Some of you have emailed me about getting your kids involved in wrestling or martial arts, so I’ve decided to suggest a few training aids that really work. Here are a few tools that I think will prove useful, both for kids and for adults looking to get into grappling / wrestling / MMA:

Iowa Style Snapper: working the head is a crucial skill, and developing the functional strength and the proper technique will give you a huge edge.

Takedown Defender: I actually just ordered this for Satch, who has a good sprawl but whose footwork after his fakes leaves him on his heels and vulnerable to deep penetration shots. This piece of equipment helps you improve your footwork, develop quick reaction times, and practice short offense on the mat — be it a go behind, an ankle or knee-block takedown, a headlock series, or even monsters and bow and arrow cradles. Once you are confident that no one can get to your legs, you can work your ties and set-ups — which goes back to having good technique on the head.

JOBO Legs Takedown Trainer: life-like feel and resistance that actually increases as you complete the shot, this piece provides the optimal amount of space from the wall to complete all sort of leg attacks, from blast doubles to swing singles to heel and ankle picks to high crotch.

Suples Bulgarian Bag: strength, conditioning — all the benefits of kettle bell training (hitting multiple muscle groups) with grappling-specific advantages (offset leverage, grip strength, and the landing of the weight directly on the shoulders, back and chest).

Any kind of rowing machine or, more simply, rowing: push / pull strength, grip strength, and tendon strength are essential in wrestling. Rowing works the first two efficiently.

Short range of motion curls: using heavy weight and beginning w/ a bent elbow, move the weight about 4-5 inches in reps of 30-50. This will build incredible tendon strength in the arms, which will allow you to shuck, snap, downblock, and keep shooters at bay, often without sprawling. You can also plant your elbow on the table and do table curls, which will give you similar results.

Indian clubs: develops the shoulders and gives great range of motion (for all sort of great products, check out Strongergrip.com)

Hercules strap: in addition to bridges, which work one component of the neck, heavy neck lifts with a hercules strap and a loading pin will develop the carotid sheaths.

Any questions? Just ask.