If you’ve been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the debate: Gi vs. No-Gi—Which is better? The answer? It depends on your goals. Both styles offer unique benefits, and the best approach is to understand what each one brings to the table so you can train with intention.
The Case for Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Training in the gi means wearing a kimono-style uniform that allows for grips, collar chokes, and a slower, more methodical pace.
Benefits of Gi Training:
1. Grip Fighting & Control – The gi offers handles that allow for a more technical and strategic approach to control and submissions. You’ll develop a strong grip and learn to break grips effectively.
2. Defensive Awareness – The extra friction of the gi makes it harder to escape bad positions, forcing you to refine your technique rather than rely on speed or explosiveness.
3. More Submission Variety – Gi training introduces collar chokes, lapel wraps, and a broader range of sweeps and control methods.
4. Translates to Self-Defense – If someone grabs your clothing in a real fight, having experience with grips and breaking them can be useful.
Challenges of Gi Training:
• Slower pace – The friction of the gi slows things down, which can be good for learning but frustrating for those who prefer fast scrambles.
• Grip dependency – Some gi players rely too much on lapel grips, which won’t always translate to No-Gi or MMA.
The Case for No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu
No-Gi training is done in rash guards and shorts, removing the handles provided by the gi and leading to a faster, more dynamic style of grappling.
Benefits of No-Gi Training:
1. Faster Scrambles & Reactions – Without the gi to slow things down, No-Gi training develops reaction speed, movement, and transitions.
2. More Applicable to MMA – If your goal is to fight in mixed martial arts, No-Gi is essential, as there are no lapels to grab in the cage.
3. Leg Lock Focus – No-Gi has embraced leg locks, particularly with the rise of submission-only grappling competitions.
4. Wrestling Integration – No-Gi incorporates a lot of wrestling, which is crucial for takedowns and control without grips.
Challenges of No-Gi Training:
• Less friction = harder to control opponents – You can’t just hold onto a sleeve or lapel, making positional control more challenging.
• Limited submission variety – You lose access to gi chokes, making No-Gi submission options more reliant on joint locks and head-arm chokes.
Which One Should You Focus On?
If you want to be well-rounded, train both. The best grapplers can adapt to either style, pulling skills from both worlds.
• For self-defense? Gi has more realistic grips, but No-Gi is important for real-world speed and athleticism.
• For MMA? No-Gi is the obvious choice, with wrestling and leg locks playing a big role.
• For sport Jiu-Jitsu? If you want to compete in IBJJF tournaments, you need the gi. If you prefer submission-only formats like ADCC, No-Gi is the way to go.
Final Thought: Train Both, Master One
If you’re serious about Jiu-Jitsu, don’t limit yourself to just one style. Mastering both Gi and No-Gi will make you a more complete grappler, giving you an edge no matter where you roll.
So, which one are you training today?
