Mixed Martial Arts and boxing are demanding sports that require physical strength, agility, strategy, and versatility. In order to achieve the pinnacle of success in this competitive field, having the right training equipment is crucial. One such essential tool is a punching dummy. A quality punching dummy can greatly assist in improving striking power, precision, and technique.
In this article, we delve into the best punching dummies available in 2023, looking at their features, advantages, and why they stand out among the competition.
Best Punching Dummies
Here is our comprehensive list of the best punching dummies available on Amazon. Whether you’re a professional fighter or a beginner, a punching dummy is a great tool for improving your technique and getting a great workout. We’ve researched and tested the top-rated punching dummies on the market to bring you the best options for your training needs. Check out our list below to find the perfect punching dummy for you.
Hawk Sports Kids Grappling Dummy
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe grappling dummy for your little ones, the Hawk Sports Kids Grappling Dummy is a great option.
Pros
- This dummy is made of premium canvas and double stitching construction, ensuring long-lasting durability and functionality.
- The 39” height makes it practical for kids to use for various sports such as MMA, Boxing, BJJ, Karate, and Judo.
- The movable limbs and strike-able areas provide a true-to-life experience, making it ideal for kids to master their grappling, throwing, and punching techniques.
Cons
- The dummy comes unfilled, which means you’ll have to purchase materials to fill it yourself.
- The seams may start to come apart after a while.
- It may be too light for some kids who are looking for a more realistic workout.
We’ve used this grappling dummy for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality and functionality. The canvas cover is lightweight and easy to move around, while the arms and legs provide a realistic feel of a real body. The Velcro back strap is a great safety feature that eliminates the risk of injury, making it perfect for kids to practice their ground fighting techniques without fear of harming themselves or the dummy.
The Hawk Sports Kids Grappling Dummy is especially designed for kids, making it soft to land on but still giving the feel of a real training buddy. The fact that it’s unfilled may be a downside for some, but it allows you to customize the weight to your liking. We filled ours with old clothes, towels, and blankets, and it worked perfectly.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hawk Sports Kids Grappling Dummy for parents who are looking for a safe and reliable training partner for their little ones. It’s a great investment that will help your kids master their martial arts skills in a fun and safe way.
Century BOB Body Bag with Base Unit
If you’re looking for a high-quality punching dummy that can help you improve your martial arts skills, Century BOB Body Bag with Base Unit is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The mannequin is a life-size target that is 30” tall and approx. 20” wide, making it ideal for training in just about all standing martial arts.
- The base is sturdy and has a diameter of 24” and is 19.5” tall (not counting internal stem) and can be filled with water or sand.
- BOB is adjustable in height with 7 options for height adjusts from 60” total to 78” total.
Cons
- The punching dummy is quite heavy and difficult to move around.
- Putting the body on the mounting pole in the correct position is a bit challenging.
- It’s hard to put together because BOB himself has a very oval hole, and it’s stand is very much a circle.
We found the Century BOB Body Bag with Base Unit to be a great training tool for martial artists, fitness pros, and athletes. The mannequin is a life-size target that is 30” tall and approx. 20” wide, making it ideal for training in just about all standing martial arts. The base is sturdy and can be filled with water or sand, making it easy to keep the dummy in place during training sessions. We also appreciated the adjustable height feature, which allows you to customize the dummy’s height to suit your needs.
However, we did find that the punching dummy is quite heavy and difficult to move around. Additionally, putting the body on the mounting pole in the correct position is a bit challenging. Finally, we found that it’s hard to put together because BOB himself has a very oval hole, and it’s stand is very much a circle.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality punching dummy that can help you improve your martial arts skills, Century BOB Body Bag with Base Unit is definitely worth considering.
Boxerpoint Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids 8-12
If you’re looking for a fun and safe way for your kids to get some exercise while learning some boxing skills, the Boxerpoint Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids 8-12 might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The thicker and stronger material makes it more durable than other similar products.
- The punching bag is easy to set up and comes with a hand pump and easy-to-follow instructions.
- It’s a great way to keep your kids engaged and occupied for hours while getting a cardio workout.
Cons
- The pump included to inflate the bag is not very effective, so you might need to use a different inflating machine or device.
