Gi players taking 5 minutes to tie their belt, before they continue matches.

[Slick Rick]

This is absurd! Can someone explain why in the highest levels of competition practitioners are allowed to do this? It's just not fair to the opponent, as s/he may be on a run with a ton of momentum, then someone's belt comes off and there's 2 minutes here, 2 minutes there of belt tying and tidying. Notice, the person is always catching their breath as well, thinking about how to counter what they are going be put back into when the time starts up again.

If the belt comes off, I say keep fighting, make it a true ground fighting experience.

Sorry, just ranting. I've seen what was considered the best match in Jiu jitsu history, and was like, "the outcome may have been different, if they weren't allowed to take timeouts in their round."

As they say in golf, "play it as it lies."

Thoughts anyone? Gi players on the board. I'm not bashing the gi, as I do love playing the gi, I'm bashing a loophole.

[rickdawson]

I have to agree with you on this one... the best answer that I can give from the COMPETITOR perspective:

5-10 matches in one day can be BRUTAL... in the gi at Black Belt you are looking at 10 minutes. They just savor any little break that they can get... that's my opinion.

In terms of allowing it... I think for the same reason above, they just understand the physical toll that grappling takes on the human body... and figure that they'll let them take a little longer to tie the belt. However, I do know that a lot of competitions are starting to deduct points for this.

[Chris Garry]

The boring as fuck standup grip fighting is the reason I will never watch gi jj.
There are more reasons but they revolve around the gi just not being my cup of tea which is just my personal preference. But the grip fighting, does anyone for one second actually enjoy that aspect?

[Brent Smith]

They do it cause they can get away with it. Their cardio should be good to go the entire time nonstop

[Slick Rick]

Rick Dawson, thanks for the reply. I understand they get tired. I wont argue with that. At that point you'd expect 2 5 minute rounds and no time to tie gis. I'm more concerned w the momentum shifts and the strategizing that happens in that amount of time. It's enough time to change the outcome of a match. That's awesome they are taking points away now, but even if I had 20 seconds of free time, ill quickly assess what I'm in, and plan my escape or counter, all while taking a small breather.

Chris Garry, lol. True there is that grip fighting. It's boring I concur. But it's the first line of attack or defense. It leads to take downs and arm drags, etc. I say screw that, jump to guard and go to work. Funny thing is when thu both jump to guard at the same time. Interesting sight to see.

[Chris Garry]

Grip fightings way more boring If I had to watch 5 mins of grip fighting or 5 mins or belt tidying I'd choose 5 mins of plucking my facial hair one hair at time, defo.

[Slick Rick]

Grip fightings way more boring If I had to watch 5 mins of grip fighting or 5 mins or belt tidying I'd choose 5 mins of plucking my facial hair one hair at time, defo.

One of the funniest posts I've ever seen!!

[Thomas Reuther]

A comical potential problem with "play it where it lies" is competitors might allow their gi tops and belt to fall off on purpose, tie their belts poorly on purpose or something. I can see a match starting and both competitors promptly disrobing, maybe some shit talking while taking their shirts off. Then they'd have to instill "no intentionally undressing yourself" rules. I'd watch it.

[Slick Rick]

A comical potential problem with "play it where it lies" is competitors might allow their gi tops and belt to fall off on purpose, tie their belts poorly on purpose or something. I can see a match starting and both competitors promptly disrobing, maybe some shit talking while taking their shirts off. Then they'd have to instill "no intentionally undressing yourself" rules. I'd watch it.

I can almost guarantee someone has forced ther belt off in hopes to buy more time to regroup.

[Greg W]

often thought this very thing myself. why don't they just make them tape the knot, like taping MMA gloves shut.