Carlos Condit shared his thoughts today about training in a gi — something he has recently picked up. While he has been practicing the martial art for over a decade, he says that he has never rolled in his type of suit before. All of his previous training was focused on a different sort of fighting that didn’t call for it. He never got the chance until now.
The MMA community is divided on this issue. Some advocate the use of a gi in training for fights while others do not see the rationale given what people wear on the octagon. Condit chose to try it out even if it means getting out of his comfort zone. He went back and started as a white belt to slowly feel his way around the gi. The first session was rough. His unfamiliarity made him an easy target. However, he is taking it all in stride and using failure as a springboard for growth.
“I’ve been training Jiujutsu for more than half my life, and I have never rolled in a gi. When I started, all of my training was geared toward Vale Tudo, NHB, Cage fighting… The term MMA wasn’t even used at the time. So we didn’t train in the gi. I know there’s a bunch of opinions out there for and against training in a gi for MMA. But for a number of reasons, I decided to get outside of my comfort zone, start as a white belt and get friendly with the gi. I got manhandled my first day, and probably will continue to get my *** kicked, but that’s ok, that’s how you grow. We cannot be afraid to fail. When setting goals, reach farther than you can actually grasp. And if you fall, grit your teeth, re focus your intention and try again. I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress”
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