Is the Grappling SMARTY the best grappling dummy?

I’m a passionate BJJ hobbyist. I have BJJ mats in my apartment. Sometimes, I’m itching to drill some moves I learn in an instructional — but I have nobody to practice on.

The Grappling SMARTY 2.0 solves that problem. Unlike other BJJ dummies, it’s smart. The SMARTY is designed with its elbows and knees connected. This makes it more realistic to drill with.

In this article, I’ll share my in-depth review of the regular-sized SMARTY, SMARTY XL, and SMARTY Kid.

There are no replacements for real training partners. But the SMARTY is as close as you’ll get.

Grappling SMARTY Review: Quick Links

• Review Summary
• Best BJJ Grappling Dummies: Comparison Chart
• What Is The Grappling SMARTY 2.0? 
• Who Should Invest In The Grappling SMARTY 2.0?
• SMARTY 2.0 Pros
• SMARTY 2.0 Cons
• Price Breakdown
• Construction Details
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Takeaway Thoughts

Review Summary

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)

Want to see how much TSAVO5 saves on each SMARTY size? See full details, checkout proof, and FAQ.

Best BJJ Grappling Dummies: Comparison Chart

How does the Grappling SMARTY 2.0 stack up against other popular BJJ dummies? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the grappling dummies I’ve tested.

	BEST OVERALL Grappling Smarty 2.0	Submission Master	Jendila Grappling Dummy
My Score	5/5 stars ⭐	Not personally tested (yet)	3/5 stars
Price	$239–$649+ Use code TSAVO5 for 5% off	$647 pre-filled Free shipping	~$25–$50
Limb Design	Connected elbows & knees — proper grappling stance (patented)	Upright seated stance — sits up on the knees, no elbow-knee connection	Sitting position — arms repositionable, no elbow-knee connection
Size Options	Regular (5'7"), XL (6'2"), Kid (4'9")	One size only	4.5ft, 5.5ft, 6ft
Pros	Most realistic dummy on the market — drill 100+ techniques from any position	Heavy and stable for high-rep drilling; 1000D Cordura shell, reinforced seams, built in the USA	Lowest price, thicker canvas than most generics
Cons	Higher price point	Heavy (~80–85 lbs) and not travel-friendly; one size; no unfilled option	Unfilled only, self-filling can be frustrating, limited realism
Filled Option	Yes — pre-filled or unfilled	Pre-filled only (~80–85 lbs)	Unfilled only
Our Pick	🏆 BEST CHOICE	Premium alternative	Budget option only
Shop	Shop Grappling Smarty (Discount Link)	Not personally tested yet.	Shop on Amazon

What Is The Grappling SMARTY 2.0 BJJ Dummy?

The Grappling SMARTY 2.0 is the second version of Patrick Fulop’s unique BJJ dummy.

Patrick is the founder of Effective Martial Arts in Montreal, Canada.

During the pandemic of 2020, he transitioned to instructing his students virtually. However, he had no way to demonstrate jiu-jitsu techniques to students.

His wife is also an avid martial artist. But in 2020, she was pregnant, so he wasn’t able to train with her.

Patrick sought a solution so that he could practice and demonstrate techniques. But the average grappling dummy was too unrealistic:

To solve his own problem, he invented his own dummy in 2021: the Grappling SMARTY 1.0.

It’s a dummy that’s in proper grappling stance: with its knees and elbows connected instead of just lying down flat with its arms up.

In the winter of 2022, Patrick launched the Grappling SMARTY 2.0.

He made the following improvements based on customer feedback:

1. Longer legs so you can practice guard passes and leg locks
2. Added a chin so that you can practice realistic rear naked chokes
3. Added thumbs so that you can practice proper armbar finishing mechanics
4. Redesigned the shoulder to make it more mobile
5. Reduced the waistline and width of the chest and shoulders, allowing you to lock up a body triangle and fit your gi on it

In this article, I’ll be reviewing the SMARTY 2.0. Patrick sent me the regular and XL sized SMARTYs in exchange for this in-depth review.

