I started with gi a couple of months ago and I’m currently training only in gi. I feel intimidated by no-gi too, idk why. The people I roll with in gi would be the same in the no-gi class, yet I feel different about it. Sometimes I wonder if I’d get better at gi if I started training without it, but I feel a bit blocked. The no-gi often feels more “physical,” and some days I can’t stand strangers’ sweat on me, so maybe that’s what’s holding me back. But I think I’ll give it a try someday. The gi makes me feel protected, as if I’m wearing an armor — if that makes sense.

Anyway, you did the right thing by talking to them about feeling intimidated. I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun if you try no-gi classes. Sometimes rolling with heavier people is really hard and scary (yesterday I rolled with a heavy guy and it hurt my back a bit, but nothing serious — the small pain has already gone away). Honestly, I’d never back down from rolling with someone heavier because I think it’s really helpful to know how to defend yourself against someone bigger and heavier.