Gi Uniform?

Question

I need to get a GI for my jujitsu lessons and i have a few questions
First, do they help in the lessons (other than chokes)
Second, does getting choked by using the GI hurt
Finally, what should you wear under the GI, i know you can wear a t-shirt, but should you wear boxers, or go commando?

Answer 1

Supporter and groin cup underneath. If it is a good school that does not play at teaching ju-jitsu you will have some lessons where you were happy you had a cup on. As for the gi it also helps to prevent slippage when you or your training partner are sweating and holds are being applied. At my studio we practice with gis both on and off and even in street clothes occasionally just so students get a better understanding of how things may have to be modified to made to work in a street situation and or what techniques are more practical than others.
As for choking as you train and gain in experience and rank you should build a tolerance for pain and discomfort. Also your mental attitude will change. A good example of this is when you were younger and had to get a shot and your fear of that needle was probably more than the pain of the shot itself. It is much the same with choking and choking techniques. Good luck, pay attention and work hard in your lessons.

Answer 2

Does the gi help in lessons?

Yes, in two ways. First, if you are learning otoshi, nage, or different kubeshima, the lapels on the gi will make learning these techniques much easier than if you are using your street clothes, which can get ripped or torn. Second, most Ju Jutsu gi have reinforced knees that take a beating much better than regular pants would (and help protect your knees a little better). Third and most importantly, putting on the uniform helps you transition from whatever kind of day you've had outside the dojo to focus your mind and energies on the training you're about to undergo in the dojo. So yes, the gi helps in lessons.

Does getting choked with the gi hurt?

Yes, which is why you should get one -- it will help you learn to counter that kind of choke much better. Whatever choke is applied to you, always remember to quickly tuck your chin to your chest to protect your windpipe. And don't forget that you are in a learning environment -- your instructor and/or training partner is not out to actually injure you, but to apply a technique so that you can learn to counter it properly. More force will be applied as you grow more proficient in the technique.

What should you wear under the gi?

In my school, women must wear "modesty" shirts. Men wear no shirts unless it is the colder weather, in which case they can wear a T-shirt or, even better, an Under Armour top.

I would definitely recommend wearing boxers, if only because the danged tie strings in the more traditional gi tend to come undone very easily and you really don't want to flash your Sensei or fellow students.

Answer 3

Hi there I'm going to have a go at the second part of this question rather than the first because its alrady been explained so well. The reason why its lasted so long is a very simple one. If you want to train in traditional arts then you wear a Gi. If you dont wear one you dont train! MMA may be all good and well for modern society but if you want to learn from the core arts then you respect their tradition and wear a Gi. Yes they rub, are uncomfortable at times are not very practical or realistic but then again neither is bare chested and speedo's! Gold Gi's, stripey gi's, multi coloured ones etc all promote ego and image which has nothing to do with the reason for training. Anyone who takes up an art for these reasons really shouldn't be allowed to train. Respect starts right back at the beginning. Remove this and the foundations crack and fall. Hence the mess with modern martial arts! You can wear what you like and do what you want to any art as long as you respect its teachings first! Best wishes idai

Answer 4

Personally, when I wear a gi, I prefer to wear workout shorts under my gi pants. You can either wear a t-shirt or nothing under the top.

Getting choked (with or without the gi) can be somewhat painful, but it won't be that bad. The idea is that you tap to let your partner know when you want them to stop, In training these types of techniques should be applied slowly so that the person can stop you before injury.

As to whether a gi helps with Jujitsu lessons, that is purely a matter of opinion. Hardcore Jujitsu/BJJ practitioners seem to like training with the gi, while many MMA fighters prefer to train without them. Your instructor will probably have their own preference and you should follow their lead.

Sounds like you are just getting started. You are going to have a blast.

Answer 5

The Gi does make training better. Im not exactly sure why but I am a black belt in Tang Soo Do and I always felt better in uniform rather then street clothes. If you get someone that doesnt know what they are doing then yes the choke will hurt. You should wear a t-shirt if you are comfortable with wearing it under your Gi and you should wear boxers. You are doing a lot of moving and you want extra protection durning sparring matches and things like that. Good luck.

Answer 6

i just wear undies or boxers. Otherwise you might sweat more into your good clothes. I don't know about whether they help with chokes. The main point of the gi is to spare your regular clothes from a beating.

Answer 7

you should defenitly wear boxers everyone i know does cause it could fall off and i usually just wear an undershirt or no shirt.

Yes getting a gi choke hurt just like all chokes

yes they can help with more than just chokes they can also help you perform throws or give you that extra levrage to take there back

Get those hooks in though

Answer 8

I don't think it will really help you perform the techniques better.
Yes, getting choked by most any object is uncomfortable at the least.
Do not go commando. I used to wear just my jock strap and cup. Now I also wear mesh athletic shorts. ( One time while grappling the drawstring got ripped and the pants came down and the people I was working out with had the pleasure of seeing my rear end.)

Answer 9

Unless you need a cup, wear underarmor shirt and shorts or something similar under your gi. You'll feel more comfortable and be able to train longer.

Answer 10

boxers or underwear are a good idea, as there are little openings at the sides of the pants that sometimes get wider with certain practices, and I don't wear teeshirts.