Reddit mentions: The best wrestling equipment

I bought an unstuffed dummy from ebay. Then I stuffed it with material from a second hand boxing heavy bag, and some sand in the legs to give it a solid base (I used too much sand, dont be me).

The ebay model I bought seems pretty similar to this one - mine is cosmetically different and the vendor I bought from is different but they are all basically Fairtek clones and cost about $100, and the main difference is the logo printed on the dummy's chest. The newer models have articulating feet / wrists like this:

ebay.com/itm/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Grappling-QMA-Dummy-Artificial-Leather-MMA-GD2-6-FT/113883731579?hash=item1a83ffd67b:g:8WoAAOSw0Ipdd8nH

Or the same idea from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Grappling-Dummy-hands-detailed-submissions/dp/B0787JJMDR/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=grappling+dummy&qid=1568320051&sr=8-10

Here's a listing for someone saying its a genuine product - I dont know if that's true. This listing has some more photos with details about how to stuff the dummy, if that's useful for you. It took me a while to figure it out by myself, so again, dont be me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FAIRTEX-MADDOX-GRAPPLING-DUMMY-GD2-MMA-JIU-JITSU-BJJ-UFC-UNFILLED-JENDILA-TITLE/283596394809?hash=item4207a99139:g:weMAAOSwdUtdZlhT

There's some complaints about it being hard to stuff the dummy - it's certainly not easy, I couldnt get it anywhere near as tight as a commercial heavy boxing bag. But with some patience and some shoving (and a broom handle), it's certainly feasible. Smaller pieces of material were easier to pack in than whole towels, for example - same as a boxing bag.

For $500, I wouldnt get a dummy. But for $100, I think there's a place for them, especially in situations like yours. I dont think the one I bought would last a few years of mistreatment at a gym, but it's fine at my house. They are not really made for ground and pound - if that's what you want, then just lay a heavy bag on the ground and go for it. I prefer having the arms / legs / head for practicing moves, rather than just practicing mobility.

Also as others have said, you might be able to find a judo club for a lot less than bjj, so that's worth considering. Good luck!

I tested out several and settled on the Cliff Keen fusion headgear https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JUS3T4Q They are a nice balance between good ear protection and a soft outer layer which is helpful for your teammates.

I also tried, and still have, the Cliff Keen Tornado, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KEFWUE/ . Excellent protection, but the hard outer shell sticks out far and is somewhat like a cheese grater on your partner. Wrestling great, bjj not so much.

I also bought and immediately returned the matman, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SBMZ9Y/ . The attached chin strap was a deal breaker. Not only did it not fit my big melon the attached chin strap means if it breaks it's tough to replace.

I have no problems hearing instruction or my partner when wearing them, but they are a PIA to wear and this is coming from someone who wrestled for many years. I put them on after warm ups or sometimes not until sparring depending on what we are working on. They have kept my cauliflower ear from coming back over the past year.

Best of luck.

I'm competing in my first meet next month, a USAPL sanctioned raw novice meet at a local gym. I really want to rock this singlet but I've never seen anyone wearing shit other than plain black or Inzer, etc branded singlets in videos and such. The brand isn't on the IPF approved list but my friends tell me since this is just a local thing I should be OK as long as it meets the physical specs for thickness, length etc. I really don't wanna be turned away from my first meet due to wearing a goofy outfit but I would also very much like to dress up like a saiyan.. Am I good?

From the USAPL handbook:

>A non-supportive lifting suit shall be worn in competitions which are designated as Classic/Raw and may be worn in competitions which are designated as Equipped (in which a supportive lifting suit may instead be worn). The suit straps must be worn over the lifter’s shoulders at all times in all lifts in all competitions.

>Only non-supportive suits from manufacturers accepted onto the “Approved List of Apparel and Equipment for Use at IPF Competitions” shall be permitted for use in competitions. In addition, any such non-supportive suit from approved manufacturers must meet all the specifications of the IPF Technical
Rules; non-supportive suits from approved manufacturers which breach any IPF Technical Rule shall not be permitted for use in competitions.

