Ever since the UFC became popular, a large number of people have become enamored with BJJ. One of its other impacts has been that most people seem to believe that normal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is done while clothed in form fitting apparel. Likely, this view comes from the fact the most people have only seen fights in the UFC Octagon and that is their limited exposure to BJJ. In the real world of BJJ competitions and training occur on regular mats with people who have donned a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi.
For one who desires to start their education in BJJ, it would be wise to consider purchasing a good BJJ gi. This type of gi should not be confused with the stereotypical karate uniform. The BJJ gi is nearly identical to uniforms worn by those training in Judo or Aikido. These uniforms are designed to be used to throw opponents and submit them and therefore need to be able to stand up to the rigors of this type of heavy use.
This durability includes a thicker gi to keep it from ripping easily when the opponent tries a submission or throw. This requires that the stitching is thicker to allow for the strong forces used against it during training. Normally, you will see Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis with double or triple stitches, telling you of the quality of the garment.
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 will point out the dangers in always training with a gi. They would say that you will become dependent upon the gi for your submissions instead of the mechanics of the submission becoming better. There is definitely a good point in this argument, but one should always remember that a good balanced approach is what is needed, not an extreme approach.
If you become dependent upon the gi for your submissions, grip, and application of BJJ, then you will have built in a weakness to your self defense. On the other hand, if you never train with a gi, then you will not be practiced at defending yourself from a collar choke or you may be more susceptible to a lazy arm bar than you would if you trained with a gi, at least part of the time.
Even leg locks and standard chokes like the rear naked choke can be easier to escape when not wearing a gi. Take the time to look at all aspects of training with or without a gi before making your final decision.
For one who desires to start their education in BJJ, it would be wise to consider purchasing a good BJJ gi. This type of gi should not be confused with the stereotypical karate uniform. The BJJ gi is nearly identical to uniforms worn by those training in Judo or Aikido. These uniforms are designed to be used to throw opponents and submit them and therefore need to be able to stand up to the rigors of this type of heavy use.
This durability includes a thicker gi to keep it from ripping easily when the opponent tries a submission or throw. This requires that the stitching is thicker to allow for the strong forces used against it during training. Normally, you will see Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gis with double or triple stitches, telling you of the quality of the garment.
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 will point out the dangers in always training with a gi. They would say that you will become dependent upon the gi for your submissions instead of the mechanics of the submission becoming better. There is definitely a good point in this argument, but one should always remember that a good balanced approach is what is needed, not an extreme approach.
If you become dependent upon the gi for your submissions, grip, and application of BJJ, then you will have built in a weakness to your self defense. On the other hand, if you never train with a gi, then you will not be practiced at defending yourself from a collar choke or you may be more susceptible to a lazy arm bar than you would if you trained with a gi, at least part of the time.
Even leg locks and standard chokes like the rear naked choke can be easier to escape when not wearing a gi. Take the time to look at all aspects of training with or without a gi before making your final decision.
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