The SM seemed different (tighter, legs crossed, arms straighter, et. al.)  than in your video when he arrived. Is he different? 

The SM in the video is structurally identical to the one you received.  As explained below, he will loosen with some use and is created the way he is to allow for that to happen.

A common occurrence for any grappling dummy is loosening. The material filler inside has potential to
compresswhen bent repeatedly.

The Submission Master is intentionally stuffed very full and tight so he loosens up into the correct pliability, rather than startingloose and becoming too loose in a short period.

The SM's lower legs were somewhat crossed "indian style" when he arrived, rather than flanked out to the side. Isthis normal?

Yes. If you work between the SM's legs (inside guard), the SM's legs will naturally flank out more to the side. He is created withthem turned inward so they don't turn out too far with use.

If desired, you can also cause the legs to take on a more flanked out position by storing him in a "sitting up inside the guard"position in between training sessions (Do NOT force him downward when stored in that position. That's putting unnecessarypressure directly on the seams.)

I'm a big person and the SM's legs seem too close together for me to work in between his legs.  What do I do?

As stated above, the SM's legs are going to loosen somewhat, giving more room between the legs. Storing him in a "sitting upinside the guard" position in between training sessions can assist that process. (Do NOT force him downward when stored inthat position, or force the legs apart initially before he has loosened. That's putting unnecessary pressure directly on the seams.)

The SM arrived with his arms straight forward, rather than bent in a bear hug, when he arrived.   Why?

As above, the tendency is for the arms to loosen. After you have worked with the SM a bit (arms bars, etc.), the arms willloosen naturally and will be pulled inward toward the bear hug position by the bungee cord (see below).  You can additionallytighten the bungee if you desire the arms to be pulled in tighter.

What is the purpose of the cord?

The Submission Master has a removable bungee cord that runs along the body, across the chest from arm to arm. (Not picturedin photos, but is in place during all the video on this site). It is a simple but clever mechanism to enhance the SM's functionality.

The bungee cord pulls the arms toward the bear hug position, rather than allowing the arms to fall out to the side. It ensures thatthe arms will return to position quickly so you can concentrate on repetitions, rather than having to reposition the arms after each tactic.

Depending on your preference, you will probably want to place a long-sleeve shirt or gi top on the SM that will cover the cord, althoughthis is not necessary.

What Is your return Policy?

We encourageyou to watch the "Instructions and Tips" video carefully prior to making your purchase so you know what toexpect with your purchase, how to correctly use the Submission Master, how to avoid mishandling him and what to do if you damage him.  

However, if you are not satisfied with the Submission Master, you may return him during the first 30 days from the date you received him.You will be refunded your original purchase price, not including shipping charges (unless there is an obvious significant defect from the factory.)  The product must be returned in new condition.  

Due to the high cost of UPS shipping, we are unable to pay return shipping should you decide you do not want to keep your purchase and youwill be required to pay return shipping charges. Simply return him in the original 25 x 25 x 25 box (if possible)and include your name andaddress inside the box. You do not need to contact us prior to shipping as long as you ship within 30 days of the date you received yourpurchase. Ship him to:

S.M.A.R.T. Athletics Inc.
11977 NW 12th St.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026

Your account will be refunded your original purchase price (not including shipping) upon our receipt of your return shipment.