>The non-supportive lifting suit must conform to the following specifications:

>(a) The suit shall be one-piece and form fitting without any looseness when worn.

>(b) The suit must be constructed entirely of fabric or a synthetic textile material, such that no support
is given to the lifter by the suit in the execution of any lift.

>(c) The suit’s material shall be of a single thickness, other than a second thickness of material of up to
12 cm x 24 cm allowed in the area of the crotch.

>(d) There must be legs to the suit, extending a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 25 cm, from the
top of the crotch down the inside of the leg, as measured when worn by the lifter in a standing
position

>(e) The suit may bear the logos or emblems

>- of the approved manufacturer of the suit

>- of the lifter’s nation

>- of the lifter’s name

>- as per rule “Sponsor’s Logos”

>- in national and lower level contests only, of the lifter’s club or individual sponsor, where that
logo or emblem has not otherwise been approved by the IPF.

It sound strange but one of the things that would help kick the year off for me would be the Official WWE Authentic WWE World Heavyweight Championship Replica Title because I made a promise to me and to my family that this will year will be different. This year will be my year. I will get a job I love and kick ass at it. I will lose the weight that I have slowly been gaining back fire the past 5 years. I will be a different and better person each and every day. And if I have that Championship belt staring at me challenging me I think it will bee they motivation I need to keep it going all the way through to January 1st of 2017 and beyond.

I've been through 4 sets of knee sleeves and pads so far.

1. Neoprene knee sleeves (from local pharmacy). These were shit, don't even bother
   
   
2. Volleyball knee pads were the second round. Better than knee sleeves but they wore out pretty quickly and constantly slid down.
   
   
3. Brute Torq Kneepad was an amazing knee pad. Stayed in place, the back mesh prevented the back of the knee from being too sweaty. Great padding and lasted for years. Too bad they stopped making them.
   
   
4. Cliff Keen Wraptor 2.0 is the current pad. They're ok, and protect the knee. In about a month they have already loosened up a lot and a few threads have popped, not a good sign.
   
   I've looked at the Bauerfeind but I'm looking for more impact protection than additional stability. The actual knee pads keep my knees very warm and I haven't had any knee issues since the Brute Torq's.

We have Suples dummies in our club's wrestling room, and they all got shredded to pieces at the stichings. Most of the wrestlers that used them were high school kids though, and I really have no idea how rough they were with them, though knowing them I would assume they were acting like a bunch of orangutans with them. Without seeing what the kids were doing I can't vouch for the quality, though the company seems to have a good reputation.

I have an son in the sport who's almost nine and a daughter in the sport that's almost 11 and we have a wrestling mat in our basement for working out at home. This Christmas Santa brought a black canvas Celebrita grappling dummy. We got it "used" for about $100, though when it showed up it wasn't even take out of the plastic bag it came in by the previous owner. It comes empty, and you have to fill it yourself. "Santa" basically spent close to a month sitting and watching Netflix and cutting up t-shirts, and sweatshirts, and other clothing that we were going to haul to the Salvation Army, every night after the kids went to bed, stuffing them in the dummy afterwards and tucking the dummy in Mom and Dad's closet during the day. Thirty nights of cutting and cutting and cutting jeans and hoodies with that damn kitchen scissors, Santa has a goddamn wrestlers grip now fit to pull your arm out of its socket, but the dummy was filled and ready to wrestle when the kids came upstairs Christmas morning.

It seems to be of really good quality. The seams are stitched together pretty solidly, and I don't foresee my kids having the strength to ever tear it up. Maybe the one drawback would be that it has three straps (one on the head and one on each shoulder), with heavy-duty metal D-Rings on the end of the straps, so that it can be used to hang the dummy from the ceiling joists to make it stand up on its own. If your practicing throws, you'll want to figure out a way to fasten the straps down so your kid doesn't go to school looking like you beat him with a flail. If you don't plan on hanging the dummy you can just cut them off. I wound up just tying the shoulder straps together behind the dummy's back which keeps them out of the way, and putting a beanie on his head to cover the head strap.