- Some customers have reported receiving defective products that would not stay inflated.
- The base can only be filled with water, which might not be as stable as sand.
We’ve tried out the Boxerpoint Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids 8-12 and we were impressed with its durability and ease of use. The thicker and stronger material makes it more resistant to wear and tear than other similar products, which is great if you want to make sure your kids can use it for a long time.
Setting up the punching bag is also very easy, as it comes with a hand pump and simple instructions that you can follow even if you’re not very handy. Once it’s inflated, you can fill the base with water or sand to make it more stable, although we recommend using sand if you want to make sure it doesn’t tip over.
Overall, we think the Boxerpoint Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids 8-12 is a great gift for young boxers who want to work on their reflexes and hand-eye coordination while having fun. It’s also a good way to keep them away from video games and other sedentary activities, as they will be motivated to use it and get some exercise.
Century® B.O.B. Body Opponent Bag Freestanding Training Dummy
If you’re looking for a freestanding punching dummy, Century® B.O.B. Body Opponent Bag is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The adjustable height feature makes it easy to customize the dummy to your height and needs.
- The low profile base is easy to fill with sand or water, and it keeps the dummy stable during use.
- The one year warranty gives you peace of mind that you’re making a good investment.
Cons
- The assembly process can be annoying and time-consuming, but using soapy water can make it easier.
- It can be knocked over if you hit it too hard, but this is true of most punching dummies.
- It’s a bit expensive compared to other punching dummies on the market.
We’ve had the Century® B.O.B. Body Opponent Bag for a few months now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The adjustable height feature is great, as we can easily customize it to our height and needs. The low profile base is also a plus, as it’s easy to fill with sand or water and keeps the dummy stable during use.
The one year warranty is also a nice touch, as it gives us peace of mind that we’re making a good investment. However, the assembly process can be a bit annoying and time-consuming, but using soapy water can make it easier.
The only downside we’ve found is that it can be knocked over if you hit it too hard, but this is true of most punching dummies. Overall, we think the Century® B.O.B. Body Opponent Bag is a great option for anyone looking for a freestanding punching dummy.
Stylso Wrestling Dummy Grappling Dummies
If you’re looking for a versatile and customizable grappling dummy, the Stylso Wrestling Dummy Grappling Dummies is worth considering.
Pros
- The double-layer premium canvas and enforced stitching make this dummy durable and long-lasting.
- The dummy comes unfilled, allowing you to customize its weight and density to your needs.
- The Stylso Wrestling Dummy Grappling Dummies is designed by professionals for professionals, so you can trust that it’s a quality product.
Cons
- The legs are bent at the knees and won’t stay straight, making it difficult to stand up.
- The premium zip and protective cover may not be enough to prevent damage during intense practice sessions.
- The unfilled dummy requires some time and effort to fill with materials of your choice.
We recently tried out the Stylso Wrestling Dummy Grappling Dummies and were impressed with its quality and versatility. The double-layer premium canvas and enforced stitching make it a durable and long-lasting product that can withstand intense practice sessions.
We appreciated that the dummy comes unfilled, as it allows you to customize its weight and density to your needs. We found it easy to fill with a variety of materials, including foam, fabric, polyester, shredded textile, pillows, cloth, and towels or used blankets.
The Stylso Wrestling Dummy Grappling Dummies is designed by professionals for professionals, so you can trust that it’s a quality product. However, we did notice that the legs are bent at the knees and won’t stay straight, which can make it difficult to stand up. Additionally, the premium zip and protective cover may not be enough to prevent damage during intense practice sessions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and customizable grappling dummy, the Stylso Wrestling Dummy Grappling Dummies is worth considering. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to practice BJJ, MMA, Judo, Karate, Jiujitsu, Boxing, Punching and Throwing drills without hurting their siblings or trainer.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a punching dummy, there are several factors that you need to consider in order to make the best purchase. In this section, we will discuss the key features that you should look for when choosing a punching dummy.
Material
The material of the punching dummy is an important consideration. You want a dummy that is made from durable and high-quality materials that can withstand the impact of your punches. The most common materials used for punching dummies are synthetic leather, vinyl, and canvas. Synthetic leather is the most durable and long-lasting material, while vinyl and canvas are more affordable options.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the punching dummy are also important factors to consider. The size of the dummy should be proportional to your body size, and the weight should be appropriate for your strength and skill level. A heavier dummy will provide more resistance and a more challenging workout, but it may also be more difficult to move around and store.
