JIU JITSU

In Jiu Jitsu Class, often shortened to just "Gi," students will wear what looks like a traditional martial arts uniform called a Gi. However, it is much heavier duty than those typically worn in striking based martial arts. The Jiu Jitsu Gi serves two main purposes; one is to represent clothing you wear every day (Jacket, Pants, etc) and the other is to provide a sturdy material for learning and practicing techniques that would otherwise rapidly destroy common, everyday street clothing. Of the two styles, Gi training is typically a little slower pace and also provides for many amazing techniques. Since the Jacket and Pants are "in play" meaning students can grab and pull on each others uniforms, it allows for a larger variety of techniques.

GRAPPLING

Submission Grappling is also referred to as "No Gi Jiu Jitsu" or just "No Gi" for short because students don't wear the traditional Jiu Jitsu Gi. Students will wear what looks to most like "swim wear" meaning a rash guard and board shorts or leggings. Yet again, even the rash guards and shorts are designed to withstand the rigors of training that would quickly destroy a regular t-shirt. During Submission Grappling (No Gi) training the clothing is not "in play" meaning students are not allowed to grab each others uniform. This results in a faster pace in training where your reactions must be quicker. Many really enjoy this style of training as it is the style of grappling seen in Mixed Martial Arts today.

GI VS NO GI

The ultimate purpose of both Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling is Self Defense. Each style of clothing has different advantages as well as disadvantages. One gives you and your opponent 'handles' and places to grab clothing for techniques while the other removes those 'handles' requiring a slightly different approach for different self defense situations. Whether it's called "Gi" or "No Gi" for short or Jiu Jitsu and Submission Grappling, in the end, they are opposite sides of the same coin. The only difference is what you wear to class which dictates the techniques you have access to that day.

 

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