If you are a BJJ player looking to enter into MMA, there are some things you need to know to make that transition successful. Besides the obvious ones like “learn striking”.
When it comes to your ground game should you be spending more time training in No Gi or with the Gi? Training more No Gi seems more logical as MMA is done shirtless. However, there are some benefits to training with the Gi.
When we look at MMA champions that train (or have trained) in the Gi on a regular basis, the list is long:
The Secret To Johny Hendricks’s Power: Heavy Lifting & Grappling In A Gi
Fabricio Werdum on Training in the Gi in Preparation for Velasquez
Roger Gracie Rolling with GSP No Gi & Gi
Chael Sonnen gave his opinion on the subject. Sonnen got his black belt in BJJ after training in the Gi for 10 years:
Related:
Jose Aldo: ‘MMA Fighters Who Haven’t Trained in The Gi Should Not Be Promoted to BJJ Black Belt’
