Gi vs No-Gi: Why Training Both Styles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Key to Your Growth
If you’ve just started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), or if you’re thinking about diving into it, you’ve likely come across two different styles of training: Gi and No-Gi. As shown in the photo above, one of the most obvious differences is the uniform. The traditional white Gi (also called a kimono) on the left contrasts with the modern rash guard and shorts combination of No-Gi on the right. But the differences run deeper than just attire—and there are good reasons to train both.
What’s the Difference Between Gi and No-Gi BJJ?
At its core, Gi and No-Gi are both forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but they differ primarily in terms of attire and the types of techniques that are emphasized.
- Gi BJJ involves wearing a heavy cotton jacket and pants, which opens up a wide array of grips and techniques. You can grab the sleeves, pants, collar, and belt of your opponent, giving you more knowledge when it come to breaking grips, control and more options for attacks and a larger amount submissions such as lapel chokes.
- No-Gi BJJ, on the other hand, is practiced in a rash guard and shorts, with no grabbing of clothing allowed. This makes the game faster and requires different grips—mainly relying on underhooks, overhooks, body control, and athletic movement. The absence of the Gi not only influence grips but friction making the game faster and more dynamic.
The Benefits of Each Style
Why Train Gi?
- Mastering Grips: In Gi BJJ, you learn to control your opponent through a variety of grips on their clothing. This teaches you how to manipulate the opponent's posture, balance, and movement in unique ways.
- Slower Pace for Technical Learning: The slower pace of Gi BJJ allows for more detailed exploration of techniques, making it ideal for beginners who are learning basic principles like sweeps, escapes, and submissions.
- Variety of Submissions: With the Gi, you have access to a wider range of submissions chokes and lapel-based submissions., especially those using the collar and sleeve. Lapels can be used to choke or control your opponent, giving you a unique submission arsenal.
- Patience and Control: Gi BJJ often requires more patience and precise control to break through the guard, pass, and submit. These qualities are essential to develop as a well-rounded grappler.
- Due to the gi friction: Due to the gi friction it challenges the practitioner being submitted having to learn h how to proper escape a submission.
Why Train No-Gi?
- Faster and More Fluid Movement: Without the grips and friction of the Gi, No-Gi BJJ tends to be faster and requires more agility. Scrambling, explosive transitions, and quick and tight submissions become more important in this format.
- Prepare for MMA or Submission-Only Competitions: No-Gi is a favorite in MMA and submission-only tournaments. If you plan on transitioning to these forms of competition, No-Gi training will be essential.
- Stronger Base in Core BJJ Fundamentals: No-Gi BJJ places a heavier emphasis on body control and positioning, which helps strengthen your overall understanding of leverage and positioning, which is crucial for success in both formats.
Why You Should Train Both
At our academy, we offer both Gi and No-Gi classes, and we encourage our students to train in both styles. Here’s why:
- Complete Your Skill Set: While the Gi will improve your ability to control an opponent with grips and focus on technique, No-Gi will enhance your speed, movement, and adaptability. By training both, you can seamlessly integrate these different skills into your game.
- Self-Defense Benefits: Life is unpredictable, and real-life situations might not give you the luxury of using a Gi. But learning both Gi and No-Gi will ensure you're prepared for a variety of scenarios, whether in the attacker is using a jacket or is coming out of the beach on with only shorts.
- Opportunities to Compete: If competition is your goal, then both Gi and No-Gi tournaments are available. Gi tournaments focus on grip-based techniques, while No-Gi competitions emphasize speed and athleticism. Training in both gives you the versatility to compete and excel in either format.
- Better Adaptability: Switching between Gi and No-Gi helps you learn how to adapt your techniques to different circumstances. Whether you're gripping clothing or relying on body control, being able to adjust to different situations is an invaluable skill that will make you a more effective grappler.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're wearing a Gi or a rash guard, both styles of BJJ offer unique benefits that contribute to your overall growth as a martial artist. While the Gi helps you develop strong grip control and a deeper understanding of technique, No-Gi sharpens your athleticism, fluidity, and body control.
Training in both formats not only enhances your technical and physical abilities but also gives you the flexibility to compete in a variety of competitions and prepare for real-world situations. So, no matter which style you start with, make sure you incorporate both Gi and No-Gi into your training for a truly well-rounded BJJ experience.
Ready to roll? Join us for Gi and No-Gi classes and take your BJJ game to the next level!
See you on the mats—Gi or No-Gi!
