SHOULD MMA FIGHTERS ROLL IN A Gi!? 🥋

What's up, guys? Today I want to dive into a topic that's been debated for years: the Gi vs. No-Gi philosophy and whether MMA fighters should roll in a Gi.

The Shift in Jiu-Jitsu Culture

In the past, the Gi was a staple in Jiu-Jitsu training. Talking about the Gi often stirred up controversy, and there was even a bit of bashing towards it in the community.

However, in today's era, we've shifted more towards a No-Gi culture. Big names like Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones are dominating the scene, and these No-Gi practitioners are becoming more well-known compared to their Gi counterparts.

My Personal Experience

As an MMA fighter, let me be honest with you: I don't see any need to roll in a Gi. I have multiple submission wins in the UFC and have been training Jiu-Jitsu for at least 15-16 years. Out of all those years, I rolled in a Gi for only one year, and I hated it. It felt like a waste of time.

The Gi: Not Suitable for MMA Fighters

The Pace and Style

The effectiveness of your training largely depends on the gym you're at. If you're surrounded by young, fast-paced practitioners, then Gi training might seem decent. But often, it's older guys who prefer the Gi because they can take it slow, work on technical details, and avoid getting hurt. This slower pace isn't beneficial for MMA fighters who need to be quick, scramble effectively, and work on getting on top or back to their feet.

Stalling in the Gi

A lot of Gi guys tend to stall. They might spend the whole round laying in half guard, not really pushing the action, just flowing and holding you. This approach doesn't help a fighter who needs constant movement and a high volume of attacks.

The Time Factor

The time spent learning Gi techniques could be better spent on No-Gi and wrestling. If you've been rolling in the Gi since you were a kid, it has likely benefited you in terms of grip strength and technical precision. But for someone starting later, especially an MMA fighter, focusing on No-Gi and wrestling is more advantageous. I don’t have time to learn a collar choke when I need to master real chokes that work without a Gi.

For the fighter, that's not really beneficial…

The Wrestling Advantage

Wrestling is arguably more important than Jiu-Jitsu for MMA. It offers the scrambling ability, the get-ups, the underhooks—essential skills for any MMA fighter. Rolling in the Gi doesn't translate well to MMA, where these aspects are crucial.

When the Gi Can Be Beneficial

If you've been doing Gi for a long time and already know the techniques, then it can be beneficial. There are high-level practitioners who roll in the Gi, and training with them can be like a high-level chess game. They might be older and can't keep up with a fast pace, but their technical prowess makes them valuable training partners.

Conclusion

To sum up, I wouldn’t waste time with the Gi unless you've already been training in it for years and know the moves. Focus on No-Gi and wrestling to perfect your MMA game. While this might not sit well with Jiu-Jitsu purists, it's just my opinion as an MMA fighter.

Let me know if you have any other subjects you'd like me to discuss or any questions you have. Leave your comments below, and I'll see if I can make a video about them. If you’re new to martial arts and looking for guidance in choosing a martial arts school and instructor, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor." It’s available on Amazon for $4.99.

Thank you!