Benefits to training with the Gi

Wanted to pose this question to everyone.

A small club just opened not even 10 minutes from my house and one of my greatest training challenges is that I'm not getting enough mat time. The catch is that the club is all BJJ and with the gi on the days I'm free. When I get a chance to train with Coach Zog or Coach Stew its like an avalanche of incredibly useful information is presented but I feel like I'm only absorbing a limited amount because I can't rep what I'm seeing enough.

Really interested to hear what instructors and senior members' opinion on training with the gi is. Beneficial? Counterproductive? A good compromise? I know that Avi still does a lot of training with the gi if the Submission 101 videos are any indication.

If I train with this local club I get 2 nights a week BJJ instruction with rolling and then I can still spend time with Coach Stew every other week and Coach Zog once a month. All of a sudden my Jiu Jitsu IQ increases exponentially with the increased mat time.

Thoughts?? Eddie it would be fantastic if you could offer your thoughts (time permitting).

Hey Shannon - I'm in the same boat. I'm competing in Charlotte's HGC soon & the school that I like to train at here has only a few no-gi classes/week. To increase my mat time I'm taking gi classes too & I feel like it still contributes to my game (and defnitely my cardio).

I think training in the gi helps build grip strength in a unique way that really is helpful in no-gi too. I just don't spend any time trying to be offensive with gi-chokes or sweeps since I am focused on no-gi grappling.

Do it.

any time on the mat is gonna help. seems like you answered your own question

Gi vs nogi is irrelevant when the other option is the couch.

The school I am at only trains gi but I practice techniques as though the gi weren't there. If anything, I like training in the gi because it is like running with weighted ankles and vests. Once you take them off you run like a maniac!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xWu6...ure=plpp_video

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Originally Posted by bobby rivers

Gi vs nogi is irrelevant when the other option is the couch.

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this

Definatly do it. Use it for what it is. It does slow things down a little so you can use the time to look at openings and options that you might otherwise miss during a faster no-gi roll. You also can't typically use brute strenght to explode out of certain positions, this can help you focus on refining escape techniques. I'm sure a lot of MG's awsome game is attributed in no small part to his years of gi training, and Eddie has put in his time in a gi, do you think they were hurt by there time spent in a gi? Probably not.

better to train in both. so do all training as much as possible

It's all in what you are planning to do with it in the future. Meaning- what you application of your Jiu Jitsu will be in the end result.
MMA, Tourneys, Real World Applications, War-time...
Each has its own application that can make it incredibly effective, or otherwise ineffective.

Both homie cause in this day and age i believe there is 2 kinds of jitz but thats my opinion!

the Gi is cool learn how to strangle people with all options, you in a fight ? homeboy wearing a jacket ? why not be able to end it super quick

train brother !!

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Originally Posted by bobby rivers

Gi vs nogi is irrelevant when the other option is the couch.

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I'm stealing this. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by bobby rivers

Gi vs nogi is irrelevant when the other option is the couch.

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Dead on.

Unless you are focused like a laser in your goals (ie, ADCC, MMA, versus Pan Ams, etc) time is time. Do work.

I think bobby just came up with a great t shirt slogan.

Amazing insight. Thanks!! I'll be first in line to buy the tshirt, Bobby.

I don't do Gi anymore because I just don't enjoy it. It's a little too slow for my taste an I feel very restricted by it. Some people like the slower paced game. Just do what you enjoy more. I don't think there is any harm in doing it...you can never get enough mat time in. What I don't like is people forcing their opinions on me an telling me I need to do gi or this or that to get better. I don't have to do shit...I do what I enjoy. If I want to improve my no-Gi I drill my no-Gi moves? I don't put on a Gi?

gi is ok as it simulates clothing should u ever have a situation on the street. BUT, there is something special about doing no gi. Even Nog said rolling no gi shows who is better as there are no handles to stall with. Renzo's has no gi everyday. If you don't have an alternative then roll in the gi, as it is better than not getting any mat time at all. But once you are blue belt level or above, you will be better off just doing no gi. Especially if u plan to complete in mma.