Why Train in the Gi?

If you’re not a jiu jitsu player then that might seem like an odd question, so let me start with a brief explanation. In jiu jitsu you have the option to train in the gi or train without the gi or no-gi. Many of the the techniques cross over between gi and no gi, however in the gi you have the ability or opportunity to use the gi jacket for chokes and to control your opponent. In a gi you can also slow down the fight, which for this old man is an added benefit.

However those are not the main reason why at Rio Bravo we train in the gi.

Before starting Rio Bravo, I was a tutor at a very low-income school and it was at this school that I realized at least one of the benefits of students wearing uniforms while at school. Sometimes people just can’t afford to have nice clothing or the latest trends and while an adult may be able to navigate that social difference for children it is much more difficult.

So why do we train in a gi? One reason it is my preferred form of jiu jitsu. I enjoy the opportunity to use the lapel to choke my opponent and the ability to control their movement. The second and more important reason is that the population of families and children we serve are low-income. The ability to come and put on a gi puts all our students on an equal level, at least as far as the uniform is concerned.

A child living at or below the poverty level has enough to worry about. When they come and participate in our program we want them to be at ease, enjoy friends, get encouraged by our coaches. When that happens along with a hot meal then they have experienced the love of God which is the reason behind everything we do.

When he walked the earth Jesus made it a point to demonstrate how important children are to him regardless of the socio-economic level that they found themselves in. It is our goal to remind them every time they come that they are loved, that they are safe and that God has a plan for their lives.