The gi is an offensive hindrance. I don't see how this could possibly still be up for discussion, other than pre-conceived biases coming into play. If I don't want you limping out of my guard, I better learn to play with a pretty good amount of squeeze. That takes endurance, reps, and dedication. The gi prevents you from needing to squeeze, limiting the endurance, reps, and dedication to squeezing that is required for effective no-gi submission attacks.
I often hear the argument that the gi will help you defensively by slowing the game down. I can see some room for this being the case. But if efficiency is the primary goal of Jiu Jitsu, the gi can be a hindrance here as well. Slow and methodical isn't always the most efficient way when the gi isn't present. Often times the most efficient escape from an Omoplata is simply to go limp and pull your arm out of there. You don't learn how to do that in a gi. You learn the opposite of that.
If you wanna play in the gi, no problem. I like playing in the gi from time to time just to change things up. Go for it. It can be fun.
The one thing I think we don't address enough is the difference between no gi with gloves, and no gi without gloves. Lots of differences there, as well. And I think that needs to be addressed for our fighters. And they should be rolling with punches pretty much all the time, too.
I often hear the argument that the gi will help you defensively by slowing the game down. I can see some room for this being the case. But if efficiency is the primary goal of Jiu Jitsu, the gi can be a hindrance here as well. Slow and methodical isn't always the most efficient way when the gi isn't present. Often times the most efficient escape from an Omoplata is simply to go limp and pull your arm out of there. You don't learn how to do that in a gi. You learn the opposite of that.
If you wanna play in the gi, no problem. I like playing in the gi from time to time just to change things up. Go for it. It can be fun.
The one thing I think we don't address enough is the difference between no gi with gloves, and no gi without gloves. Lots of differences there, as well. And I think that needs to be addressed for our fighters. And they should be rolling with punches pretty much all the time, too.
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Originally Posted by Liquidrob
