GI vs. NO GI

[loosingprospect]

I have been doing no gi bjj for about three years. I have a local BJJ tourny coming up and for the same price I can do both GI and No GI. I have two questions. First just by watching GI videos I can tell there are some distinct differences, what do you guys find is the most important to focus on for transition from NO GI to Gi. Second I have never worn a belt of any form and I need to rank myself I am generally in the intermediate division of No Gi but I havent a clue what division I should enter in. Thanks alot guys

[jakem]

i have found that my gi game helps my nogi game but not the other way around.in saying that,you said you have been training for about three years you should do ok i would think.learn how to break grips on the gi,that will be a weak point if you are not used to that,also watch out for lapel chokes as they might creep up on you if you dont know to defend them. good luck,fight hard,WIN :cool:

[SenseiScott2]

First, you should always assume the lowest rank. no matter what. you're a white belt . ok, second thing is..... prepare to tap, lol. If you have never experienced lapel chokes, and gi-sweeps, then you are in for a treat. The gi game and the no-gi game are NOTHING alike. I need more than a paragraph to explain the gi game to you...good luck and have fun!

p.s. Go, compete with the gi on. Win, lose, whatever...doesnt matter. What matters is you learn something!

[LongV]

get ready to sweat even more...and plus you have more options in submissions, guards, and sweeps.

[mattamatta]

Haha, for some reason I read that as G.I vs No G.I, as in general infantry. I was like hmm, that's an odd title...

[ATCGuard]

Haha, for some reason I read that as G.I vs No G.I, as in general infantry. I was like hmm, that's an odd title...


No G.I., work smart not hard! That's what I did.

[Ghosted3]

As someone mentioned before me, there are (in my opinion) a ton more things to look out for with a kimono on. Stalling is easier, as it is easier to keep someone in place with all of the handles you have. Proper grips may be an issue as well, might want to check into some judo stuff or youtube grips to understand how to hold the lapels a little better. If you just go in there and grab onto a lapel and hold on your hand is going to wear out before long, so understanding the correct grip is key there.
As someone else also said, you should be ranked as a white belt. Do it, its an extra fight, enjoy yourself!

[ATrain11267]

This is all great advice. Remember that the gi pants are as much of a tool for control as the gi top. Try to improve your grip strength and remember to relax and catch your breath when there is a bit of a stall in the action.

Other then that, go for it and have fun!!! :)

[flying gogo-plata]

watch out for lapel chokes, they come from everywhere! chances are if ur opponent has a grip behind ur head or on the opposite lapel then the hand he's gripping with, he's gonna try and choke u:( and expect to get really frustrated when trying to pass guard, or just change position in general, cuz they'll have a ton of handles to hold u in place