Gi vs No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most effective martial arts in the world, known for its focus on leverage, technique, and strategy over brute strength. But one of the most common questions newcomers have is: Should I train in the Gi or No-Gi?
Both styles have unique benefits and can dramatically improve your grappling skills. Here’s a breakdown of the differences.
What is Gi BJJ?
Gi BJJ is practiced in the traditional kimono (called a gi), which includes a jacket, pants, and belt. The gi allows students to grab their opponent’s clothing for grips, sweeps, chokes, and submissions.
Benefits of Gi Training:
Technical Precision – The gi slows down the pace, forcing you to focus on technique rather than relying on athleticism or speed.
Stronger Defense – Learning to escape grips and control opponents who are holding onto you builds strong defensive fundamentals.
What is No-Gi BJJ?
No-Gi BJJ is practiced without the kimono, usually wearing a rash guard and shorts. Since there are no collars, sleeves, or pants to grab, the pace is faster, and techniques often rely more on body positioning and underhooks rather than grip fighting.
Benefits of No-Gi Training:
Faster Pace – Matches are generally more explosive and dynamic.
Real-World Application – Closer to how grappling would feel in a self-defense or MMA situation.
Transitioning from Gi to No-Gi
One of the advantages of starting with Gi training is how easily you can transition to No-Gi later. Here’s how the process usually works:
Focus on Grip Concepts – Even without sleeves or collars, you will still use the same principles of control by switching grips to overhooks, underhooks, and wrist control.
Adapt Submissions – Learn No-Gi versions of your favorite chokes and armlocks. For example, instead of a collar choke, you might use a rear naked choke or guillotine.
Increase Speed and Movement – No-Gi tends to be faster, so drilling transitions and scrambles can help bridge the gap.
Experiment in Live Rolls – Many students slowly incorporate No-Gi by attending one or two No-Gi classes a week while continuing their Gi training.
At Be Like Water BJJ MMA, students who build a solid foundation in the Gi find that transitioning to No-Gi feels natural, and their techniques often work more efficiently than those who skip Gi training altogether.
Which Should You Train?
Both Gi and No-Gi offer incredible benefits, and many athletes choose to train in both to become well-rounded grapplers.
At Be Like Water BJJ MMA, we focus on Gi training as the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By learning to master grips, positional control, and submissions with the gi, our students develop a deeper understanding of leverage and timing. These skills translate seamlessly into No-Gi or MMA later on.
Why We Focus on Gi Training
Our philosophy is simple: start slow, build fundamentals, and grow your game from the ground up. Gi training teaches patience, precision, and problem-solving. Once you have that base, transitioning to No-Gi or MMA becomes easier, safer, and more effective.
Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or fitness, Be Like Water BJJ MMA provides a structured, supportive environment to help you succeed.
Ready to try Gi BJJ?
Come experience a free trial class at Be Like Water and see why our students love the technical depth and challenge of Gi training.