Who Should Invest In The Grappling SMARTY 2.0?

I’ve used at least 3 different kinds of dummies, and the SMARTY 2.0 is the best. The name is fitting.

But who should invest in it?

You have to be serious about your training if you’ll invest a few hundred dollars in a grappling dummy.

There are a few specific BJJ players I think would benefit from the SMARTY.

• Kinesthetic Learners: You primarily learn techniques and submissions by moving your body — by feeling it. I’m a kinesthetic learner. So being able to drill moves slowly on the SMARTY helps me practice and remember what I learn in class.
• Beginners (White Belts & Blue Belts): You’re in your first 3-4 years of jiu-jitsu. At this stage, you’re memorizing. Having the SMARTY will help you practice techniques before or after class to aid your memorization.
• Pros: You’re a professional BJJ athlete. You need to be able to practice whenever you can. So, when you don’t have a training partner available, the SMARTY is your next best option.
• People With Injuries: As I’m writing this review, I’m recovering from a knee injury. A major stage of recovery is redeveloping confidence in the injured area. I’m practicing techniques very slowly on the SMARTY. And it’s helping me regain confidence in my knee.
• Instructors: If you teach jiu-jitsu, then the SMARTY is a great investment in your business. You can demonstrate techniques. Your students can use it to practice if they don’t have a partner. You can run virtual classes. Grappling dummies are a necessary piece of equipment for your gym. Invest in the best one you can get.

The SMARTY isn’t for your average hobbyist who doesn’t have mats at home, trains twice a week, and doesn’t care much about their advancement. But if you’re serious about your progression and have some mats at home, it’s a superb investment.

Smarty 2.0 Pros

Throughout my testing and review process, I’ve noted 3 things about the SMARTY 2.0 that make it stand out among the others I’ve used.

1. As Close To A Real Human As You Can Get
2. You Can Drill Hundreds Of Moves
3. Extremely Well-Constructed

I’ll expand on these 3 important factors below.

1. As Close To A Real Human As You Can Get

The best thing about the SMARTY is that it’s designed to be in a good grappling position, with elbow-knee connection. In jiu-jitsu, you want to be in this position. When you’re sparring, your opponent wants to be in this position. And because the SMARTY is in this position, you’re able to practice the majority of BJJ techniques on the SMARTY. A dummy cannot replace a human training partner. But the SMARTY is as close as you can get.

The details about the SMARTY tell you everything you need to know. It has a chin, so that you can practice realistic choking mechanics. It has thumbs, so you can practice proper armbar finishing mechanics. It has heels, so you can practice your heel hooks at full force. This level of detail is essential for realism and practicing the nuance of submissions.

Consider how I used to watch instructionals and technique videos before the SMARTY. I would sit at my computer, watch the instructional, take notes, and attempt what I learned in class from memory. As a kinesthetic learner, this wasn’t very effective. But now, with the SMARTY, I open up the instructional on my laptop, sit on my mats with my SMARTY, and as I’m watching, I practice what’s being taught in the instructional in real-time. I feel like I’m getting at least 100% more out of my investment in instructionals. I’m learning and memorizing techniques at a much faster rate.

2. You Can Drill Hundreds Of Moves

The utility of a grappling dummy is all about how practical it is: how many techniques you can practice on it. At my gym, we have a dummy that lays down flat like a corpse with its arms up in the air. Nobody except a white belt on their first day grapples like that. You could practice a few unrealistic armbar variations, and that’s about it.

Because the SMARTY is designed to resemble a human in a good grappling position, you’re able to drill hundreds of moves on it. I tested this myself. I went through one of my instructors, Blair Turton’s white belt curriculum with the dummy. On the curriculum is everything from submissions to back takes. I was able to perform 85%+ of the techniques on the SMARTY. Patrick filmed a video of 101 techniques you can practice on the SMARTY, which includes guard passes, top pins, top pin attacks, guard attacks, sweeps, pin escapes, back takes, back control, and more.

