For those of you who have the time to watch a 30 minute video (or, at least, stream it in the background as audio) about training when time is super-limited check out the video above.
If you want to skim essentially the same information in blog post format (or find links to the podcast version) go here: How to Train When You Have No Time on my site, Grapplearts.com
This is a constant struggle for me and I know that other people on this forum struggle with it too.
Excellent video!
I do disagree with your point about grappling dummies. Grappling dummies are like punching bags for boxing. They are excellent tools for keeping one's skills sharp.
The thing about grappling dummies, you CAN'T do everything that comes to mind on them... their use is limited... so use them only for what they can be used for. Use them for relatively simple techniques or movements... ones where you can do a lot of reps.
Also don't waste your money buying a grappling dummy... making one is better idea. If you do make one... don't make it elaborate or complex... make it as simple and straight forward as it can be. The dummy is nothing more than a reference for your body. It doesn't have to be realistic... just representative.
For example... I made a simple grappling dummy for practicing armbars and chokes. All it is a hoodie sweat shirt stuffed with pillows with a gi around it. It works for me.
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M.G. - will you detail your own personal approach to mat drills, how you use them, what equipment you use (the homemade dummy you reference, plus anything else), and how you program it?
like how often you train with other people, vs how often you do the drills on your own, what your goals are, and how many drills you do in a session, what you use them for, etc etc.
also, what is your experience level? Do you compete?
i have gotten a lot of mileage out of doing solo drills, and agree with a lot of the opinions you post about how to use them to aid your regular training, and I would value getting to here your approach in more detail.
im only a shitty, hobbyist purple belt, but between my job and starting a family most of the time I've been doing pure BJJ I've been training 2x a week and then doing mat drills on the off days, and I found them invaluable (along with watching videos, reading books, and some of the other stuff mentioned in Stephen's article, which was awesome).
Thanks.
Dad with two kids here, I only got time to train once a week so I go to open mats and roll like it's the god damn Mundial. Then I have to recover for the rest of the week.
Seul,
I am a Brown Belt in Bjj. I've been training in Bjj for 11 years. I currently train with Nobuo Yagai, a Rigan Machado black belt. Prior to Bjj I did judo for about 7 years.
I've competed in the past. The last competition I competed in was about two years ago. I took second place in the purple belt absolute.
I do a ton of solo drills. In fact, often will go an hour non-stop drill. I have a ton of different drill routines that I do. Some are more Jiujitsu specific whereas other are more general movements.
My philosophy in regards to practice is this: The theme or function of my practices are three-fold. I practice to:
1) Improve my skills
2) Maintain my skills
3) Correct/Minimize mistakes
So I always have one of the three in mind whenever I practice.
Seul,
The only equipment I use is my homemade grappling dummy (which is very simple... nothing fancy). Other than that I do solo drills.
Sometimes I like to do the solo drills using a Tabata/HIIT time format. I will switch between several different solo movements/drills every 30 seconds. I will continue this for 6 to 15 minutes. It's a great workout! Great for cardio! Sometimes I'll do several different movements or drills in 3 to 6 minute intervals or rounds. I do this if I want to spend more time working on the movement.
I've posted several video examples of the types of solo drills I would do on the S&C forum.
I don't deny that some people derive benefits from grappling dummies but I think they are in the VAST minority.
Of all my training partners and people I've physically met over the years I can only think of two who have used one for more than a week or two. But I know tons of people, myself included, who have bought or built one and then concluding that it was a mistake
I'm not sure what the difference is - I don't think it's motivation per se because I was pretty damn motivated and after giving it a really good try decided it just wasn't a good use of my time. Maybe it depends on the type of game or learning style you have... 
Stephan,
I would guess it really comes down to what exactly you were using the grappling dummy for. I will be the first to tell you that a grappling dummy is NOT good for everything.
For me, the grappling dummy was simply a reference that allowed me to move in ways that will directly transfer my Bjj skills.
And let me say this: it really isn't about the grappling dummy as much as it is about movement. Again, the grappling dummy is simply a reference for me to practice certain movements. Heck, I will even use a wall to practice some Bjj techniques/movements (mostly escape movements).
In my mind, it grappling dummy is just one tool out of many... it is like a heavy bag or speed bag for boxers.
Open question: what percentage of grapplers actually end up using a dummy semi-regularly for more than the first week or two would you guess?
My guess is that it's about 5% but I wanna hear what other people think.
Stephan Kesting -I know six guys at the academy (incl me) who have bought or built a dummy in the last three years or so. None of use them. Not even occasionally.
Open question: what percentage of grapplers actually end up using a dummy semi-regularly for more than the first week or two would you guess?
My guess is that it's about 5% but I wanna hear what other people think.
Stephan Kesting -
Open question: what percentage of grapplers actually end up using a dummy semi-regularly for more than the first week or two would you guess?
My guess is that it's about 5% but I wanna hear what other people think.
MG thank you very much! That was very informative.
NicolasRGC - Dad with two kids here, I only got time to train once a week so I go to open mats and roll like it's the god damn Mundial. Then I have to recover for the rest of the week.This is me now, usually less than once a week though haha