Training Dummy Recommendation

[Vik]

I'd really like to hear from everyone, including Crafty Dog  

I've been considering getting a training dummy for the times I don't have access to someone to spar with (which is all too often given my work and travel schedule).  I'm looking for something a bit more interesting than a conventional heavy bag or Wavemaster, as well as preparing me better for sparring.  

I plan to use the dummy in an enclosed indoor space, i.e. bonus room at home.  I hope to pummel it with fists and sticks... with liberal doses of elbows and knees

Has anyone tried the following?  What are your opinions?  Recommendations?  

The Warrior (either spinning Warrior or spinning Phase 2):
http://www.thewarrior.com/warriors/paddedvs.htm

The Silent Fighter Training Dummy:
http://www.kellyworden.com/Media.html
http://www.kellyworden.com/SilentFighter.html
http://www.kellyworden.com/ArticleSilentFighter.html

Great Lion Freestanding PVC Dummy:
http://www.woodendummy.net/showitem.php?itemid=19

DeMile Spring Loaded Dummy:
http://www.wingchundo.com/default.cfm?PID=1.23

Jim Bradley Spring Dummy:
http://www.shogunmartialarts.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=show_product&category_id=7&subcategory_id=61&product_id=607

Focusmaster G1000:
http://www.focusmaster.com

Actually, has anyone seen heavy bags or Wavemasters with spring-loaded arms and legs?  I wonder if such things exist.

Thanks in advance!
-=Vik=-

[Dog Pound]

I have used the mook jong and made my own out of PVC.  I also made this freestanding, three-legged, four-armed, spring headed contraption that worked OK.  All that stuff is interesting, but for my money, I am content with a thai bag (with as small diameter as possible).  I also like the BOB (Body Opponent Bag), but unless I had a school, I would not buy it just for myself.

IMHO the dummies you listed aren't worth the money.  If you want try something, go to a construction site and pick a large diameter (8-10 inches) PVC pipe, carve out some holes for arms, pad it, and mount it.  If you need it, I can give you some ideas on connecting the arms and mounting it (you do want it to have a little movement).

I would also suggest, going to a tire store and getting some old tires (they give them away).  Bolt them together and shove a long stick or two in between the tires as arms.  Make sure the tires don't have any of the steel belt showing.

Another idea that I enjoy uses a double-end bag.  Fix a string onto a tennis ball and hung it from the same point as the double-end bag.  The string should be just long enough to let the tennis ball rest on the middle of the double-end bag.  As you hit the double-end bag, the tennis ball bounces and flies around randomly.  Focus on keeping your timing on the double-end bag (remember to move your feet) while slipping and/or blocking the tennis ball.

[Vik]

If you want try something, go to a construction site and pick a large diameter (8-10 inches) PVC pipe, carve out some holes for arms, pad it, and mount it. If you need it, I can give you some ideas on connecting the arms and mounting it (you do want it to have a little movement).

Yes, I definitely want to hear your suggestions on mounting the arms/leg (for some movement) as well as padding/covering everything.  Also, what do you suggest for some movement of the entire dummy itself?  My preference is for some resistance, so that the torso/arms/leg do not move too easily, i.e. that it would "push back."  Is this possible with a free-standing dummy?  I'd like to be able to manuever freely around the dummy, which is something not possible with a wall mount or certain floor mounts.

Another idea that I enjoy uses a double-end bag. Fix a string onto a tennis ball and hung it from the same point as the double-end bag. The string should be just long enough to let the tennis ball rest on the middle of the double-end bag. As you hit the double-end bag, the tennis ball bounces and flies around randomly. Focus on keeping your timing on the double-end bag (remember to move your feet) while slipping and/or blocking the tennis ball.

Great suggestion!  I think I'll try it!

I would also suggest, going to a tire store and getting some old tires (they give them away). Bolt them together and shove a long stick or two in between the tires as arms. Make sure the tires don't have any of the steel belt showing.

