I dont know if this has been posted before or not. Just really wanted your thoughts on it anyways. I just recently grappled with a gi on and i thought it was a lot of fun I have only been training no gi. I am not wrestler so i dont have that engrained into my head. I really enjoy doing both I guess my ? is does the gi help you get better at no gi have read different articles about just wanted your take on it.
Thanks!

I started with no-gi, tried gi and didn't mind it too much but I doubt training with the gi could help my MMA game better than no-gi would and my aim is MMA not submission grappling or BJJ. Although I love competing in no-gi comps, its just to get my game tighter and testing it against others. Eddie Bravo puts it well and I tend to agree with alot of what he says, just makes more sense to me.

I also like his analogy of Greco-roman and Judo. Can't find the material atm but its in his book.
I don't like the way he disrespects the gi game though, calling it an old japanese superhero outfit etc, wouldn't agree too much with that.

PS major Eddie Bravo nuthugger here.

I have less against the Gi than I do the purist attitude that generaly comes with it. Even now it's next to impossible to find a credited instructor willing to rank you w/o training in the gi. Even if you are strictly a no-gi or MMA competitor. If you are headed the no-gi or MMA route I'd say stick to training w/o the gi. you don't have a lapel, sleeve or pant leg to grab in no-gi. So why learn how to grab them in the first place. Also, IME it's easier for a no-gi trained guy to transition to competeing in a gi than it is for a guy trained strictly in the gi to transition to competition w/o the gi.

Although I agree with you on your statement that it's easier to transition fron no-Gi to Gi format. I think to get the best training both aspects of BJJ must be taught & learned. My school teaches both and although most moves & techniques are similar there a subtle differences that make a world of difference. No-Gi is great for the future or current MMA fighter but learning Gi can help you out in a real world altercation that could & usually does end up on the ground!

I start to take exception to an art when it is promoted as most effective "on the street". You show me anybody not on psych meds walking around in a heavy cotton kimono and I'll show you a guy headed straight to practice. You try a lapel choke on a tee shirt and I'll show you a pissed off guy cuz you tore his shirt. I'd rather train to grab the person and maybe snag some clothes. As opposed to training to grab the clothes and not know what to do when you end up with a handfull of cloth attatched to nothing.

If you want to compete in a gi then train in a gi. It's still one hell of a competative sport. The best street skill to date is diplomacy and humility. I'll walk away from any fight being called a b**ch and buying the beer. Because A) I am secure in my manhood, The altercations are 99% trumped up BS for BS's sake, C) I could give a rats tiny pink arse what people think of me "street cred" wise & D) If worst came to worst I've seen a hell of alot hairier situations and I know I can survive them. I've been in a couple tiffs where I practically let a guy whip up on me (defensive at all times of course) and have guys give me the "he whiped your ass" bit. the chiding seems to take a down turn once I point out that I am still there, no worse for the wear and drinking a cold one while the superman is someplace in handcuffs.

i have very limited experience with this but my training partner is an incredibly skilled judokai. ive been with him to tournaments and seen him pwn alot of people. when i grapple with him, it is no gi. i find it much easier to evade his throws. i at least have a chance with him. once, for an expirement, i put on a gi and grappled with him. the session was over in 5 seconds flat. i think that no gi makes you better at gi. ive taken aikido whick involves a gi. one techniques called irimi nage involves using the back of their collar to take them down. without a gi, the technique has to be modified. my training partner uses haria goshi and with a gi, you cant stop it. in no gi, even with modifications the techniques is not as good. a gi technique can be used no gi but you gotta make modifications to it.