Gi or No Gi for MMA and More – Coach Zahabi

23 Comments

1. khabib v. tony analysis

2. Awesome video

3. Glad to see you tell the truth about the gi.

   Even more than creating reliance on things that won't always be there, it also trains your muscles to be good at certain specific grips and movements. The concept of sports specificity tells us that you should do exactly what you'll be doing, not something that's close. It changes your muscles and if your goal is to min/max every single aspect of your body and training, that's the road to take.

   I think there's a lot of anger when you point that out, but the reality is that being good at using your body without the extra handles is just better.

   Like so many things in life, it's a matter of identity. So many people have made Gi BJJ a part of their view of self and that keeps them from seeing things clearly of even being able to say "Well, this might not be exactly perfect, but I love it and it's good enough for me."

   Love this stuff, Firas. Thanks a lot of sharing your expertise with all of us.

4. The gi is a pointless tradition, cus it always falls the fuck apart even in basic grappling matches. The belts don't hold the thing together and the collar is way too open. The whole thing is too loose fitting to be an actual reliable help in anything. Plus if it's white. You're going to have to clean that sucker with bleach constantly cus of all the blood.

5. Firas hit it on the head. I originally did both when I first started training about 7 years ago, and then ended up only doing no gi for the last 2-3 years since I was at primarily an MMA school and then a 10th Planet school. What I've mainly noticed is that you can't replicate the athleticism in gi that is normal in no-gi. Sure, gi slows things down, but I wouldn't say its more technical. I'd say no-gi is by far more technical because you're bringing in both athleticism, technique, and unpredictability (sweat, getting tired) to the match. If you can't stay active or your choke isn't tight or hit correctly, your opponent could slip out. With Gi, the friction does make it easier to pull off submissions from a dominant position and in a bottom position, it artificially helps you break down your opponent through grip leverage. Lastly, I'd say for MMA or self defense purposes, no-gi is way more realistic. You can do an armdrag, over/underhook, or grab the tricep on anyone with 2 arms, no matter what they're wearing…..you can't say the same for grabbing a sleeve, doing a gi choke, or sleeve based judo throw. That's why wrestlers who transition to BJJ or MMA are so successful now a days because they have those fundamental no-gi techniques you don't typically learn in a gi class. All they have to do is learn a few grips and chokes like Firas says and they'll be set.

6. This man is pure wisdom. Thanks, master Zahabi. I´m learning so much from you.

7. I was surprised to hear John Danaher on the Matt Serra Podcast saying that he thinks a new student should start in the gi.

8. excelent stuff as always, what the song name in the end ?

9. Thank you, Zahabi so much for physio book tip on Kelly Starrett. You also gave a lot of meaningful tips towards the philosophy of the martial arts. Where is Tristar located ?

10. Firas. I enjoy your posts immensely. Would love it if you appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast. You seem a wholesome person.