Gi vs No Gi: Which BJJ Style is Better For You?

Gi vs no gi is one of the first big questions every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) student faces. If you’ve stepped onto the mats for your first BJJ class, you’ve probably noticed something right away: some people are wearing thick, traditional uniforms (the gi), while others are in sleek athletic gear (no-gi). This isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a fundamental split in how BJJ is practiced, taught, and even competed.

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But which style is right for you? Should you invest in a gi and dive into the world of grips and lapel chokes, or go no-gi and focus on speed, athleticism, and body control? The answer depends on your goals, interests, and even your personality. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—so you can make an informed, confident decision.

If you’re eager to expand your knowledge and make the most of your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, don’t miss our collection of helpful articles designed to guide you at every stage:

Discover what it truly means to be a BJJ brown belt and the dedication behind this important milestone in What Does It Mean to Be a BJJ Brown Belt?
If you’re considering upgrading your gear, our deep dive into whether premium rash guards are worth it will help you make an informed decision: Are Expensive BJJ Rash Guards Worth It?
For those searching for the perfect fit, explore our practical advice in 7 Powerful Secrets for Perfect BJJ Gi Sizing and our comprehensive guide to choosing your first BJJ gi.
Interested in connecting with the local BJJ scene or training while traveling? Read our feature on Jiu Jitsu Rockhampton to learn more about the community and opportunities available.

These resources are tailored to support your growth, gear choices, and connection with the wider BJJ family.

What Is Gi vs No-Gi BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. Its roots trace back to judo and traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu, but BJJ has evolved into a unique discipline with its own techniques, strategies, and culture.

Gi BJJ is practiced in a thick, reinforced cotton uniform called a gi (or kimono). The gi consists of a jacket, pants, and a colored belt that indicates your rank. The uniform is more than just attire—it’s a tool. You can grip your opponent’s sleeves, collar, pants, and belt to control, sweep, and submit them.

No-gi BJJ, on the other hand, is practiced in athletic wear—typically a rash guard, shorts, and sometimes spats (leggings). There’s no clothing to grab, so all grips are on the body itself. This changes the pace and style of grappling, making it more reliant on underhooks, overhooks, clinches, and speed.

For a visual introduction, check out this explainer video on gi vs no-gi BJJ.

Key Differences: Gi vs No-Gi

Let’s break down the main contrasts between these two styles:

Feature	Gi BJJ	No-Gi BJJ
Uniform	Heavy cotton gi (jacket, pants, belt)	Rash guard, shorts, spats
Grips	Clothing-based (sleeves, collars, pants)	Body-based (wrists, neck, limbs)
Pace	Slower, more methodical	Faster, more dynamic
Techniques	Collar chokes, lapel controls, sleeve grips	Arm drags, leg locks, body locks
Competition	IBJJF, traditional BJJ tournaments	ADCC, submission grappling events
Tradition	Strong emphasis on etiquette, ranking	More modern, less formal
Friction	High (gi material slows movement)	Low (slicker, more scrambles)

Gi BJJ tends to be more technical and methodical, while no-gi BJJ is often described as faster, more athletic, and closer to wrestling in feel.

For a deeper dive, check out BJJ Fanatics’ article on gi vs no-gi.

Benefits of Gi Training

Why do so many BJJ practitioners swear by the gi? Here are some of the biggest advantages:

1. Technical Precision

The gi slows the game down, allowing you to focus on the tiny details of technique. You’ll learn how to use grips for leverage, break down posture, and control your opponent with precision.

2. Expanded Submission Arsenal

The gi opens up a world of submissions—collar chokes, lapel wraps, Ezekiel chokes, and more. Some of these techniques simply aren’t possible in no-gi.

3. Stronger Defense

Because your opponent can grip your clothing, you’ll develop better defensive skills. Escaping from gi grips is challenging and will make your overall game tighter.

4. Tradition and Culture

Training in the gi connects you to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Many practitioners appreciate the sense of tradition, discipline, and respect that comes with gi classes.

5. Transferable Skills

Mastering the gi can make you more technical in no-gi. If you can escape and submit when someone’s grabbing your clothes, you’ll be even more effective when they can’t.

Want to see how gi training can sharpen your technique? Visit Evolve MMA’s guide to gi BJJ.

Benefits of No-Gi Training

No-gi isn’t just “gi without the gi.” It’s a distinct style with its own strengths:

1. Speed and Athleticism

No-gi matches are typically faster and more explosive. Without the friction of the gi, movement is slicker and scrambles are common.

2. Real-World Application

Most real-life scenarios (including MMA and self-defense) don’t involve heavy uniforms. No-gi techniques translate directly to situations where you can’t rely on clothing for control.

3. Modern Techniques

No-gi BJJ has driven many innovations in grappling, especially in areas like leg locks, heel hooks, and wrestling-based takedowns.

4. Less Restrictive

Some people simply find no-gi more comfortable. The lighter, sweat-wicking gear is ideal for hot climates or those who dislike heavy uniforms.

5. MMA Relevance

If you’re interested in mixed martial arts, no-gi is essential. Almost all MMA grappling is done without a gi.

For more on no-gi’s benefits, check out Jiu-Jitsu Times’ breakdown of no-gi BJJ.

Which Is Better for Beginners?

