So, I finally made it back to BJJ tonight. I missed the last 2 classes due to the aforementioned camp. Tuesdays are gi nights, which means we run around in the pajamas. To the traditionalist, this is BJJ bliss. To me, the gi is a blessing and a curse. Let me start by saying that I enjoy both sides of the BJJ Gi/No-Gi debate. It's quite an interesting thing, and one that really puzzled me when I started training in BJJ. On one side, you have the traditionalists who adore the gi and think that anyone who trains no gi is a fool. On the other side, you have the no gi extremists who understand that, for the most part, you won't be attacked by someone wearing a gi while walking across the Wal-Mart parking lot at 3am carrying your bag of Breyer's Ice Cream and Magic Shell. (for the no gi extremest, see Eddie Bravo... but understand that he's high most of the time! Don't believe me? Check out his buddy Joe Rogan's eyes the next time you watch UFC live...)
For me, I appreciate both! BUT since I started off discussing gi vs. no-gi, let me comment on my blessing/curse comment. I love the gi simply because it is literally the land of 1000 handles. It is the ultimate, bar none, way to control a larger, more aggressive, and more youthful opponent! You can wrap them up in it, pull yourself out of embarrassing situations, choke the mess out of them with various parts of their gi/your gi, and it soaks up a lot of sweat. For real! When you compare a gi night to no-gi night, it's like comparing apples to oranges. The best way to describe the incredible absorbent power of the gi is to compare it either to all of those Bounty commercials on television, or to have the questioneer (that's you) attempt to slide down a slip and slide wrapped in a cotton comforter. There are no gi nights that I literally end up being scooted across the gym floor, simply due to all of the sweat!
So, what about the cons? All of the above! Just like you are able to use the gi to your advantage, your opponent can use your gi to his/her advantage. What would normally be an easy slip out of an armbar on a no-gi night ends up looking like the losing end of a Kumite match in Bloodsport! (Cue Tong-Po saying: "FIRST I BREAK YOUR FRIEND, NOW I BREAK YOU!") This is magnified somewhat if you haven't trained with a gi in a while. You go to move, post out, or whatever, only to discover that yes, your opponent, is grabbing onto your SLEEVE! To make matters worse, since I'm built like Gimli from Lord of the Rings, my sleeves are longer due to my stubby arms, and I end up looking life Fifel from An American Tail trying to escape from a glue trap! It's really quite sad, and I need to get around to asking the Missus if she can hem the sleeves for me...
So, which do I prefer? BOTH! Much of the gi training can still come into effect in the street if you come across someone. In fact, I recall as a teenager many moons ago, essentially cross collar choking my cousin with his t-shirt after watching one of the first UFC's. Of course, I had no better idea of what I was doing than your couch potato buddy on fight night ("DUDE! Did you see THAT!? I bet I could do that..."), but I have to imagine if I could get him to tap being a hapless youth back in the day, I could certainly do it again. Of course, the t-shirt is just as likely to rip as to choke them, but well, you never know unless you try! At any rate, I understand and see the necessity for both types of training and enjoy them both immensely. It leads to interesting internal debates about the other night when we're doing the off night. ("Gee, if this were gi night, I'd choke him with the lapel!" "Gee if this were no-gi night, I wouldn't be playing Fifle caught in a glue trap tonight!")
No matter how you cut it, BJJ rocks! I don't think I meant to go down this thread of thought. I think I was originally going to whine about how my shoulders are sore and tired, and how much doing P90X in the morning with my battered body is going to suck. I'm glad we went this way.
God Bless until next time!
-B
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