Gi training is better, even for MMA.

[ROBGBUK1]

I agree with Tribulus that gi training offers a greater range of positions and techniques, but it also allows you to the time to hone new techniques as everthing is slower and more controlled.

Personally I like training both, but find gi work more challenging.

[Rob T]

I agree with Tribulus that gi training offers a greater range of positions and techniques, but it also allows you to the time to hone new techniques as everthing is slower and more controlled.

I think this is the most important point and people need to realise that we are advocating training in the gi, i.e. learning skills.

I would say comp prep should be 100% nogi for MMA (wearing gloves and using light strikes).

[TRIBULUS]

Thats where the Gi is an advantage, it makes you more of specialist in one area of MMA. For an elite level Striker or wrestler i think training in the Gi is less important.

personally I disagree with this, I think the most gains are to be made in the area where you have least experience. The law of diminishing returns once again.

If an elite striker manages to become an elite grappler as well then he will be competing at the highest level, it's just a matter of time.

Time is critical for my whole argument, I believe that it takes well over 5 years to be competitive at the highest level but most guys expect success too quickly.

[SwiftMotion]

I disagree, both should be trained. Look how many BJJ black belts have been pounded out from there guards in MMA by far lesser grapplers.

Ive often thought about whether or not the gi really helps with no gi.I think it's a more higher grade decision ie black belt and up.Facts are the best grapplers train in the gi,including those successful in MMA,GSP.Bj penn,Fedor,minotauro,Renzo and the list go's on.In my simple thoughts I look at judo,imagine training judo without a gi.Practicing technique just would'nt be the same.It would surely apply in some way to jujitsu.

I really believe in sports specific training.So training jujitsu for mma should be done mostly in No gi.But improving your grappling the facts are clear that the best in both fields seem to use the gi.
Jujitsu in MMA,things change a hell of a lot when strikes are thrown in and the general trend is not to play a bottom game.I think few people can claim that pulling guard is a great option to win a mma fight except for those very few ie minotauro,roger gracie, even so its usually not chosen.In my opinion if someone is good at maintaining there posture and knows about the guard game its going to be really hard to submit or sweep them when they are striking at you.

[mainsy]

Doing Gi makes you stronger.