Gi vs. Non-gi Grappling

[Baylin]

We occassionally have a t-shirt grappling session for the experience but from that experience I'd say you're gonna go through a lot of t-shirts because they tend to rip a lot more easily than a gi.  As it is when I first started I bought a cheap light weight gi which lasted 2 weeks before the chest panel got ripped wide open so since then it's always the stiff heavy weight ones for me!

[bogirl]

Grappling with a gi on does allow you to use it to grab on to, choke with the lapels and also learn to defend against those same techniques.

However, while the pants make be about the same material-wise, shirts may be a lot different.  Gi jackets are somewhat loose, make ing them easy to grab, and also don't stretch, making them easier to use for control.  BUT, nobody I know wears a gi outside of the dojo.  T-shirts and sweat shirts are stretchy, so may not allow for the level of control you are used to.  And tank tops are particularly difficult, as there is really no fabric to grab onto.

I really dislike it when students train in T-shirts (which we allow during the summer) because it is much harder to practice several of our takedowns which rely on grabbing the clothing.

So, it does make sense to do at least some practice without a gi. 

[Gambatte Karate]

I prefer to grapple WITH a gi on. Sorry, I'm kinda skinny, and a gi makes me look larger.  LOL But, I also like to use the gi to choke my opponent. This is something I would do out on the street in a grappling situation also. If someone were to take me down on the street, I would most certainly use their own clothes against them if at all possible. 

[cfKarate]

Gi are *no* gi when grappling? Just wondering what "Karate-Talk-ers" here prefer and why? What are the benefits of each and how does each change your strategy when sparring?

I believe that gi grappling is a bit slower, and lets you use varying techniques to a greater degree. Some will say that non gi sparring is more realistic since most self-defense situations will take place with your clothes on.

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome. Share anything that you can or want to on the subject. I have little grappling experience, and want to learn.