Kron Gracie has recently stirred up controversy in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community by taking aim at practitioners who refuse to train in the traditional gi. As a member of the legendary Gracie family, Kron’s voice carries weight, and his criticism of no-gi-only practitioners has reignited debates about the value of gi training. Gracie took to social media, making provocative remarks about those who solely focus on no-gi, stating, “Guys who only train no-gi, are the same guys that would get drunk, make out with their buddy, and claim they aren’t gay. And probably wear a cross-body fanny pack.” This bold statement reflects his frustration with the increasing popularity of no-gi BJJ over the more traditional gi format.

Kron Gracie is far from being limited to just gi training. As a former ADCC world champion and a seasoned MMA fighter with experience in prestigious organizations like Rizin and the UFC, his skill set in no-gi grappling is well-established. Gracie has extensively trained and competed in no-gi formats, proving his versatility across both grappling and mixed martial arts. Despite his broad experience, Kron’s roots remain firmly grounded in gi jiu-jitsu, which has shaped his foundational approach to the sport. His emphasis on the gi reflects his belief in its importance for developing a complete BJJ skill set, even as he excels in no-gi and MMA competitions.

The rise of no-gi BJJ has been swift and undeniable in recent years, capturing the attention of both athletes and spectators. Gordon Ryan, one of the most dominant figures in no-gi, has predicted a future where gi competitions might phase out at the highest levels. “I think we’re going to see a gradual phasing out of the Gi,” he said, emphasizing the dynamic and physically intense nature of no-gi grappling. Ryan, like many no-gi enthusiasts, believes this faster-paced style offers a more exciting and competitive edge, which has contributed to its growing appeal.

Despite this shift, many BJJ practitioners still see the value in gi training. Craig Jones, a celebrated no-gi competitor, admits that while the gi may not be necessary, it teaches important skills that can improve overall technique. He highlighted the benefits of certain gi-specific techniques, such as the spider and lasso guards, which help develop hip mobility and guard retention. Similarly, Keenan Cornelius, known for his innovative work in gi jiu-jitsu, humorously described no-gi as “a simplified version of gi for people with less brain power” but acknowledged its rising popularity.

Eddie Bravo, a pioneer of no-gi jiu-jitsu, holds a more polarized view on the matter. While he admits he gets “bored watching gi stuff,” he still respects the discipline, acknowledging that no-gi’s fast pace makes it more engaging for spectators. This spectator appeal is one of the key reasons no-gi has gained so much traction in recent years.

Despite the growing momentum behind no-gi, many practitioners are committed to preserving the tradition of gi jiu-jitsu. Mica Galvao, a young rising star in both gi and no-gi competitions, sees a future where both styles coexist. Galvao believes that while no-gi is more accessible to newcomers, the gi will always hold cultural and traditional significance in the sport. Felipe Pena, another prominent voice in the debate, suggests that organizations like the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) have a role to play in maintaining the prominence of gi competitions. By offering higher financial rewards for gi athletes, he argues, the IBJJF could help keep gi jiu-jitsu competitive in the face of no-gi’s growing popularity.

As the BJJ community debates the future of gi versus no-gi training, it’s clear the sport is in a period of transition. No-gi, with its fast pace and appeal to a broader audience, has gained momentum, but the traditional gi format continues to offer unique challenges and skills that many practitioners value. Kron Gracie’s outspoken comments have ensured that the conversation remains at the forefront of the sport’s evolution. Whether the gi will fade into the background, as Gordon Ryan predicts, or maintain its standing through efforts by organizations like the IBJJF, is still uncertain. For now, the sport seems poised to evolve with room for both styles to thrive.