I get bursitis in my knees pretty often and have gone through more than a few pairs of knee pads. My favorite are the Asics Super Sleeves. They stay in place, feel good, and are the least bulky that have worked for me. They get pretty hot though. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LG668I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Lifelong wrestler here. The tornado imo is very comfortable but is too big and bulky for my liking. I have used my cliff keen signiture for the last 5 years and I love it
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001M8P2TS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1465055787&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=cliff+keen+headgear&dpPl=1&dpID=4159PtgKffL&ref=plSrch

I got this one (Adult, Pre-Filled):
https://www.amazon.com/MMA-Grappling-Jiu-Jitsu-Dummy/dp/B01I44KEV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474931331&sr=8-2&keywords=bjj+training+dummy

I agree with everyone that nothing can replace a human being for all the reasons they stated above. I find the dummy helpful with really specific drills (like some of these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRUtpYQ0c6E).

I also found it helpful and still do, for little things like remembering hand placement and building muscle memory.

I'm busy so i generally only go to class 3-4 times a week. The dummy helps me with little things, despite what a lot of others may say. But of course, nothing beats a practice with another human being. There is no replacement for feeling another's bodyweight shift, as well as the physical responses.

Maybe a "nasty bag" for $5? This is a well known hemp BJJ brand but I don't think the bag itself is made from hemp. http://www.dsgear.com/collections/accessories

Is he on /r/bjj? Perhaps one of the patches that are on the sidebar?

Does he use headgear or have cauliflower ear problems? These are great. Everyone that uses headgear at my studio, uses this brand. Cliff Keen.
http://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-Tornado-Wrestling-Headgear/dp/B000KEFWUE/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417733497&sr=1-2&keywords=kliff+keen+headgear

Good luck!

I'm 240lbs with big boobs. I have 2 singlets, and I MUCH prefer my new one. I got this one and love that the legs are longer. Someone also just told me it's easier for the judges to see the break in your hips for squat depth with the stripe down the side which I wouldn't have thought of but could be true. This singlet is also the same fabric of workout pants, so it is much more comfortable than my previous one. I'll keep both of them in my rotation. My old one is from Iron Rebel It's a bit short on my legs, but nothing that I was ever really self conscious about.

I don't have any insight on the adidas one, but I have this one in black that I've used for all ~7 of my meets. It is pretty cheap, so if you're looking to get another singlet later anyways that is approved by your fed of choice, it could be a good one to get you through this meet as cheaply as possible.

I don't know about the Epsom Salt.

There is a school of thought that there is a predisposition to get cauliflower ear that is genetic. The thickness, structure, and flexibility of your ear cartilage are large indicators in vulnerability to the skin tearing away or the cartilage breaking. I tend to agree based completely on a small sample size (the 2 gyms I train at), but I don't know 100%.

Wear comfortable, low profile head gear and you'll be protected from the impact and shearing forces that encourage cauliflower ear.

EDIT: Here are some low-profile headgear examples (in no particular order):

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Guard-Grappling-Wrestling-Jitsu/dp/B005ESOWPW

http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Guard-Grappling-Wrestling-Jitsu/dp/B005ESOWLG

http://www.amazon.com/KRUSHCO-WRESTLING-EG-1-Ultra-Earguard-adult/dp/B001HB831O

http://www.amazon.com/Guards-MARINES-WRESTLING-JUDO-RUGBY/dp/B004SI162Q

http://www.amazon.com/Kimurawear-ReActive-Ear-Guards/dp/B00667GIAW

http://www.amazon.com/ProForce-Ultra-Strike-Ear-Guard/dp/B005BV83IO

(Sorry for all of the Amazon links. They just have a bunch of different options "right there".)

For your first meet, I'd recommend prioritizing a local meet that's close by so you don't have to travel over anything else. Find one that fits location wise and your schedule and go for it.

