The Importance Of Using A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi In Training

Since the beginning of the UFC, many people have fallen in love with BJJ. Another impact of the UFC has been the fact that many people think that typical BJJ training is done by those wearing tight fitting clothes, no shirts, and without shoes. This is probably due to fact that most people only see BJJ inside the UFC Octagon. In reality, most traditional BJJ matches, competitions, and training take place on plain old mats with people wearing a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi.

If you want to begin training and learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you might consider buying a high quality BJJ gi. This type of gi is not the typical gi that is used for someone training in karate. These gis are more like the ones used in Judo and Aikido training. Due to the fact that the gi is used for throws and submissions, it is required for it to be ultra durable and tough to be able to survive the amount of force applied against it during training or a match.

This necessity for durability allows it to keep from being easily ripped or torn when someone attempts a technique. This also means that the uniform stitching needs to be thicker and stronger in order to hold up to the heavy use that occurs during training. Typically, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis have double or triple stitches revealing the quality of the uniform.

If you are training specifically for the purpose of self defense, you should be concerned with training more realistically. Your training should reflect real life, so if you think you have a high risk of being attacked while only wearing tight shorts, no shirt, and shoeless by a person that is similarly dressed, then by all means train without a gi. There are also specific techniques that use the material of a gi for a submission.

One example is a collar choke and yet another would be the ease in which an arm bar can be achieved when long sleeved clothing is involved. Chances are people do not want to risk tearing their jackets or casual clothing in training. Therefore, purchasing a training specific Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi only makes sense if you want your training to be effective, realistic, and affordable.

Some people will make the point that there are dangers with a gi only mentality. The possibility of becoming overly dependent on the gi for your techniques instead of the mechanics of the technique delivery being prominent is high. This argument has some validity, however you should keep in mind that a balanced training approach is better than an extreme training approach.

By training with a gi only mentality, you will end up depending upon the material for your techniques and their applications in general creating a weak spot in your defensive skills. On the flip side of the coin, if you only embrace a no gi mentality, you will lack the experience necessary to defend and prevent techniques using the material. Things like lapel chokes and even poorly executed arm locks.

Using a gi makes it possible to apply more pressure in some subs like RNC’s and even leg subs that might be easier to escape from if it were a no gi situation. It would seem to be good counsel to take the time to think your training methods through and decide upon the pros and cons of both.

write by Ermintrude