Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has exploded in popularity, and one of the first questions new students ask is whether they should train BJJ with gi or No-Gi. Both styles help you develop real skill, build confidence, and improve fitness, but the training experience feels very different. Understanding how each style works will help you start your journey with clarity and confidence.
This BJJ with Gi vs No-Gi guide explains everything beginners should know, including key differences, who benefits the most, how techniques change, what to expect in your first class, how often to train, and why many students end up training both.
What Makes No-Gi BJJ Different From Gi BJJ?
The main difference comes from the clothing. BJJ With Gi vs No-Gi shows how gear affects training. BJJ with gi uses a traditional kimono that allows you to grab sleeves, collars, and pants for control. No-Gi uses rash guards and shorts, which removes fabric grips completely.
These changes affect every part of training:
- Overall pace
- Submission options
- How you control your partner
- The type of guard you play
- How you defend sweeps and passes
No-Gi feels faster and more slippery, while BJJ with gi is slower and more focused on grip fighting and strategy.
What Is the Difference Between Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
Here are the most important differences for beginners:
1. Grips
- Gi: You can grab collars, sleeves, pants, and belts.
- No-Gi: You rely on underhooks, wrist ties, head control, and body locks.
2. Pace
- Gi: More technical and controlled.
- No-Gi: Fast, athletic, and scramble heavy.
3. Techniques
- Gi: Collar chokes, lapel guards, spider guard.
- No-Gi: Leg locks, guillotines, front headlock attacks, body lock passing.
4. Clothing
- Gi: Jacket and pants.
- No-Gi: Rash guard and grappling shorts.
5. Realistic Scenarios
- Gi: Similar to defending against someone wearing clothing.
- No-Gi: Similar to MMA or slippery real-world grappling.
Gi vs No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gi BJJ | No-Gi BJJ |
| Grips | Collar and sleeve control | Body locks, underhooks, wrist ties |
| Speed | Slower and strategic | Fast and explosive |
| Techniques | Collar chokes, spider guard | Leg locks, guillotines, Darce |
| Best For | Technical learners | Athletes, MMA-focused |
| Clothing | Gi uniform | Rash guard, shorts |
Who Benefits Most from No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
No-Gi is great for:
- Wrestlers who want to expand their ground game
- MMA students preparing for competition
- Athletes who enjoy fast movement
- Students interested in modern leg lock systems
- People who prefer higher cardio and intensity
No-Gi rewards quick reactions, speed, and coordination.
When Should You Start No-Gi BJJ?
You can start No-Gi at any time, even on day one.
Some coaches recommend training BJJ with gi for a few months first, because the slower pace and stronger structure help beginners:
- Understand positions
- Build balance
- Learn frames
- Develop better defense
But if your school offers No-Gi basics, starting directly in No-Gi is perfectly fine.
Where Can You Learn No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Near You?
Most USA academies offer:
- No-Gi basics
- Advanced No-Gi sessions
- Hybrid schedules
- MMA grappling classes
Search for:
- No-Gi Jiu Jitsu near me
- No-Gi BJJ classes
- Grappling gyms near me
Look for a clean facility, qualified instructors, strong reviews, and beginner-friendly programs.
Why Do Some Students Choose Gi, Others Choose No-Gi?
Students choose each style based on personal goals:
Why Students Choose Gi
- They want deep technical development.
- Grip fighting helps slow the pace.
- Gi builds strong fundamentals.
- It supports traditional martial art values.
- Many beginners find BJJ with gi easier for positional control.
Why Students Choose No-Gi
- Faster pace and athletic movement.
- Ideal for MMA and wrestling cross-training.
- Modern submission styles like leg locks.
- Realistic for real-world grappling scenarios.
- Popular among competition athletes.
How Are Techniques Different in No-Gi vs Gi?
Gi Techniques
Gi-based techniques depend on fabric:
- Cross collar choke
- Loop choke
- Bow and arrow choke
- Spider guard
- Lasso guard
- Lapel guards
These systems are unique to BJJ with gi and offer endless depth.
No-Gi Techniques
No-Gi techniques focus on body connection:
- Guillotine choke
- Kimura trap systems
- Heel hooks and leg entanglements
- Darce and Anaconda choke
- Body lock passing
- Wrestling-style scrambles
In No-Gi you must rely on pressure, angles, and timing instead of clothing control.
How Often Should You Train No-Gi?
Here’s a simple guideline:
Beginners
2 to 3 sessions per week
This builds comfort and technique without overwhelming you.
Intermediate students
3 to 4 sessions per week
Competitors
5 to 6 sessions per week plus conditioning
Many competitive athletes mix No-Gi with BJJ with gi for a more complete skill set.
What Can You Expect From Your First No-Gi Class?
Your first No-Gi class will be high-energy, friendly, and focused on basics. You can expect:
- A warm-up with shrimps, sprawls, and movement drills
- Learning grips like underhooks and head control
- A technique lesson such as guillotine, half guard, or back control
- Drilling takedowns from wrestling
- Light rolling depending on your comfort level
Wear a rash guard, shorts without pockets, bring water, and be ready to sweat. No-Gi classes move quickly, but beginners are always welcomed with patience.
Benefits of Training in Gi BJJ
Training BJJ with gi offers major long-term benefits:
- Builds strong fundamentals and positional awareness
- Slows the pace, making it easier for beginners to learn
- Improves grip strength
- Helps sharpen technique and timing
- Encourages strategy and problem solving
- Supports traditional ranking and progression
- Enhances defensive skills due to friction and grips
Many instructors believe that BJJ with gi builds the most complete foundation.
Benefits of Training in No-Gi BJJ
No-Gi training also provides powerful advantages:
- Improves cardio and conditioning
- Builds fast reflexes and reaction time
- Enhances wrestling ability
- Helps with MMA preparation
- Strengthens body lock passing and leg lock systems
- Matches real-world grappling more closely
- Creates explosive movement and athleticism
No-Gi is the style shaping modern competition around the world.
BJJ as a Martial Art and Lifestyle
Whether you train BJJ with gi, No-Gi, or both, the lifestyle changes are real. Students gain:
- Better fitness
- Confidence
- Mental toughness
- Stress relief
- Discipline
- Problem-solving skills
- A supportive community
BJJ becomes more than a sport. It becomes a long-term path for growth and development.
Final Thoughts
The truth is simple. Both styles are valuable. Choose BJJ with gi if you want strong fundamentals, technique, and structure. Choose No-Gi if you enjoy speed, athletic movement, and modern submissions. If possible, train both. This creates the most complete version of your grappling game.
En ShapesFightwear, we believe every practitioner should find the style that keeps them excited to show up, learn, and grow. The right gear and mindset make all the difference in your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.
FAQ’s
1. What is the main difference between BJJ with gi and No-Gi?
BJJ with gi uses a kimono for grips, slowing the pace and focusing on technique. No-Gi removes fabric, making training faster and more athletic.
2. Can beginners start with No-Gi BJJ?
Yes, but many instructors recommend starting with BJJ with gi to build foundational skills like guard retention, positional control, and defense.
3. Which style is better for MMA or self-defense?
No-Gi is closer to MMA and real-world scenarios because it emphasizes body control, speed, and leg locks. BJJ with gi builds strong fundamentals and grip control.
4. How often should I train No-Gi BJJ?
Beginners: 2–3 times per week. Intermediate: 3–4 times. Competitors: 5–6 times weekly, ideally alternating with BJJ with gi.
5. What should I wear for my first No-Gi class?
Wear a rash guard and grappling shorts without pockets. Bring water and be ready for fast-paced, sweaty training.