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Sep
29
The Function of Friction and Why I Wear a Gi
Filed Under Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory, Philosophy, and Technique
Friction slows things down, and since I move more like a tortoise than a hare, I like things slow.
No-gi is sweat and speed and being slippery and breathing heavy and squeezing peoples’ heads. Friction is lost through sweat.
Gi is friction, it’s a mop, it’s a jacket of handles, it’s slow and methodical. It’s where I reside, on my back—a tortoise with a grip–that beats the hare by slowing him down, by restraining him with a strait jacket, then seductively, slowly, slyly, choking him with his own collar.
Gi is friction, and I wear one to slow down the world.
I’ve noticed Jeff as made comments about this as did Rich last night. I think most people aren’t in shorts and a short sleeve shirt when they get in a fight. With winter coming on most of them will be in coats which are a great gi substitutes.
no gi is NOT head squeezing. Both gi and no gi are useful we should not get into that debate. I like both but they are very different
no-gi is head squeezing. Embrace your nature. How’s your cauliflower ear? Love you–Mark
I love the head squeezing sport, but the gi is starting to make sense to me.
“Head Squeezing” is not a slam against no-gi; it’s a truth. The head is a handle, you use it to control your opponent. Once you get a hold of a guy’s head sometimes you don’t want to let go. It’s just like getting hold of the gi.