Since its inception Jiu Jitsu has been famous for it’s effectiveness in real world combat. Once Jiu Jitsu made it’s way to the UFC there’s been a debate of gi vs no gi since Royce wore his gi in the UFC. It encouraged his opponents to grab rather than punch - which is what happens in the real world too.
Having worked clubs and pubs as a bouncer for around 15 years I’ve seen what really happens in hundreds of fights. Clothing is the first thing to get ripped and torn as both combatants look to get control and manipulate their adversary.
However, since MMA isn’t a street fight and owners have rules regarding acceptable attire in the cage then no gi gear has become popular.
A) it’s better profits for gyms
B) less laundry for practitioners - neither I think is a valid reason to adopt a uniform.
Gi vs No Gi (no uniform)
Relying on a gi is also a mistake many academies make - in doing it and wrapping it around limbs to disadvantage opponents
At RWBJJ we take a more realistic approach - we train no gi in a gi. That way you get the best of both worlds. You don’t rely on the gi for offence - but you learn how to use it, and you still reap the defensive benefits of wearing it. Because you’re training 90% of the time with a ready made noose around your neck your choke defences remain sharp.
You know how to off balance opponents with and without a unform. Basically it’s the best of both worlds. Over summer we dedicate Mondays to No Gi training - students are welcome to do more during their normal “free training” rounds on the other days if they so wish.
A testament to this is our competition students win No Gi competition with very little no gi specific training.
Doing solely no gi makes you extremely vulnerable in clothing. We often have students from exclusive no gi gyms and even in just a jacket they’re lost and very ill prepared. I don’t want my students to be left wanting ever.