Investing in the SMARTY harness unlocks another layer of utility. While the SMARTY is hanging, you can use it to practice open guard attacks, takedowns, and even striking. I don’t have the harness myself, but I’m considering it so I can practice my takedowns — and to use it as a punching bag when I’m having one of those days.

3. Extremely Well-Constructed

Finally, the SMARTY is very well constructed. It’s covered with heavy-duty vinyl synthetic leather and double-stitched using 4-ply-polyester/nylon thread. I’ve elbowed it. I’ve squeezed it. I’ve twisted it. I’ve thrown it. Despite that, it looks brand new.

It’s also very easy to clean. After I’m done training with it, I wipe it down with some disinfectant wipes. It takes 2-3 minutes tops.

4-Year Durability Update (2026)

I first reviewed the SMARTY 2.0 back in 2022. It’s now 2026, and I’ve trained on this exact dummy for 4+ years: stored on my apartment balcony through rain, snow, and sunshine. I’ve squeezed, tossed, and thrown it multiple times a week.

It’s held up remarkably well. The stitching, vinyl, and shape have held their original form. I do have to clean it from time to time, but it’s just as functional as it was when I first got it. I can see it easily lasting another 10+ years.

So if you’re at all worried about the Grappling SMARTY’s durability, I assure you it’s the most durable of the BJJ dummies I’ve tested. The SMARTY may be expensive, but it lasts.

Smarty 2.0 Cons

To be completely honest, I cannot find any major cons of the SMARTY 2.0. I only have a few nitpicks.

• At 6’1″ 185 pounds, the standard model is a tad small for me. But, they do offer an XL version.
• The shoulders are rounded forward a bit (which is natural for that position), which makes them awkward to do kimuras on.
• I can imagine that it would be a hassle to fill. You’ll need to cut used clothing or sheets into pieces, and then fill up the dummy. But it’s great that they give you this option because you’ll save a few hundred dollars if you purchase it unfilled.

That’s all I’ve got. It’s that good.

I’ve had the Grappling SMARTY for 4+ years, and it’s held up extremely well. Its durability is impressive, and it’s help up well despite me storing it outside on my balcony.

The price might be a con for some. Yes, it’s expensive. It’s a high-end dummy. And for some of you, it’s not worth the investment. But compared to the other grappling dummies on the market, I think the price is justified.

The inventor, Patrick, is committed to improving the SMARTY with each iteration. So if you have an issue with your SMARTY or have suggestions for improvements, he engages with his customers and takes the feedback seriously. That’s awesome to see.

Price Breakdown

There are a few different versions of the SMARTY. You can purchase them filled or unfilled.

The pre-filled SMARTY 2.0 run around ~$600. You can save ~$350 by buying it unfilled. See the pricing on their website. 

The price is on the high end for grappling dummies. If you search for dummies on Amazon, you’ll find the price ranging from $20-$120 for unfilled. However, you get what you pay for. SMARTY is the premium grappling dummy option. It’s made of the highest-quality material, is the best proportioned, and is the most useful for drilling.

The SMARTY XL (modeled after a 6’2″/187cm human) is the most expensive option.

The SMARTY kid is the least expensive option.

You can also invest in the SMARTY harness to hang your smarty in the air if you want to practice striking, takedowns, or bottom open guard attacks.

If you’re serious about becoming a better BJJ player — and you already invest in your training by purchasing instructionals — then the SMARTY is a worthy investment. Think about how much more you’ll get out of instructionals by being able to follow along using the SMARTY. If you have a home gym, the SMARTY is a must.

But if you don’t have any BJJ mats at home, you don’t train consistently, and you don’t feel the desire to get better, then save your money for other hobbies. You can try a cheaper grappling dummy, but it won’t be as good.

Construction Details

The standard SMARTY 2.0 models a 5’7″ human. The SMARTY XL models a6’2″ human.

