In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, ranks and progression are often recognized across both the gi and in some schools, no-gi disciplines, but the transfer and recognition can depend on the school and its affiliation. Here are some key points:
- Same Belt Ranking: Typically, your belt rank in BJJ is universal, meaning it applies to both gi and no-gi training. If you are promoted to a blue belt in no-gi, for example, you generally carry that rank when you train in the gi.
- Technical Differences: Although the ranking is generally transferable, the techniques and strategies can differ significantly between gi and no-gi. The gi allows for a variety of grips and techniques that are not available in no-gi, which tends to be faster paced and relies more on clinching and underhooks. Therefore, a practitioner might excel in one format more than the other.
- Instructor’s Discretion: Some instructors might require you to demonstrate proficiency in both styles to advance in belt ranks, especially at higher levels. This means that while your rank transfers, you might need additional training to adapt to the specific challenges and opportunities of gi or no-gi.
- School Policies: Different schools and affiliations may have specific policies regarding belt promotion and the recognition of no-gi ranks in gi classes, and vice versa. It’s important to understand these policies at your specific training center.
- Competition Standards: In BJJ competitions, athletes compete according to their belt level regardless of whether they primarily train in gi or no-gi. However, the rules and allowed techniques can vary significantly between these formats.
In essence, while the rank itself is generally transferable between gi and no-gi, the application of skills and certain school-specific policies may influence how effectively that rank is recognized or utilized in different training contexts. It’s always a good idea to discuss this with your instructor to understand how your training and rank translate across different styles of BJJ.
Does no gi rank transfer to gi? Brent Littell recently talked a bit about what it’s like to have black belts in both prominent systems and how it is that he switched back and forth:
” I think, first of all, so I actually started jiu-jitsu in the house with Carlson Gracie team and I got up to blue belt with a couple stripes on it and that’s when 2003 happened and Eddie shocked the world and and beat Royler and Gustavo Dantas which is a match that lost it’s way in history btw – no video of it. And I decided ok this nogi thing is revelation of the future “
Littell added:
“After getting my black belt I felt there was a little bit missing… I had the unfinished business aspect than I had the curiosity aspect and it was something fun and new.”
“Okay I’ve done a lot of nogi now and here’s another aspect to the sport I can go explore – went out and I had to move due to work so I moved down here to Orange County.”
“And just said okay this is my time I’m going to go ahead and give it a shot and I kind of fell in love with the gi.”
Does no gi rank transfer to gi? Littell thinks not:
Another 10th planet black belt is Denny Prokopos who was the very first Jiu Jitsu black belt graduated by Eddie Bravo, and the first black belt from Bravo’s 10th Planet system. Denny is also one of the most talented Nogi Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the United States having won several important tournaments such as the World Nogi Championship (brown belt) and the FILA World Grappling tournament.
Although his grappling titles and experience are respected, Denny has been criticized by some parts of the BJJ community when he trained with Caio Terra and Jean Jacques Machado wearing the black belt with his Gi.
Here is what Denny has to say about the subject. Check out the video and give us your thoughts in the comments:
