Gi and No Gi are the 2 forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi Jiu Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash guard. In no gi you cannot grab your opponent’s clothing.

Most grapplers train mostly in one style and by doing so, limit themselves to just one style’s benefits instead of both.

To be a complete grappler, you should train in both. Marcelo Garcia is a good example of a BJJ player that is world class in both. He only started No Gi at brown belt, having built a strong base in Gi Jiu-Jitsu first. Usually if you start training in majority without the Gi, then you will have a much harder time adapting to the Gi. The Gi in some ways is more complex with all the grips but No Gi has many other aspects which are not found in the Gi (for ex: more brabo chokes, guillotines, footlocks than in the Gi).

The main difference is in the wear. In Gi, you will of course wear a BJJ Gi. In No Gi, you typically wear shorts and a T-shirt or rash guard.

Tricks and Tips for Making the Transition from Gi to No Gi

However over the years, the regular no gi training wear has vastly evolved in style and function.

BJJ black belt Robin Geisler took a look as he remembers it from the early 90’s to today.

Turn your arms into pythons and learn how to squeeze necks like never before! These are the tricks that helped lead Lachlan Giles to being a 2x ADCC Trials champion and podium finisher at the IBJJF Worlds No Gi. Learn Lachlans systematic approach and catch the neck effortlessly in no gi. HIGH PERCENTAGE CHOKES: NO GI by BJJ Fanatics.