Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a Popular martial art that focuses on using leverage and ground techniques to neutralize opponents.
Originally adapted from Judo, BJJ was traditionally practiced with the iconic “Gi,” or White kimono-style uniform.
Over time, BJJ evolved not only in its techniques but also in its training styles, giving rise to two main forms: Gi and No-Gi
Today, BJJ athletes train in both, But as a beginner, you might be asking yourself: Which one should I choose—Gi or No-Gi BJJ? It’s a common question for new BJJ enthusiasts eager to dive into training.
In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between Gi and No-Gi BJJ, discuss how each affects your learning process, and provide essential insights to help you choose the best style for your goals.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make an informed decision that fits your BJJ journey.
GI BJJ vs No Gi BJJ : Pros and Cons
As you might know, martial arts like Karate have multiple styles—Shotokan, Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Shito-ryu. Each style has its distinct techniques and stances.
Similarly, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has also developed two main styles, but surprisingly, they are not based on technique or stance. Instead, Gi BJJ and No-Gi BJJ are distinguished by the uniform worn during practice.
Let’s break down what each of these styles represents and what makes them unique.
Gi BJJ: Tradition Meets Technique
In Gi BJJ, practitioners wear a kimono-style uniform called the Gi, which includes a thick cotton jacket, pants, and a belt representing their rank. The Gi isn’t just a uniform; it plays a vital role in the technical aspects of Gi Jiu-Jitsu.
Players use the fabric to control, submit, and dominate their opponents, relying on grips to slow down the pace and apply leverage.
The history of Gi BJJ dates back to the early 1900s, when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Judo expert and student of Jigoro Kano, introduced Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil. He used the traditional white Gi as the standard training attire.
From the first BJJ school established by Carlos Gracie in 1931 to the late 1990s, BJJ was almost exclusively practiced in the Gi.
Today, competitions regulated by the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) still adhere to strict rules about Gi measurements, ensuring fairness during competition.
IBJJF Gi Guidelines:
- Gi must be made from cotton and available in white, royal blue, or black.
- The Gi jacket must reach the athlete’s thigh, and sleeves should be no more than 2 cm above the wrist when the arms are extended.
- Gi pants should match the jacket and must meet similar length requirements. In women’s divisions, elastic pants may be worn under the Gi.
- Male competitors are prohibited from wearing shirts under the Gi top, but it’s mandatory for women to wear a compression shirt beneath the Gi.
Pros of Gi BJJ:
- You can use your opponent’s collar, sleeves, and pants to your advantage, setting up techniques like lapel chokes, spider guards, and bow-and-arrow chokes.
- Gi BJJ is more tactical and slower-paced, making it ideal for practitioners who enjoy a more methodical approach to rolling.
- There’s an emphasis on precision and strategy, which can improve your technical foundation in BJJ.
Cons of Gi BJJ:
- Gi uniforms are expensive, and you may need more than one if you train frequently.
- Certain submissions, like heel hooks, are often illegal in Gi competitions, limiting the variety of techniques.
- Gi BJJ is slower and less explosive, which might not appeal to athletes who enjoy faster-paced grappling.
No-Gi BJJ: Speed and Athleticism
In No-Gi BJJ, there’s no traditional Gi. Instead, practitioners wear rash guards and shorts, which changes the dynamics of the game. Without the use of the Gi’s fabric, grips and submissions in No-Gi are more reliant on body control and wrestling-style takedowns, like single-leg and double-leg techniques.
Although No-Gi was initially frowned upon by traditionalists, its popularity exploded in 1998 with the creation of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) tournament. It was the first tournament where BJJ fighters were not required to wear GI.
Eddie Bravo, a BJJ black belt and founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, helped pioneer this style, bringing No-Gi techniques into the spotlight.
No-Gi competitions have their own set of rules, Competitors must wear tight-fitting rash guards and board shorts with no pockets or metal parts, ensuring that there’s no interference during matches.
Pros of No-Gi BJJ:
- No-Gi BJJ is faster and more explosive, making it great for those who prefer high-energy grappling.
- Submissions like leg locks, guillotines, and Darce chokes are more prominent since there are no Gi grips to rely on.
- Practicing No-Gi helps transition into MMA, as the absence of the Gi mimics real-life combat scenarios.
Cons of No-Gi BJJ:
- The lack of grips makes it harder to control opponents, which can be more challenging for beginners.
- No-Gi can be more physically demanding and might feel overwhelming for older practitioners or those who prefer slower-paced rolling.
You miss out on the unique fabric-based techniques of Gi BJJ, like worm guard or lapel chokes.
Which One is Better for Self-Defense or Street Fight?
When it comes to defending yourself in a street fight, both Gi and No-Gi BJJ bring different advantages to the table. Let’s dig deeper into which style might be more practical in real-life self-defense situations.
