BJJ self training - shadow grappling vs. dummy

[dave3006]

I go to class 2 days a week. I run, lift weights, and stretch every day. I have been also "shadow grappling" everyday. This is where I drill various moves by my self "as if" I had a partner. So far, I can see an improvement. I will find myself rolling with someone at class and a move that I recently drilled just happens. I am wondering if this solo training would be better with one of the grappling dummies. My only concern is their outrageous price. I don't want to spend all that money if it offers no advantage.

Anyone try one just for solo drills?

[SubGrappler]

Shadow grappling is actually a very good way to work on your moves when you dont have the luxury of a training partner.

Now obviously, you're not going to be practicing flying armbar techniques or anything fancy when you shadow grapple, but rather you'll be learning basic things such as rolling, elevating your hips (helpfull for subs such as triangles, armbars, and omoplatas) and transitioning from position to position.

I wouldnt buy a dummy, but it depends how much money you have to deal with.

[dave3006]

My method now is to take one of my various BJJ books and pick moves that are my weakness. I read the fine details of the move and then drill it non stop for 5 minutes. I then go to the next move that is a weakness. With all my weaknesses, I could be at this for decades.

[SubGrappler]

5 minutes? I dont mean to bust your bubble but it takes a hell of a lot longer than 5 minutes to even remotely know anything about a particular move. Ive practiced moves for hundreds of reps a day. Some of the best competitors will do nothing but drill a move, say 100 times a day, for a month straight before they even begin to understand a move.

Its not the quantity of techniques you learn that makes your good, its the quality. Take an example of Saulo Ribeiro, a 6 x World Jiu Jitsu Champion, and he only utilized 4 kinds of Judo throws when he fights. This is a guy whos been training for over 10 years.

[dave3006]

We drill moves in class for 5 minutes at Gracie Barra. It works. I have done it this way for a while and I have seen the improvement. It is all a trade off. 5 minutes or 3 hours. 3 hours is better. But, 5 minutes will allow you to cover more positions and techniques.