When a legend like Roger Gracie speaks, the grappling world listens – and this time, the 10-time world champion and ADCC gold medalist recently offered his take on the debate between gi and no-gi training.
His stance is clear:
Gi is a lot more technical. No-gi is a young man’s game. It’s a faster game and you use more energy, more power. If you’re young and strong and fast, it adds a lot to your game naturally.
The absence of grips in no-gi dramatically alters how athletes can maintain control, turning matches into a test of speed and explosiveness rather than positional dominance:
In no-gi, it’s so much harder to control someone because you don’t have a grip.
The person is always loose in front of you so his explosion and his power will get him away from a lot of situations.
By contrast, the gi – often seen as the more traditional form of Jiu-Jitsu – demands a different level of technical precision and positional understanding:
With the gi, that doesn’t happen because you hold in the gi, so he doesn’t have the mobility.
He cannot explode out of situations, he cannot just pull himself out.
That grip will hold him where he is.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
