How to Build a Fighting Dummy

Martial artists use a variety of training equipment to perfect their style of fighting. Everything from focus mits to kicking shields are used to teach proper technique. When a martial artist cannot find a training partner, a fighting dummy can take his place, allowing the martial artist to continue working on her craft. With household items, you can make your own training dummy. The dummy will allow you to train on your own time and continue working even if you can't find a training partner.

Things You'll Need

  • Sweat shirt
  • Sweat pants
  • Duct tape
  • Stuffing product
  • Mannequin head
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tuck the sweat shirt into the sweat pants and do up the pants tightly. Tape the shirt and the pants together with the duct tape around the waist.

    • 2

      Tape the ends of the sweat shirt and the sweat pants closed. The sleeves and pants legs must be sealed shut to ensure that none of the stuffing falls out of the dummy during use.

    • 3

      Add stuffing to the dummy through the opening at the top of the sweat shirt. You can use stuffing purchased from a craft store or home products such as old newspapers. Push the stuffing through to the legs first, and then stuff the arms and the upper body.

    • 4

      Insert the mannequin head into the dummy and tape it into place to ensure the head does not move back and forth when the dummy is moved. Use additional tape to secure it in place if needed.

    • 5

      Test the dummy to make sure it does not fall apart during use. If you notice weak or soft places in the dummy, remove the head and add more stuffing into the dummy, and then reattach the head.