No-gi specialist Craig Jones has built a legendary career competing and innovating in submission-only formats without the traditional gi worn in many other jiu-jitsu competitions. However, in a recent interview, Jones acknowledged the value that training with the gi can provide, especially for developing crucial skills like guard retention and overall mobility.
“I don’t think it’s necessary, but it teaches you skills that you won’t get [otherwise],” Jones told Jibber with Jaber podcast. “Like, key people learn early [are] Spider Guard, lasso guard – it gives them a fast track way to learn that hip mobility and guard retention.”
Jones explained that those who start training in the gi often develop superior guard playing abilities fromNeeding to maintain tight control over the bulky material. “So guys that start with the gi have, I believe, better guard retention,” he said.
While his own gameplan has flourished without heavy gi exposure, the Australian acknowledged the benefits it can provide. “Guys that never started with the gi usually, I think, have [advantages] in other areas like wrestling and stuff like that,” Jones noted. “And they’re better at scrambling for top position.”
At the same time, Jones clearly prefers the no-gi environment that has treated him so well over the years. “You have to wrestle up, leg lasso, wrestle up, wrestle up,” he described of common no-gi techniques. “It’s physically harder on the body… more athletic, I think.”
Though the 33-year-old phenom has collected an incredible number of no-gi accolades – including ADCC medals and EBI wins – he appears to have an balanced perspective on the pros and cons of both gi and no-gi training. For grapplers looking to develop a well-rounded skill set, incorporating both seems ideal based on Jones’ analysis.
