Spoiler: We train both Gi and No Gi classes and think everyone should just train more often to begin, whether it is Gi or No Gi, and if you then manage your schedule perfectly, get buy in from your significant other, and when you can train full-time, then start worrying about this issue. Training in a healthy, safe, injury preventative environment is far more important than what you wear!
Eddie Bravo, a world renowned BJJ Black Belt has developed the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu system, a No Gi focused Jiu Jitsu approach bassed on natural grips. He has been the leading voice in the No Gi movement after his amazing submission via triangle of the legendary Royler Gracie in the ADCC. At the time, Eddie was still a BJJ Brown Belt. The 10th Planet system has spawned countless books, DVDs (remember them?), and online instructionals and with schools located worldwide. Many of us in SBG have trained and practised in 10th Planet gyms and they are absolutely legitimate in what they do.
However, many potential members approach us about whether we do Gi or No Gi classes. When we ask them how often they are looking to train, it is usually a maximum of 3-4x times per week and more often than not, less. Whether classes are Gi or No Gi at this level of training makes almost no difference to the long term development of someone’s ability to perform in either Gi or No Gi classes. When people tell us their schedule prevents them training more often yet they are fastidious in their belief on No Gi only, it really is a tragedy that they are missing so many opportunities. There is no doubt that elite level athletes like Gordon Ryan who only competes in No Gi Submission Wrestling tournaments would be better off training exclusively in No Gi. Gordon is training likely 4-6 hours per day.
What actually matters far more is the safety and quality of instruction and truly identifying your goals for training.
- Safety
It is rare that most students ever ask us about safety and what we do to minimise injury. Yet most people who practice will get injured at some point. Some schools have a reputation for rolling hard and accepting injuries as inevitable in order to gain competition success. This is not only wrong, but it is backwards. If you are injured, you cannot train. If you cannot train, you cannot compete. Training more often at a lower pace improves your skills more than the clothes you wear. Training at a slower pace allows you to develop your skills faster. You make greater progress. One of the ways we ensure safety at SBG is a focus on controlled breathwork. We encourage nasal breathing using the diaphragm. We will show you how to do this and actively encourage all our students to stay calm and relaxed. If you are on our competition team, then we will up the pace coming into competition. However, one of the most important factors in competition success is minimising injury. Period! - What are your goals?
Alex Enlund is an SBG Coach who won the Cage Warriors World Championship and was signed to the UFC. Now retired he is frequently asked by students about “fighting in the cage”. Alex’s first question to them is “do you want to be a world champion?”
Unless the student responds unequivocally and enthusiastically “YES!!!!” Alex quickly disarms their response. He explains that anyone wanting to enter the cage potentially puts their life at risk against someone who absolutely wants to be a world champion. Many people have not really thought about their goals. By clearly identifying your true motivations for training, we can then help you to develop a plan to achieve them. And for those who want to compete in the cage, we have a comprehensive grappling and striking program to meet those goals. - Jiu Jitsu that works irrespective of rules
Some of the most successful Jiu Jitsu practitioners like Roger Gracie and Rickson Gracie have enjoyed success in all rulesets, from Vale Tudo (the original no rules fighting), to Gi to No Gi. By developing fundamental Jiu Jitsu skills you develop the ability to deal with blunt edge and sharp weapon attacks (if you can’t run), takedowns, strikes when standing, and even vocal self defense techniques and awareness. Being “street savy” in terms of spotting a dangerous location or individual is probably as important than the fun stuff we do on the mats. The vast majority of people don’t need highly specialised skills for a specific ruleset. They require fundamental foundations in fighting without taking brain damage, and this is what Jiu Jitsu offers everyone.
So in summary. Don’t let perfect stop you taking action. Remember Eddie is talking to absolute elite level martial artists and was training in the Gi up until the point he submitted Royler Gracie. He did very well training both. See you on the mats!
