Every BJJ academy has one.

He’s the guy who shows up on Gi night reluctantly, eyeing those rows of neatly hung Gis like they’re a medieval torture device. When the instructor announces collar choke drills, he’s the one shaking his head, muttering under his breath, “If only I could just grab the neck, this would be over.”

This No Gi guy—let’s call him ‘No Gi Nate’—has plenty to say about why the Gi isn’t for him. He’ll tell you it’s slow, that it’s all grip fighting and tedious sleeve control, or that it has too many techniques that he’ll never use in a “real fight.” He’ll insist that No Gi is faster, more fun, and, of course, closer to MMA. If it were up to him, he’d toss the Gi in a storage box labeled “Tradition” and keep it there forever.

But where does this resistance come from?

For many, it’s about training philosophy. Some BJJ academies claim that grappling in the Gi is the best way to build fundamental skills. The grip control, precision, and patience needed to succeed in the Gi make you more technical and force you to refine your game. On the other hand, there are academies and practitioners who believe that training in the Gi only makes you better at fighting in a Gi. They argue that No Gi is more realistic, more practical for self-defense, and simply better suited for modern grappling and MMA.

Each side has valid points. Training in the Gi does make you disciplined about grips, control, and leverage—skills that transfer well to any form of grappling. No Gi, however, encourages speed, movement, and a more open, dynamic style that’s incredibly effective in both competition and MMA settings.

The truth? There’s no definitive “right” or “wrong” in the Gi vs. No Gi debate. Grappling is grappling. Each style has unique benefits and challenges, and each brings a flavor to the mat that’s worth exploring. So if you’re someone who loves the feel of the Gi and enjoys the strategy of collar chokes, go for it. And if No Gi’s faster pace and focus on wrestling appeals to you, stick with that.

Ultimately, what matters is your enjoyment, growth, and the community you build on the mats. Whether you’re a die-hard Gi grappler or a No Gi enthusiast, train in the way that makes you happiest and keeps you coming back for more.

Here’s a funny parody of the No Gi guy.

In order to pursue his dreams of fighting in the UFC, Jake decides it’s time he focus on no-gi training.

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