A few quick notes with that -

1. If you choose USAPL, they drug test and follow the WADA list and it's worth looking it over (for example, some PCOS meds you need a therapeutic use exemption for).
   
   
2. Some federations use a squat bar (thicker) and a deadlift bar (longer, thinner) so make sure to check. Specifically USPA and USPF use deadlift bars. USAPL uses a power bar for all 3 lifts. If you're used to using a power bar for all of your lifts, I'd look for USAPL or find a gym with a squat bar/deadlift bar to practice on since the technique (esp on the DL bar, the squat bar just feels a little different) is a bit different and you don't want to be using them for the first time on game day.
   
   
3. This is my first singlet that was great: https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Womens-Modified-Wrestling-Singlet/dp/B0049EOAQ8 . I now have a SBD singlet which is significantly better, but also significantly more expensive :)
   
   

If you don't mind the look, you could probably get something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Matman-Ultra-Soft-Wrestling-Headgear/dp/B006SBMZRG/ref=sr_1_49_sspa?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1509481159&sr=1-49-spons&keywords=ear+guards&psc=1

and tuck your hair through the top and back bands, maybe pony up the end. It'll have the added benefit of keeping you cauliflower ear free!

EDIT ooh! or these things!

https://www.amazon.com/Adidas-aH100-Wrestling-Hair-Cover/dp/B00JR4USPC/ref=pd_sim_200_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VY4F15V32QFE4PYKY65D

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-HSL96-Hair-Slicker/dp/B0000DZSBC/ref=pd_sim_200_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3C713DCQCFSV23CW8ZR9

I never had any complaints about the Twisters - the plastic is super soft (so maybe a newer design?).

Thanks for the reco on the the Matmans. They look pretty decent.

These are the Grapplearts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAYRA0U/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2B9GFDHNL8DMK

I've only been doing bjj for a few months, but there are students who use headgear at our gym. No one bats an eye at it. It's about what makes you comfortable as you train. Anyone who would give you shit for it can go fuck themselves. It's YOUR journey and YOUR training. Not theirs.

That said, the best partner friendly headgear you can likely get is Cliff Keen E58: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009A5GRI/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3

It's a really good brand of grappler's headgear. I have a pair. They will protect your ears. They aren't bulky. Best of all, they are soft and partner friendly. I've rolled with a guy who using this plastic hard tornado-some such headgear and I hate him for it. It's unpleasant when he digs his headgear into me.

When all else failed we went the DIY route for our teenager and made something like this but hard shell ear protection for wrestling like this will work as well.

I have this Asics one. I'm 5'6/135 with a long torso and the M fits pretty well, plus the shorts go to mid-thigh.

YOU'RE WELCOME

​

https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYRA0U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1479448166&sr=8-1&keywords=Ear+Guards+for+BJJ&refinements=p_72:2661619011&linkCode=li3&tag=mmawar-20&linkId=180b273b06ad1d3b87280665d9c199a1

I wear Asics Super Sleeves.

I'm 5'7" and 170 and broad
Fenom is good but don't put them in the dryer/ use hot water. and buy a rope draw string.
93 brand seems inconsistent in sizing.
JustGiPants.com has big flexible pants. Unflattering but they don't limit mobility.
And I wear wrestling singlets under my gi for maximum movement and zero wardrobe malfunctions. I wear a large and its almost too snug on thighs.

Got this one last week, very good product

Matman Ultrasoft Wrestling Headgear Quick Adjusting, One Size Fits All, Ear and Head Guard Adult https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006SBMZ9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DeUOCbGP4DWRA

Any recommendations? I've tried a few and these are my favorite so far:

http://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

Cliff Keen E58

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

i use these. i swear by them. never roll without 'em. i have joint and easily bruising knees.

