As an older hobbyist who's just getting started, I appreciate the gi's ability to help me slow the game down against people half my age. Old man grip is real 😆. At least that's what I'm told by my partners. I like both, though, and consider it all just "grappling". I've used catch wrestling techniques in the gi, like cradles (shout-out to Blackout) with great success.I think hobbyists benefit from training both as long as there's consistency on the mat.
The new academy I attend right now has just informed me that their bjj belt system is solely nogi. So my purple belt test in a year or two will be nogi like the 10P. Wow. Get to the island's analogy. Interesting. It took me 20 years of grappling to finally (this year), earn my first 98% success submission. Lot of learning, set ups, entries throughout the journey. The longest portion is the defense stage. That stage past the survival one at white belt. Surviving the new BJJ game ala Ruotolo or B-Team to me is all about sticking to the basic fundamental techniques. I new new techniques at the academy I attend, but I still sub students with good old vintage submissions. It will always beat the new breed of mate beyond grappling generation. Wish I could say more. Your analogies are excellent, love listening to the both of yall.
My personal opinion. Pick one to train 70-80% of the time. Spend the rest of your time on the mat on the other one. That way your not missing out on the things that the latter can bring to your game.
I think this mentality of picking one or the other is very limiting and only focuses on competition. Why should anyone not looking to be a professional grappler keep themselves from learning and enjoying both Gi and No Gi? It’s not like the people even if only focusing on one or the other will be able to compete for the top spots against true professionals of the sport, unless they are professionals themselves (full time dedication) or in some odd cases out of the curve phenoms. I’d rather go to a gym that does both Gi and No Gi than to have ti go to two separate gyms or not learn one discipline. (Just one man’s opinion of course).
Absolutely. Hpwerver you need to be smart about it. getting super strong throughout the trunk (lower back, hips, abs, obliques etc) is paramount. Check out Andrew Lock Strength for some great information about lower back issues.