It’s extremely durable and well-constructed. It’s covered with heavy-duty vinyl synthetic leather. It’s stitched using strong, 4-ply-polyester/nylon thread. And, it’s double-stitched for added durability.

It weighs about 50 lbs, or 23kg. If you’d like to put a gi on it, they recommend an A3 gi. The XL weighs about 63 lbs, or 28kg. The XL wears a size A5 gi.

It’s also made with waterproof fabric, so it’s easy to clean after you’re done training with it.

If you buy the SMARTY 2.0 unfilled, you’ll save money. But be prepared for the work you’ll have to do to fill it up.

1. Gather 50 lbs of used clothing or sheets (you can also empty an old punching bag)
2. Cut them into rag-sized pieces
3. Buy polyester stuffing for the feet and hands (not needed, but recommended by the inventor)
4. Fill up your SMARTY 2.0

You can find the patent for the SMARTY 2.0 here.

I’m very confident that this will last for years of me putting heavy beatings into it. If it doesn’t last long, I will update this review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What techniques can I practice with it?

The better question is what techniques you can’t practice on it. I estimate you can practice 90% of jiu-jitsu techniques on the SMARTY. I’ve tested out multiple technique lists, and I was able to drill most moves without any issues.

What size Grappling SMARTY should I get? (2.0 vs XL vs Kid)

I’ve trained on both the regular SMARTY 2.0 and the SMARTY XL, so here’s the short version: most people should get the SMARTY 2.0. Size up to the XL if you’re 6’0″ or taller or you want to drill against a bigger, stronger opponent. And get the SMARTY Kid for children 4’10” and under. Find your exact fit by height and weight below:

Your Height	Recommended Size	Weight & Notes
4’10” & under	SMARTY Kid	Built for kids. Small adult women: go 2.0 — you’ll mostly drill with adult-sized partners.
5’8″ & under	SMARTY 2.0	Fits you well at any weight; the XL would be oversized.
5’9″ – 5’11”	2.0 or XL — weight decides	Under ~185 lbs → 2.0. Around 185 lbs+ → XL, so it won’t feel too light. Patrick’s exact cutoffs: XL at 5’9″/200+, 5’10″/185+, 5’11″/165+.
6’0″ – 6’1″	Either 2.0 or XL works	I’m 6’1″, 180 lbs and train on the 2.0 — a touch small but great, especially in a smaller space. Go XL if you’re heavier, have the room, or want to drill a bigger frame.
6’2″ & taller	SMARTY XL	Modeled on a 6’2″ human — the realistic match.
Any height	Size up to XL	Want to simulate a bigger, stronger opponent? Go XL regardless of your own size.

Still not sure which size is right for you? Drop your height and weight in the comments and I’ll answer your sizing questions.

Where do they ship to, and how much does shipping cost?

They ship worldwide and offer free international shipping for the unfilled SMARTY. Shipping costs for the pre-filled version are available on the website.

See the official FAQ for the SMARTY here.

Does the Smarty 2.0 come with a warranty?

Yes, the Smarty 2.0 comes with a 12-month warranty. If there’s any issue with your product, let their team know and they will fix it ASAP.

Takeaway Thoughts & Discussion

Overall, I think that the SMARTY is the best grappling dummy on the market.

If you’re serious about your BJJ training, having a SMARTY that you can practice with in your home is invaluable.

Is it pricey? Yes.

But, like an Origin gi, you get what you pay for. It’s priced the way it is because it’s the best of its kind on the market.

If you have additional questions about SMARTY 2.0, drop a comment in the section below. I read and respond to every comment.

Happy rolling.🤙

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Tsavo Neal

Tsavo is the founder of BJJ Equipment, author of BJJ For Beginners, creator of the BJJ Missions app, and a brown belt instructor at InFighting. He launched BJJ Equipment to help grapplers at every belt level train smarter, make faster progress, and find the best gear for their game.