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Super-Sleeve-Black-Large/dp/B000LG668I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404835699&sr=8-4&keywords=asics+knee+pads

it's almost unavoidable to 'avoid' injuries... with that said...

i've come to find in a year of doing BJJ that i almost always screw up my toes. the big toe or pinky toe on either foot, so i make sure to tape them before class.

with working more spider guard, in a measly 3 months of doing so, i could no longer get my wedding ring on/off so i had to have it resized. since then, i tape my fingers accordingly.

i wear these kneepads when necessary after having to take 6 weeks off due to a tibial bone bruise given my awkward landings when doing shots, or landing on my left knee when doing backrolls. having them helps a lot.

point being... the more you go, the more you learn what your weak areas are, and how to protect them. i am .... naturally ungraceful so the toe issues are probably my fault, as with what happened to my knee. i'm still nursing a right hand middle finger that was sprained in 2 spots christmas night when we had open mats, and i got caught in a sleeve when my partner was breaking spider guard grips. when it heals fully, i will likely tape that finger more than my other ones.

ETA: most the people in my class have avoided massive injuries too. one of my coaches is a black belt in judo and has some shoulder issues from that. another couple people wear ankle braces from past injuries. if you know you have a weak spot on your body, brace it and do the best you can.

ASICS Women's Solid Modified Wrestling Singlet, Black, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WES9ES/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_c-uFub0417JRS

Several people word hardshells, like Cliff Keen, at our gym and I found them somewhat annoying as a partner. It's not fun to bumb your head against the shell and locking the head up is trickier.

When I had my cauliflower ear drained last month, I picked up the softer Matman and so far my experience is good. I've asked my partners if it messes with them and nobody seems to mind.

If you don't want to risk cauliflower, wear ear guards. https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

These are a hell of a lot better than anything I've worn when it comes to hearing. Not great, but better. The CK tornadoes are also a lot better if you can't wear the soft headgear

I use these. So far so good.

get a wrestling cap. it's totally normal and common in wrestling. here is another version

Headgear. Headgear headgear headgear. If you're worried about your ears, wear headgear. They're cheap and come in lots of colors, you can match your gis if you want!

http://forums.sherdog.com/forums/f12/whats-best-ear-guard-bjj-1065252/

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Guard-Grappling-Wrestling-Jitsu/dp/B005ESOWPW

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-ZW1000-Conquest-Ear-Guard/dp/B005ACNB2M/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FYCZ4A5Q582XTMTSEZ1

Second the head gear comment, have longish hair and it keeps it out of my face. Stops your ears becoming all weird too.

I got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SBMZ9Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this and I dig it. I don't wear it that often though; only when my ears are particularly sore if I'm doing a lot of nogi...http://www.amazon.com/Matman-Ultra-Soft-Wrestling-Headgear/dp/B006SBMZ9Y

I just ordered these CK's since a rolling mate also wears it and they seem to be working fine for him. I will try out your suggestion if the CK's don't work out.

I also had previously got these but they kept falling off during training and my ear infection worsened after those rolls.

I waited more than two weeks, I went to an ENT and he cut and drained since at that time a lot of the fluid starts to harden so cutting would get more out. I wear (http://www.amazon.com/Matman-Ultra-Soft-Wrestling-Headgear/dp/B006SBMZ9Y) Matman head gear which is all foam and only $20. Doesn't cramp my style too much. they fall off sometimes but I stop and secure the strap. Even with them on my ears get a little inflames still so I ice the injured one often.

Check these out:

http://www.amazon.com/Matman-Ultra-Soft-Wrestling-Headgear/dp/B006SBMZ9Y

These are all cloth on the outside and have a low profile. They don't get in the way when training, and there's no hard plastic on the outside to bother training partners.

My only complaint is the chin strap can be a little uncomfortable.

Wear headgear when you train so you can avoid wearing it when you compete. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYRA0U/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479406882&sr=1-1&keywords=grapplearts+ear+guard

Started having sore ears from triangle drilling about a month ago, and it was painful when I had a haircut (the barber would bend my ear). Since I started wearing this, the pain has gone away.

Edit: the strap broke on this one last night. Don't buy it.