The 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, pioneered by Eddie Bravo, has undeniably left its mark on the No Gi grappling world. With a focus on natural grips and innovative techniques, it has garnered a global following. However, does this mean Gi training is irrelevant for those interested in No Gi, MMA, or submission wrestling? We don’t think so. In fact, we think this debate should be the least of your worries!
At SBG, we offer both Gi and No Gi classes, and recognize that frequency of training is much more important for getting you to where you want to be. Training Gi vs. No Gi is a small optimization, not to be thought too much about until you have everything else covered. Instead, we place a focus on offering a safe and supportive environment, quality instruction, and lots of opportunities to train.
Safety First
Injury prevention is crucial for any grappler. Emphasising controlled breathing and relaxation techniques while training can significantly reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that you and your training partners are always in control and are fully aware of what is happening. You can then train more consistently, and progress faster than you would otherwise be able to.
Solid Foundations
Jiu-Jitsu legends like Roger and Rickson Gracie have trained extensively in the Gi yet enjoyed huge success in No Gi as well. We believe in focusing first on the development of fundamentals and building solid foundations. This will allow you to later build upon these foundations to reach greater heights than you previously would have been able to. This also makes your skills more adaptable to different rulesets and in life generally, being invaluable for real-world self defense scenarios.
Goalsetting
Are you training for self-defense, competition, or simply for fitness and fun? Recognizing your motivations allows us to align our training with your needs. If your goal is to compete, then you’ll be glad to know that SBG trains UFC champions like Conor McGregor and Forrest Griffin. Though, if you aren’t interested in competing, you’ll still get the same world-class training!
Ultimately, don’t let the Gi vs. No Gi debate deter you from progressing along your Jiu-Jitsu journey – it only becomes relevant when you start competing at an incredibly high level. Remember, Eddie Bravo himself trained extensively in the Gi before his legendary ADCC match against Royler Gracie. The key is to find a gym that prioritizes safety, quality instruction, and aligns with your personal goals.
We hope to see you on the mats soon!
