The effectiveness of training with the kimono

Among practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Submission Grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts there is a very common debate as to the effectiveness of training with the kimono (gi). Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but they should be able to provide validity to their statements with proof or facts. Simply stating ones opinion about a topic without providing valid evidence does not justify ones claim.

In my opinion, training with the kimono greatly increases your understanding of the art of grappling. This should be combined (after one starts training) with no gi jiu jitsu. The kimono provides many functional purposes that apply to training without the kimono (no gi) as well as fighting in Mixed Martial Arts. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, new students are taught with the kimono, which limits the student’s use of their own physical attributes, forcing them to utilize technique over strength. It also provides more friction which will make students have to technically escape a bad position or submission, as opposed to just “slipping out.”

Now that being said, I am a huge fan of no gi jiu jitsu and wrestling. Personally, I prefer training no gi jiu jitsu over training with the kimono, but I understand the functional use of the kimono. I also feel that wrestling along with jiu jitsu are the two most important arts in MMA. In order to reach your greatest potential as a grappler, you must train with the kimono along with wrestling and no gi jiu jitsu

In Submission Grappling, the most prestigious no gi event is ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club). The ADCC tournament is held every two years and is considered the Olympics of submission grappling, or no gi jiu jitsu. The weight classes are broken down into 6 divisions using the metric (kilogram) system (-66kg, -77kg, -88kg, -99kg, +99kg, and absolute or open weight class). At the 2009 ADCC tournament, in the -66kg, -77kg, +99kg, and absolute division, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medalists were all BJJ Black Belts and one medalist held the rank of Brown Belt (was later promoted to Black). In the -88kg division BJJ practitioners placed 1st and 2nd, while the -99kg division BJJ practitioners placed 1st and 3rd.

In the UFC, the current lightweight champion holds the rank of Purple Belt in BJJ, while the welterweight and middleweight champions both hold the rank of Black Belt.

Here is part of a recent interview that UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre did in preparation for his fight with Jake Shields….

Interviewer:  “Which advantages you think you have by training with the gi (kimono) for a MMA fight? Do you think it brings you different techniques you’ll use on the fight?”

GSP:  “Sure… I believe that it makes your game more technical, and I believe it’s very important.”

Don’t be fooled by the recent trend of MMA gyms that are popping up teaching “Grappling.” Research the facts and make an educated decision when choosing a gym. Learn real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and reach your greatest potential!!!