Posted by SASSOM MMA | August 26, 2025

The Gi: More Than Just a Uniform—It’s a Real-World Simulator at SASSOM MMA

The debate between Gi and NoGi Jiu Jitsu has been debated many time by many people and it is still argued by practitioners, even in my own club. In my view the reason for doing Gi or NoiGi for most people is really just their personal preference. But if self-defence is your reason for training then understanding that the Gi does adapt to real life self-defence is important, if this topic interests you, then read on…

At SASSOM MMA, we’re passionate about equipping our members with skills that go beyond the mat—skills that could save your life in a real-world situation. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is at the heart of what we do, and when it comes to self-defence, training in the Gi (that sturdy, Judo-like uniform) is a game-changer. Drawing from our years of experience training fighters, everyday folks, and even law enforcement, we’ll explain why Gi BJJ isn’t just a sport—it’s your ultimate tool for practical protection.

Imagine you’re out and about, and someone in a hoodie grabs you aggressively. At SASSOM MMA, we train you to turn that clothing into your advantage, just like gripping a Gi on the mats. Our Gi classes simulate these everyday scenarios, making your self-defence instincts second nature.

Clothing Grips Translate Directly to Self-Defence:

In the real world, attackers often wear jackets, shirts, or coats—perfect for the grips we drill in our Gi sessions. Techniques like cross-collar chokes or sleeve drags aren’t just for competition; they’re lifesavers. For example, our instructors teach you how to use an assailant’s shirt to control and neutralise them, much like we do in our weekly Gi Fundamentals class.

Why Gi Over No-Gi?

While we offer killer NoGi and Wrestling classes for that fast-paced MMA vibe, Gi training at SASSOM MMA adds realism by mimicking clothed encounters. Studies show 70-80% of street fights involve clothing, and our curriculum bridges that gap—preparing you for anything from a winter scuffle to a heated argument.

The Gracie family’s influence is huge in our programs, and we’ve seen how Gi techniques levelled the playing field in early UFC bouts. At SASSOM MMA, we bring that legacy to life, helping members of all levels build confidence through practical, Gi-based drills.

Building Unbreakable Control and Technique in Our Gi Classes:

Self-Defence is about outsmarting threats, not out muscling them. That’s why our Gi training at SASSOM MMA focuses on precision and leverage—the Gi’s friction forces you to get it right, every time, not just escape though strength, fitness, or sweet.

Positional Dominance on the Ground:

Most fights end up on the ground (up to 90% per real-world data), and our Gi sessions teach you to dominate there. Learn to pin a bigger opponent using lapel grips, just like in our Gi BJJ classes— skills that could mean the difference in a real altercation.

Escapes and Reversals for Survival:

From guard position, we drill sweeps and submissions that exploit clothing. Does not matter if it is a t-shirt, jumper or jacket they can all be used to choke or sweep your assailant. Or maybe your stuck under someone in mount or they have your back and are trying to choke you, at SASSOM MMA we teach you how to handel these situations. The techniques our coaches refine in every class will ensure you’re street-ready, you’ll feel the empowerment that comes from knowing you can handle and defend yourself.

Mental Toughness: The Hidden Self-Defence Superpower We Cultivate at SASSOM MMA

Training at SASSOM MMA isn’t just physical—it’s a mental forge. Gi rolling is tough, deliberate, and intense, mirroring the chaos of a real fight and building the resilience you need. Escaping a bad position in a Gi is much harder due to the increase in friction because of the cloth.

You will learn to stay calm under pressure as we push you through tight chokes and holds in our sparring (rolling) sessions, teaching you to stay composed when it counts. This mindset has helped our members de-escalate real situations, from being attacked at a bar fight to unexpected confrontations walking home from work.

Adaptability Wins Fights:

Our Gi techniques are flexible—if a grip fails (like on a torn shirt), you’ll adapt seamlessly, thanks to the fundamentals we emphasise. Especially if you cross train in our Wrestling, NoGi BJJ or striking classes.

Law Enforcement and Military Ties:

We work with local first responders, incorporating Gi elements into restraint tactics—similar to programs in the Australian military, police and corrections.

Everyday Heroes in Our Community:

From bouncers to parents, our members have shared how Gi skills helped them escape harm. A recent study in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence backs this up, showing grappling arts like ours excel in real de-escalation of violence.

Addressing the Critics: Is Gi Training “Too Sporty” for Self-Defence?

Some knock Gi BJJ for its competitive focus, however competition BJJ focuses on taking the person to the ground, getting positional control and then finishing with a submission, that formula is also solid in self-defence. Many people can throw some sort of punch or haymaker when standing and if one of these hits you, that could be the end. However in comparsion, very few people know how to move on the ground, if you have some BJJ training your attacker will feel like they are in “Quicksand”, the more they move the more troble the are in.

At SASSOM MMA, you will learn how and when to use BJJ for the streets. Sure, if an attacker is shirtless, grips change, but that’s why we encourage NoGi BJJ, Wrestling and Muay Thai cross-training. The Gi’s benefits far outweigh any drawbacks—The Gi teaches you how to slow an attack down, how to control a bigger stronger opponent and to escape in the Gi is much harder than no Gi, so for self-defence or sport why would you not want to train in this environment???

Final Thoughts: Join SASSOM MMA and Unlock Your Self-Defence Potential

Gi training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at SASSOM MMA is more than good—it’s essential for real-world self-defence. It transforms clothing into a tool, hones unbeatable technique, and builds a mindset that keeps you safe. Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking to level up, our Gi classes are the perfect starting point.

Ready to experience it? You can sign up for a Free Trial at SASSOM MMA—no experience needed! Check our timetable on the website or drop us a message to get started. What’s holding you back? Let’s build a safer, stronger community together.

More information about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Click Here

*At SASSOM MMA, we’re committed to empowering you through world-class training. This post is for informational purposes; consult our instructors for personalised advice. Train smart, stay safe!