i want to learn vale tudo/mma, should i learn bjj with the gi first?

Question

i used to train in muay thai but had to stop when we moved house. and it wont take me too long to get into good shape.

i want to learn vale tudo but was wondering wether it would be a good idea to train bjj with the gi first, as i have heard that it is supposed to make your ground game more technical.
do you think that i should train in the gi first.

im 17 years old and if i start mma or bjj-with gi do you think it is tool late to get good at it?

Answer 1

17 is still plenty young. More experienced guys will beat you easily at first but just never give up.

I would say Gi first. It is easier to go from Gi to no Gi than vice versa. The Gi is a tool to choke, to use as a handle or for pins. It is more technical with a Gi so that is where you should start. Later you can transition to no Gi after you have the fundamentals.

Answer 2

the only thing you'll be able to pick up from DVD's is positions. If people could become great bjj practitioner from watching dvd's then there would be no bjj gyms. You need somebody who is highly experienced coaching you along the way, and teaching you the tiniest details that you can't see or get from an instructional. I started by watching movies and with instructional books, and got a basic understanding of the positions and learned a few submissions, but when I started training with high level coaches, and practitioners my skill level skyrocketed. Nothing beats training at a gym. I don't care if you have every instructional in the world your not going to become very good with out training with professionals.