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Former ONE featherweight world title challenger and Jiujitsu icon Garry Tonon recently posted a reaction to Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida's hot take on Gi and No Gi Juijitsu. The 13-time BJJ world champion has won gold medals in both Gi and No Gi and has given a rather divisive assessment of the importance of each in a real-life fight.
Here's what 'Buchecha' said:
"I think a real fighter needs to fight in Gi, No Gi, and you need to test yourself in MMA, right. So to see like, that's how it's gonna be in a real situation. I mean, that's how I see it. Of course, MMA is not for everyone, a lot of people don't like [it]. But the Gi, No Gi should be like, you should fight both period. That's my opinion."
Here's the video of 'Buchecha' as reposted by Garry Tonon:
In response to what 'Buchecha' said, Tonon wrote a lengthy caption:
"I've heard this preached by people my entire athletic career, and it never made any sense to me, and it's so strange because it only exists in the jiu jitsu world. You don't ever hear anyone tell a wrestler they aren't a "real" wrestler if they don't compete in judo nor do you ever hear someone tell a judoka they aren't a "real" judoka if they don't also compete in wrestling. You would never hear someone say someone isn't a "real" runner if they didn't compete in both the 100meter dash as well as the 800meters."
He continued:
"It's really cool for people to successfully compete in multiple martial arts, but I don't really see a need to suggest someone isn't a 'real' anything just because they choose to specialize in one martial art. There are a ton of boxers I could heel hook in 15 seconds that never did MMA or grappling, but for God sakes they are still 'real' fighters and I would never try to suggest they aren't just because they only choose to compete in a specific ruleset."
Both 'Buchecha' and Garry Tonon have good points. Both Gi and No Gi grappling offer varying degrees of difficulty and their own dynamics that are unique to them. Furthermore, we believe semantics play a huge role in this argument - particularly the term "real fighters," which is highly subjective. Everyone has their own definition of what makes a real fighter - from a person fighting cancer to a martial artist adept in a hundred different disciplines.
'Buchecha' replies to Garry Tonon's comment on his statement
In the same post, 'Buchecha' posted a comment speaking directly to Garry Tonon. The 13-time world champion said:
"@garrytonon relax , That’s just my opinion, I think Gi helps in the No Gi game and the Gi helps No Gi as well, and It’s always good be out our comfort zone , that makes us grow, but It’s just my opinion! If you don’t agree with me it’s all good, I respect that!"
Garry Tonon replied to the comment and both men were very cordial and respectful of each other's opinion. They are martial artists of the tallest order and are also very articulate in expressing their thoughts and philosophies. Just by reading their comment thread makes us feel smarter.
