plastic bag, to the midsection of the coveralls. Though this isn't necessary, it does give it a bit of weight and more of an actual person feel.
After the coveralls are stuffed, put the sweatshirt on. Zip the sweatshirt and duck tape it to the coveralls, continue to tape to mid-chest level. Stuff more of the cotton into the hood of the sweatshirt. Duck tape the head. I, latter, duct taped some foam to the head to make a chin.
The dummy is ready to use. If I had it to do over, the only thing I would change is to get a larger size pair of coveralls. Longer arms and legs would make some submissions a little easier to practice.
UPDATE
I recently added wrestling shoes to my dummy. I simply stuffed the foot portion with left over cloths. Put them on the dummy as best I could. Then duct taped them in place. They are great for practicing leg locks.
I'm going to add hands, soon. I have a long pair of gloves. I
will simply stuff them, put them on the dummy, and duct tape them. They should
make the arms a little longer and aid in the practice of grabbing the hand.
Please see How to Make a Grappling Dummy 2 for a new, awesome idea!
Happy rolling...