White belt gi/nogi training question

[Atrfin]

I'm a white belt, been training for 4 months, and I can only fit 3 classes in my schedule per week. So far I've only been training with a gi to get my basics right and not to confuse myself with different styles.

This week I got crushed by a few "white belts" who are pretty new in the gym but have been doing nogi and mma for a while and I got caught in a number of leg locks, heel hooks and 10th planet submissions. One of them said he prefers no gi because all of it is applicable to gi but not vice versa.

The question is, should I split my training 2/1 between gi and nogi or keep focusing on gi until blue belt and then start extending into nogi? What's the best way to structure my training in these earlier stages given I can train only 3 times pw?

 

[AK Gerard]

One of them said he prefers no gi because all of it is applicable to gi but not vice versa.

I used to think this same thing. Then I learned about a little thing called "grips." I don't think that way anymore.
My advice is to at least give nogi a try and if you like it, put it into your rotation. Otherwise just stick with gi; if you're going to be paying for classes you may as well pay for the ones you enjoy.

 

[BJJ_Rage]

do both, I think its better to get good gi training at the beginning, however if you enjoy more no gi, do more no gi.

 

[HtomSirveaux]

There's no secret formula for success, besides hard work and more importantly, natural athletic aptitude. For us mere mortals, just do whatever you enjoy

 

[Atrfin]

I'm actually quite interested in nogi. My concern is if training gi twice a week as a white belt hampers my progress.

 

[powerBJJ]

I'm actually quite interested in nogi. My concern is if training gi twice a week as a white belt hampers my progress.

its all jiu jitsu man its not going to slow you're progression IMO

 

[Ton]

There's no secret formula for success, besides hard work and more importantly, natural athletic aptitude. For us mere mortals, just do whatever you enjoy

I'd flip those 2 around. talent failing to work hard and all that..

 

[Ton]

I'm actually quite interested in nogi. My concern is if training gi twice a week as a white belt hampers my progress.

Training more gi/nogi will only hamper your progress if you over train... and that will never happen if you're only in the gym 3-4 times a week.

Training more is always good. Gi and no gi overlap quite a bit.

 

[Foppa21]

Do both if possible. Or the one you enjoy the most. "Do something you enjoy and you'll never work a day in your life"

Time on the mats will improve you.

Without being rude, have you considered that they are just plain better than you? You do have 4 months' of training under your belt and, without any other grappling experience (in my assumption), that is not a heck of a lot

 

[Was at Pride GP 2000]

I'm actually quite interested in nogi. My concern is if training gi twice a week as a white belt hampers my progress.

It does not hamper your progress. If you learn gi first and really understand at a blue belt level no gi will be easier for you and you will have better fundementals. Marathon not sprint

 

[These Two Hands]

What did the coach think of these guys coming in an heelhooking 4-month white belts, out of interest?

I mean, we roll with leglocks from white belt up where I train but only catch and release and only for people who have been learning/studying them and are developing familiarity with them...

As far as your question, I enjoy a healthy mix. Usually a bit more nogi in the summer, and bit more gi in the winter (or if it's very cold, gi only in winter) but it's really up to you. Maybe as a beginner 2 gi sessions and one nogi session weekly would be good, if you've a nogi competition coming up focus more on nogi and vice versa.

 

[Curly Peibce]

Do what you have fun doing.

 

[MandirigmaFit]

Personally, I would do a 2/1 split, but honestly, do whatever is convenient. Alternate weekly. 2/1 Gi, then 2/1 No-Gi.

 

[lechien]

Just attend as many classes you can.

It does not matter otherwise that it is a GI or nogi class.

 

[Karihtala]

MMA guys may seem tougher also because of their wrestling training, and because they invest a lot of time in positional training.
I personally have problems with wrestlers and mma fighters when I spar no-gi with them. They are generally hard to sweep, they have good base and if you manage to sweep them they usually scramble back up. Then we are back in step 1, since I have zero standup skills.

To the question, not all no-gi stuff can be applied with the gi, especially the guard passing stuff will be much harder because of the grips. But you should do both.

 

[2008]

I'm a white belt, been training for 4 months, and I can only fit 3 classes in my schedule per week. So far I've only been training with a gi to get my basics right and not to confuse myself with different styles.

This week I got crushed by a few "white belts" who are pretty new in the gym but have been doing nogi and mma for a while and I got caught in a number of leg locks, heel hooks and 10th planet submissions. One of them said he prefers no gi because all of it is applicable to gi but not vice versa.

The question is, should I split my training 2/1 between gi and nogi or keep focusing on gi until blue belt and then start extending into nogi? What's the best way to structure my training in these earlier stages given I can train only 3 times pw?

Those guys who tapped you maybe 'white belts' but they are not new to grappling. I experienced the same thing when I started. Your basically dealing with ex-athletes and other martial artists so the playing field is not even despite them being 'white belts'.

 

[HtomSirveaux]

I'd flip those 2 around. talent failing to work hard and all that..

Eh, hard work is required for everybody, but if you are working with a low genetic ceiling it will constrain the most epic of work ethics and cap your potential.

And then you have guys like Jon Jones, who purportedly disappears from the gym outside of fight camps, parties hard, and achieves damn near goat status

 

[Ton]

Eh, hard work is required for everybody, but if you are working with a low genetic ceiling it will constrain the most epic of work ethics and cap your potential.

And then you have guys like Jon Jones, who purportedly disappears from the gym outside of fight camps, parties hard, and achieves damn near goat status

I see your point.

Though in Jones' case... we don't have all the facts. He could have been the hardest worker throughout college and beginning of his UFC career. And is now rich and attention starved from all that time grinding, so he acts out and does all the things he 'missed out on'. I don't know if that's the scenario... but its definitely possible. From what i understand, you don't become an accomplished wrestler without putting in crazy mat hours.

 

[Dogstarman]

I'm a white belt, been training for 4 months

got caught in a number of leg locks, heel hooks

Who is allowing these guys to do these types of submissions on you? I mean I'm all for teaching leg locks and shit but doing these submissions on a 4 month white belt?

As to doing no gi. I think you should do both.

 

[imarayda]

Do them both if you can. Honestly youre so new that you just need to "shut up and train", just do whats fun and learn what you can.