Ever wondered which is "better" or "should" you train in one school as opposed to the other? There is deliberation galore on the subject and from what we've seen and understand from mat practice, gi training is mostly beneficial for beginners.
"But why?" I hear you ask.
Read on.
Friction
The gi due to it's relatively coarse fabric causes much more friction therefore slows the roll down significantly. This is beneficial for the new grappler as the mind can keep pace with the flow of the roll and pathways can be formed through effective and purposeful training much easier. As there is very little fricgrips and defending your neck, after all the grips to the lapel are those that can submit you therefore the inherent need to defend them is reinforced. There are a high number of gi chokes attached to the lapels and, whether you like it or not, as a beginner you will have them tugged on and manipulated with the intent of choking you unconscious. In the gi , you will learn the value of defending with your hands and tucking you chin more so than in a no-gi roll, where newbies can get lost in the din of the frenetic speed of the action.
Grips
With the gi beginners will learn the value of grips and defending your neck, after all the grips to the lapel are those that can submit you therefore the inherent need to defend them is reinforced. There are a high number of gi chokes attached to the lapels and, whether you like it or not, as a beginner you will have them tugged on and manipulated with the intent of choking you unconscious. In the gi , you will learn the value of defending with your hands and tucking your chin more so than in a no-gi scenario.
But...
The gi does allow less than stellar positional technique for you to pin and hold opponents and your offensive acumen may suffer as a result. Sure it's slower and easier to have your way, but long-term it might be better to shed the gi and give the offensive intensity a hike in the hopes of refining your control against a more elusive opponent. As a beginner your focus should be on the ability to defend yourself and stay in the roll so hammering your playmates probably shouldn't be your first point of call anyway, There's always your blue belt for you to learn control and start playing a thinking man/woman's game.
Some schools, including Renzo Gracie's, have a hard and fast rule that white belts should only train in the gi and the above is mostly why. There will be plenty of time to go ballistic without the confines of a gi, but for now it is most likely more important to hone the basics that are native to the grappling pj's.
Until next time.
- Jake Anderson