When it comes to training with a grappling dummy, YouTube is your friend.

There is a plethora of videos available on the topic, but to find what you're looking for, be sure to add the appropriate phrase ("submission", "throwing", "ground and pound") to the word "dummy".

If you want an entire channel that's primarily dedicated to training with a grappling dummy, check out this channel demonstrating techniques on the Submission Master.

There's also a submission grappling mobile app called the iGrapple® that you can keep on the mat next to you while training. It can help to add a ton of structure and organization to your training, if that's what you're looking for.

Some more general training advice for you and your dummy:

1. Create a dedicated training space:

The reason most people don't train as much as they'd like to is because it's simply not convenient enough.

It's that way in every art. For example, all pro guitarists know that they will practice more if there's a guitar setting right next to the couch, ready and waiting at the slightest hint of motivation.

Well, the same goes for grappling dummy training.

If you have to set up mats and move your dummy every time you train, I guarantee you'll train a LOT less than if you have your gear already setup and waiting for you.

The goal is to remove as much friction to your training as possible. Find an area where you can leave your grappling mats set up and have your dummy waiting and ready so you can train any time you have a spare few minutes. Or simply when the mood hits you.

This is one of the biggest secrets of people who become really good at what they do... they simply remove the friction to doing it.

The more energy required to start a training session, the less likely you will train. Make is simple and effortless.

2. Set a schedule:

Now I know I just said to keep your dummy where you can train whenever the mood hits you, and I mean it.

But, the second secret to becoming great at anything is... CONSISTENCY. And if you're not on a schedule, there's no way in hell you're going to be consistent.

Just like with anything else in life, if you want to be consistent, you've got to schedule your dummy training. Any training you do beyond your scheduled time just because you feel motivated is a bonus.

Pro Tip: Don't just create a schedule, but actually TELL as many people as possible about your new schedule. Why?

Because of Cialdini's principle of Commitment and Consistency... research shows that when we publicly state something (like "I'm training every Tues & Thurs at 7 pm on my grappling dummy), the more we subconsciously feel compelled to stay CONSISTENT with what we committed to.

Do it, it works.

3. If you're a beginner, start with the basics:

Particularly if you're doing this for self-defense, the basics are what you'll need 95% of the time, so forget the fancy stuff for now.

By basics, I mean:

- Positions (mount, guard, side-control), both from the top and bottom

- Simple submission (rear-naked choke, arm bar, kimura, triangle choke)

- Basic takedowns and throws (single leg, double leg, wrap waist and trip)

Again, when you're in a beef on the street, you're not going to do some wild-ass technique that you've only practiced a handful of times and that requires perfect precision and timing.

On the contrary, when we're under the influence of our freeze, fight or flight response, we lose fine motor skills and are capable of only doing the most basic, simple movements that come naturally and don't require finesse.

Use that knowledge to your advantage and get really good at those basics so they become so second nature that you can do them in your sleep.

4. Focus on volume of repetitions... more than volume of different techniques you practice.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, if you can't do a technique easily without thinking about it (that is, to the point you've developed muscle memory), there's not much chance you'll be able to do it when you're highly stressed or in a fight.

So... how do you make yourself do all those reps without getting bored out of your mind?

Well, as John Lennon said: "Whatever get's you through the night is all right..."

Play your favorite music, turn on the TV, promise yourself a nice treat when your done... whatever ever it takes.

Pro Tip #2: My favorite "secret" method is the Pavlovian reward system, as in Pavlov's dog.

When you consistently give yourself pleasurable experience or treat (like a nice cup of cappucino) after training, you'll eventually begin to associate the pleasurable experience with the training itself, and can remove the reward (if you want to).

Another method that I'm NOT actually recommending, but still feel compelled to share with you if are desperate to get your reps but can't handle the boredom...

... is small amounts of marijuana, if legal where you live. I know, it sounds crazy, but countless people have found that they can do the most mindless things over and over and over when they're high. Enough said.

5. Do LOTS of strength and cardio training, too:

It's easy to think that all you need is good technique, but here's the truth...

I've seen plenty of good grapplers get dominated by much lesser opponents simply because the opponent was either stronger or could outlast their opponent because of superior endurance.

Beating an opponent with brute strength is looked down upon in some circles, but it shouldn't be. Strength and endurance can be considered techniques in and of themselves. What works, works.

No matter what technique you go for, it will be massively improved when you apply it with more force.

And good cardio can be strategically used by simply biding your time while your opponent wears himself out, then capitalizing on his inability to defend himself. Mohammed Ali did exactly that with his "rope-a-dope" technique, and you can apply the same thing to grappling.

I can't stress this enough... strength and endurance ARE techniques, and you should use them to your advantage. Your opponent almost certainly will.