This seems like a good outdoor alternative, if my fiance would be open to it.  I know she would absolutely veto the tire-dummy for an indoor space.

All that stuff is interesting, but for my money, I am content with a thai bag (with as small diameter as possible). I also like the BOB (Body Opponent Bag), but unless I had a school, I would not buy it just for myself.

I'm curious... Why the smallest possible diameter thai bag?  I wonder if it's feasible to easily attach arms/leg to a thai bag or a Wavemaster XXL.

I kinda like the BOB, but wish it had arms (for trapping, etc.) and more lower body (for leg attacks and checks).  Here's a variation on the BOB that intrigues me: http://www.dynamiccombat.com/images/academy/acadDummy.jpg
Also, take a look at these: http://www.dynamiccombat.com/images/academy/acad2.jpg

Thanks again!
-=Vik=-

[Dog Pound]

I wonder if it's feasible to easily attach arms/leg to a thai bag or a Wavemaster XXL

I have seen an arm for sale that attaches to a heavy bag, I looked around the net a little but can't find it anymore.  However, you could take a pool noodle and wrap it part way around the bag and duct tape it in place so that ends form two arms.  You could do the samething to make a leg or two.

FYI - Ringside has a hanging version of the BOB (http://ringside.com/store/prodinfo_punchingbags.asp?number=HBOB&variation=&aitem=8&mitem=20)

My mook jong is mounted on the wall by car springs.  I have pics that will make it easier to explain.  At this time my web page is not up, so email me at corey.davis@ccpoa.org, give me your email, and I'll put something together.

A free-standing dummy has advantages because you can work around it 360 and then put in a corner when you are done with it.  I would suggest getting a wavemaster base (hit up martial arts schools, I always see extra bases around - a base that has a leak is fine because you can fill it with sand).  Get a piece of PVC that fits loosely over the base's post.  This way the dummy can rock and swivel.  Cheap padding can be made with carpet padding, covered with carpet or cloth, and duct tape.

[Vik]

I have seen an arm for sale that attaches to a heavy bag, I looked around the net a little but can't find it anymore.  

 After an extensive search, I think I found what you're talking about.  It's called  Attachmate.  The product description reads:
Manufactured from a high impact compound, Attach-mate is designed to fit over all free standing (such as Century Wavemaster) and hanging bags.  Features spring action arms; portable & height-adjustable; affordable alternative for practicing traditional techniques that utilize a wooden dummy.

One moderately-priced training dummy solution would be to use the Attachmate with a Wavemaster XXL for the times I want to practice trapping, etc.  Then remove it for times I really want to blast the Wavemaster XXL with full-power shots - I'm pretty sure that the plate is not strong enough to endure more than a few moderate-power shots.  The advantages of the Attachmate+Wavemaster XXL combination are that it's free-standing, somewhat portable, and allows more realistic head butts!

FYI - Ringside has a hanging version of the BOB

I wonder if the Attachmate will mount well to a BOB or Pro-Spar torso.    

Too bad none of this alternatives have a leg for sweeps or low strikes or leg checks.  

My mook jong is mounted on the wall by car springs.

This I gotta see!  I'll email you soon!  Thanks!  

[Crafty_Dog]

I just noticed you asked by name for my thoughts.

FWIW these dummies have never resonated much for me.  I do like tires and hanging balls and also like narrow diameter Thai bags-- better shin conditioning I think.

[DanJuanDeSiga]

I just noticed you asked by name for my thoughts.

FWIW these dummies have never resonated much for me.  I do like tires and hanging balls and also like narrow diameter Thai bags-- better shin conditioning I think.

I have found the use of tires to work effectively simply because they can take more "punishment" due to their durability. I also like the fighting man dummy from I & I sports.

Daniel Arola
DAMAG INC
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DAMAG_Kali_Stickfighting
Fayetteville NC