This is a classic debate in the BJJ community. Here’s a balanced look:

Starting with Gi

Pros: Builds a strong technical foundation, teaches patience, and exposes you to a wider variety of submissions.
Cons: The pace can feel slow, and the grips can be confusing at first.

Starting with No-Gi

Pros: Easier to pick up for athletes with a wrestling background, more applicable to self-defense and MMA, and often feels more “natural.”
Cons: The speed and slipperiness can be overwhelming, and you might miss out on some technical details.

The Hybrid Approach

Many gyms offer both gi and no-gi classes. Trying both is a great way to discover what you enjoy most. You’ll also become a more versatile grappler.

For a beginner’s perspective, read this guide on starting BJJ in gi vs no-gi.

Gi vs No-Gi for Self-Defense

When it comes to real-world self-defense, both styles have their strengths:

Gi BJJ for Self-Defense

Clothing Control: Most people wear some kind of jacket, hoodie, or long sleeves in daily life. Gi training teaches you how to use your opponent’s clothing to control and subdue them.
Grip Fighting: Learning to break and use grips is valuable if someone grabs you or your clothing.

No-Gi BJJ for Self-Defense

Realistic Scenarios: In many street situations, you won’t have much to grab. No-gi teaches you to control an opponent using body locks, underhooks, and clinches.
Faster Pace: Street encounters are chaotic and fast—no-gi training prepares you for this kind of unpredictability.

The Best Self-Defense Approach

The ideal self-defense training includes both gi and no-gi elements. You’ll be prepared for any situation, whether your opponent is in a winter coat or a t-shirt.

For more, see BJJ Fanatics’ take on self-defense in gi vs no-gi.

Gi vs No-Gi for MMA

If you’re considering a future in mixed martial arts, your choice is clear:

No-Gi is Essential: MMA fights are conducted without a gi, so no-gi training is directly applicable.
Wrestling Integration: No-gi BJJ incorporates more wrestling, which is crucial for MMA.
Grip Differences: Many gi-based techniques don’t translate to MMA, where there’s nothing to grab.

That said, gi training can still improve your overall grappling, especially your technical precision and grip strength. But if you’re focused on MMA, prioritize no-gi.

Hear what top MMA coach Firas Zahabi recommends in this interview.

Competition: Gi vs No-Gi

BJJ competitions are split into two main categories: gi and no-gi.

Gi Competitions

Rules: Matches are fought in the gi, with points awarded for positional control, sweeps, and submissions. Grips on the uniform are allowed and often central to strategy.
Organizations: The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is the most prominent organizer of gi tournaments.
Style: Matches are often slower, with a focus on grip fighting and tactical play.

No-Gi Competitions

Rules: No-gi tournaments typically follow similar scoring but without clothing grips. The pace is faster, and leg locks are more common.
Organizations: The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is the gold standard for no-gi competition.
Style: Expect more scrambles, submissions, and dynamic movement.

Competing in Both

Many top athletes compete in both styles to test themselves and round out their skills. Each format offers unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

For a list of upcoming BJJ competitions, visit Smoothcomp or IBJJF’s official site.

Training Both Styles: The Hybrid Approach

Some of the world’s best grapplers train and compete in both gi and no-gi. Here’s why you might want to do the same:

Versatility: You’ll be ready for any opponent, rule set, or real-life scenario.
Skill Transfer: Many skills—like guard retention, escapes, and submissions—transfer between styles, even if the grips differ.
Increased Training Opportunities: More classes, more mat time, more improvement.

Potential Challenges

Time Commitment: Training both styles can be time-consuming.
Gear Investment: You’ll need to invest in both gi and no-gi apparel.

Still, if you love grappling and want to maximize your growth, training both is a rewarding path.

How to Choose the Right Style for You

Here are some questions to help guide your decision:

What are your goals? (Self-defense, competition, MMA, fitness, tradition)
What’s available at your gym? (Some gyms specialize in one style)
Do you prefer a slower, more technical game or a fast, athletic one?
Are you drawn to tradition and martial arts culture, or do you want a modern, sport-focused experience?
Do you plan to compete, and if so, in which format?

Try Both!

The best way to decide is to try both gi and no-gi classes. Most gyms offer trial sessions—take advantage and see which style excites you. You might be surprised by what you enjoy most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is gi or no-gi BJJ harder?
A: Both are challenging in their own way. Gi is more technical and grip-based; no-gi is faster and more athletic.

Q: Can I get promoted in no-gi BJJ?
A: Yes! Many gyms award belts based on no-gi progress, though some traditional schools require gi training for promotion.

Q: Which style burns more calories?
A: No-gi is generally faster-paced and may burn more calories per session, but both are excellent workouts.

Q: Do I need to buy a gi to start BJJ?
A: Not necessarily. Many gyms offer no-gi classes where you can start with just a rash guard and shorts.

Q: Are the rules different in gi and no-gi competitions?
A: Yes. Gi competitions allow clothing grips and certain submissions, while no-gi often permits more leg locks and has different grip rules.

Final Thoughts

Gi vs no-gi BJJ isn’t a battle—it’s a spectrum. Both styles offer unique benefits, challenges, and joys. Whether you’re drawn to the tradition and technical depth of the gi or the speed and modern flair of no-gi, you’re joining a community that values growth, resilience, and respect.

The most important thing? Get on the mat. Try both. Keep an open mind. Your BJJ journey is yours to shape—enjoy every step, every roll, and every breakthrough.