In a bold series of social media posts, Chris Wojcik, a standout grappler from the B-Team who placed 4th at the last edition of ADCC, reignited an age-old debate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Does gi training actually make you better at no-gi? His answer is a confident yes.

“The best way to develop a strong open guard in no-gi,” Wojcik wrote, “is to train in the gi.”

According to him, the gi adds layers of complexity—grips, friction, slower tempo—which force practitioners to build tighter technique and stronger fundamentals. He argues that these challenges create a technical base that directly benefits guard retention, sweeps, and even passing in no-gi.

Real-World Proof: The Best All Trained in the Gi

Wojcik isn’t alone in this view. He pointed out that some of the best guard players in modern no-gi—Mikey Musumeci, Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira, and Levi Jones-Leary—all built their games through years of gi training. Even Lachlan Giles, known for his no-gi leg lock mastery, spent much of his early development training and competing in the gi.

Another example mentioned in the discussion is Sam McNally, who made waves after beating Gary Tonon. His game is built on a guard that’s nearly impossible to pass—one that he attributes in part to gi training.

But this isn’t just about today’s stars.

Look back at the legends:

• Roger Gracie, considered by many the most technical grappler ever, dominated both gi and no-gi—winning 10-time IBJJF World titles and ADCC gold.

• Marcelo Garcia, another all-time great, was known for his butterfly guard, x-guard, and back takes in both formats.

• Xande Ribeiro, also a dual threat, holds world titles in gi and won ADCC multiple times.

Even Gordon Ryan, widely regarded as the greatest no-gi grappler of all time, trained and competed in the gi until brown belt. He developed the base of his positional and guard work through gi jiu-jitsu before specializing exclusively in no-gi.

Why the Gi Works as a Training Tool

Wojcik made an interesting point: passing the guard is actually more fun in the gi. That’s because the guard becomes more difficult to pass—your opponent has more weapons to slow you down or trap you. This forces the passer to use better posture, angles, and pressure. In short, the gi demands more precise movement, which often translates to better efficiency and control in no-gi.

Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter and BJJ black belt, added another angle. While acknowledging that MMA fighters don’t wear gis in the cage, he emphasized the mental and technical benefits of gi training. It allows for more measured, controlled rolls and the opportunity to train with better partners without relying on speed or athleticism. Sonnen compared gi training to strength and conditioning—it may not directly simulate a fight, but it sharpens the tools needed to perform better.

But What About the Critics?

Gordon Ryan has publicly said that the gi is on its way out, predicting that top-level grappling will continue to shift toward no-gi. He sees it as a more dynamic, fast-paced game better suited for modern athletes and MMA crossover.

Others, like Kit Dale, have taken it further—saying he’d be happy to see gi jiu-jitsu disappear entirely.

The Balanced View

It’s easy to see both sides. No-gi is faster, more explosive, and becoming more dominant in mainstream grappling. But gi training slows things down and forces you to develop a different level of control, grip strategy, and problem-solving under pressure.

That’s why so many world-class no-gi athletes—past and present—used the gi to build their foundation.

The Gi is a Sharpener

You don’t have to train in the gi forever—but doing so periodically can expose holes in your game, refine your technique, and give you a deeper understanding of positions that translate to no-gi. Whether you’re a white belt or aiming for ADCC gold, spending some time in the gi could be one of the smartest moves you make in your jiu-jitsu journey.

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