Gi BJJ for Self-Defense/Street Fights
- Using Clothing to Control: In most street fights, people wear something—whether it’s a jacket, hoodie, or even just a t-shirt. With Gi BJJ, you’re already trained to grab onto fabric. Those techniques, like collar chokes or grabbing their sleeves, can work just as well in a fight. Imagine being able to use your attacker’s jacket to choke them or stop their movement. It’s a huge plus if you find yourself in this type of scenario.
- Layered Clothing Advantage: In colder areas where people wear layers like coats or sweaters, the principles of Gi BJJ translate even more effectively. The extra layers give you more fabric to work with, which means more options to control your opponent or apply techniques like chokes or immobilizations.
- The Drawback: The issue with Gi in street fights comes down to clothing. If your opponent isn’t wearing anything you can grab onto or if their clothing tears, your go-to techniques might not work. Also, street fights are fast, and Gi-based techniques often rely on grips that slow things down. You don’t always have the luxury of time to strategize when everything’s happening in seconds.
No-Gi BJJ for Self-Defense/Street Fights
- More Realistic for Street Fights: No-Gi BJJ feels closer to what you’ll experience in a real fight. You learn how to control your opponent using their body instead of their clothes, relying on grips like under hooks, over hooks, and wrist control. Since most street fights don’t involve grabbing someone’s jacket, this is a skill set that directly translates to self-defense.
- Speed and Mobility: The fast pace of No-Gi mimics how a street fight usually unfolds. Without the fabric to slow things down, your movements will need to be quicker and more explosive. You’ll also learn how to escape and counter much faster, which prepares you for the unpredictable nature of a fight where every second counts.
- Wrestling Takedowns for Control: No-Gi BJJ incorporates a lot of wrestling-based takedowns like single-leg and double-leg, which are perfect for bringing someone to the ground without relying on their clothing. Takedowns like these give you a chance to quickly gain control and neutralize your attacker before things get out of hand.
Which One is Better for Self-Defense?
Both Gi and No-Gi have their strengths in a self-defense situation, but No-Gi BJJ tends to have a slight edge when it comes to real-world applications. Here’s why:
- No Relying on Clothing: No-Gi BJJ teaches you how to control your opponent without needing to grab onto their clothes, which is often more realistic in street fights. You’re not always going to have a collar or sleeve to work with.
- Relevance to MMA and Real Fights: No-Gi is the style you see in MMA, where fighters compete without grabbing onto each other’s clothing. This makes No-Gi BJJ more practical for handling unpredictable, clothing-free scenarios.
- Faster Reactions: Street fights can change in a heartbeat, and the fast-paced nature of No-Gi BJJ will better prepare you to adapt. You learn to react quickly and rely more on positioning and athleticism than strategic grips, which is exactly what you need in a chaotic situation.
That said, learning both Gi and No-Gi BJJ gives you the best of both worlds. Gi will sharpen your control and technique, while No-Gi will prepare you for the fast and messy reality of real-life confrontations.
GI vs No GI; Which One is Better for Beginners?
Now that you’ve seen the pros and cons of Gi and No-Gi BJJ, let’s talk about which style is better suited for beginners.
Gi BJJ for Beginners
If you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gi BJJ is often the recommended starting point. Why? First, the Gi slows down the action. You’ll have grips on your opponent’s collar, sleeves, and pant legs, which gives you more time to think and plan your next move.
For beginners, this slower pace is a game-changer.
It allows you to focus on technique and precision, not just athleticism or speed. You’ll also get access to a whole arsenal of Gi-specific techniques, like lapel chokes and spider guard—skills that are unique to Gi BJJ and help build a strong technical foundation early on.
No-Gi BJJ for Beginners
On the flip side, No-Gi BJJ offers a faster, more explosive experience. Beginners who come from an athletic or wrestling background often feel right at home here. Without the grips to slow things down, you’ll rely more on body control—using underhooks, overhooks, and wrist control to manage your opponent.
For those interested in MMA or faster-paced combat sports, starting with No-Gi BJJ can be a practical choice. You’ll develop skills that translate directly into real fights and competitions, like quick escapes, scrambles, and dynamic takedowns.
So, which one is best for beginners? Honestly, it’s not about picking one over the other. Both Gi and No-Gi BJJ have unique benefits, and many top practitioners train in both.
Take Gordon Ryan, for example. He started with Gi BJJ and later transitioned to dominate in No-Gi, becoming one of the best in the world.
For a balanced start, I’d recommend giving Gi BJJ a try first. It builds a strong technical foundation, and once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore No-Gi BJJ to round out your game.
That way, you won’t miss out on the broader spectrum of BJJ techniques, and you’ll be ready for whatever combat or competition comes your way.
Finally, there’s no definitive right or wrong answer for GI and No GI BJJ. Whether you start with Gi or No-Gi BJJ, both will push you to grow as a martial artist. Gi BJJ sharpens your technique and control, while No-Gi gives you the speed and adaptability for real-world applications.
The best way to figure out what works for you is to try both styles. As your skills evolve, you’ll find that mastering both makes you a more well-rounded BJJ practitioner. So, put on that Gi or grab a rash guard—your BJJ journey starts now!