Shape and Design
The shape and design of the punching dummy can also affect your training. Some dummies are designed to simulate the shape and movement of a real opponent, while others are more static and stationary. The shape and design of the dummy should match your training goals and preferences.
Additional Features
There are several additional features that you may want to consider when choosing a punching dummy. These include adjustable height and weight, detachable limbs, and target areas for specific strikes. These features can enhance your training and provide a more realistic and challenging workout.
In summary, when choosing a punching dummy, you should consider the material, size and weight, shape and design, and additional features. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best punching dummy for your training needs.
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Dummy
Here’s why choosing the right punching dummy is so important for MMA training:
Realistic Training
The right punching dummy can provide a realistic human-like target, enabling MMA fighters to practice and perfect their strikes, punches, kicks, takedowns, and grappling moves. It allows for the simulation of an actual opponent, which is crucial in a sport where precision and accuracy can make the difference between a win and a loss.
Versatility
Different punching dummies cater to different aspects of MMA training. Some are specifically designed for stand-up striking, while others are versatile enough for both striking and grappling practice. Depending on your training focus, selecting the right dummy can help enhance your skills in a specific area, contributing to a more well-rounded fighting skillset.
Durability
MMA training involves intensive, high-impact routines. The right punching dummy should be able to withstand repeated strikes without losing its form or functionality. A durable dummy ensures you can train effectively over a long period, providing value for your investment.
Feedback
A quality punching dummy can provide valuable feedback on your strikes. It allows you to gauge your power, speed, and precision, serving as a benchmark for improvement. It can help you understand which techniques work best and which need further refinement.
Safety
Training with a poorly made dummy can lead to injuries. For example, a dummy that is too hard can cause unnecessary strain on your hands and legs, while one that easily topples over can lead to tripping or falling. Therefore, choosing the right dummy that balances stability, flexibility, and firmness is key to safe and effective training.
6. Confidence:
Training with a dummy that suits your needs can boost your confidence. It provides a risk-free environment where you can experiment with new moves, combinations, and strategies, paving the way for you to perform better in actual combat situations.
Choosing the right punching dummy isn’t just about buying a piece of training equipment; it’s about investing in your MMA journey. A suitable dummy complements your training regimen, enhances your skills, ensures your safety, and, ultimately, helps you become a better MMA fighter.
How To Use A Dummy For Striking Practice
When using a dummy for striking practice, it is important to focus on accuracy and technique rather than power. Start by working on your basic punches, such as jabs, crosses, and hooks. As you become more comfortable with the dummy, you can start adding in other strikes, such as knees and elbows.
Remember to keep your hands up and your chin down while striking the dummy. This will help you develop proper defensive posture and prevent you from getting injured while training. Switching up your striking combinations frequently is also important so you don’t get too comfortable with any particular sequence.
Here are some general tips to help you get the most out of your dummy training:
- Vary your training: As we mentioned, it is important to frequently vary your striking and grappling combinations. This will help you stay engaged and prevent you from developing bad habits.
- Use proper equipment: Make sure that you are using the appropriate MMA gear, such as gloves and hand wraps. This will help you avoid injury and train more effectively.
- Be safe: Always train in a safe environment. Remember that there is no shame in taking a break if you are feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
- Keep a close eye on your technique: It is easy to develop bad habits when training with a dummy. Pay close attention to your technique and ensure that you perform each movement correctly.
- Warm up: Always warm up before training. This will help you avoid injury and perform at your best.
- Get feedback: film yourself while training and ask a coach or friend for feedback. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement.
Conclusion
Choosing the right punching dummy depends on your training needs, goals, and budget. These top-rated options offer unique benefits, from realistic human figures for targeted strikes to models designed for stand-up and ground training.
Regardless of your choice, investing in a quality punching dummy can significantly enhance your MMA training regimen and help elevate your skills to a professional level. Remember, effective training is about quality, not just quantity, and with the right punching dummy, you can ensure every punch counts.
