Why I Love The GI

I am making a stand, this is my personal opinion on why I prefer the gi. I have been training BJJ for 18 years now and have and still do train both, although I train much more gi now. Below is why this is

Gi is more technical

You have a lot more techniques in the gi, and things get more and more complicated with gi wraps and different grips, the gi creates an infinite intricate maze of techniques and adds dimensions to basic techniques. It’s also more creative with the infinite possibilities you can create.

Gi has fewer injuries

If you know me you know I’m no shrinking violet, I train a lot and do risky things all the time, but I want to keep doing them. I also know I’m very stubborn and let submissions go on for too long and try and escape. I even put myself in bad positions a lot.

In my time running a BJJ school I have seen lots of twisted knees and bad necks (including my own), I’ve known a few people who had serious enough knee injuries that they almost lost their leg, and a lot of people who took off a year or two or even didn’t come back after a knee injury, these were all caused by nogi. How many people won a match at the ADCC and still limped off?

I am over 40 I want to keep training for as long as I can, I want to do everything else that I do as well. BJJ is my job and a big part of my life but I also want to be able to go for walks without pain and enjoy the gym. This is probably the biggest factor for me.

Gi is great for self defence

If you want to focus on self defence gi is great, the use of clothing against your opponent is great in most countries that have seasons, and gi people can do well enough in hot countries too. The lack of leg locks also helps as have you ever watched combat jiu jitsu? People going for legs get slapped the *sugar* out of them.

Gi is a great equaliser

When you need to use more technique this reduces the need for strength and makes it a more equal and accessible martial art. In gi you can use technique more to overcome a stronger opponent.

Gi is more hygienic

In nogi you could be rolling with someone who is just wearing shorts and a short sleeve rash guard, this creates a lot of skin on skin action and thus there is much more chance of spreading stuff. With a gi you have that extra barrier and much less ability to spread stuff.

Conclusion

Gi is the best hahaha no it’s not true. The above is my own opinion. I love all grappling I just happen to love gi a little more than the rest.

Check out my pro gi t-shirt at the link here