Gi vs No-Gi: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
If you’re new to the world of grappling, you may have heard people talking about gi and no-gi jiu jitsu. What exactly are they? And what are the differences between the two? In this post, we’ll go over the basics of gi vs no-gi jiu jitsu and help you decide which one might be right for you.
What is Gi Jiu Jitsu?
Gi jiu jitsu, also known as traditional jiu jitsu or Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ), is a form of martial arts that involves grappling and submissions. The term “gi” refers to the uniform worn by Jiu Jitsu practitioners, which consists of a jacket and pants made of thick cotton material that is highly resistant to rips. The gi provides a lot of grip for both the person wearing it and their opponent, making it easier to perform certain techniques and control your opponent.
What is No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
No-gi jiu jitsu is similar to gi jiu jitsu, but without the uniform. Practitioners wear compression shorts and a rash guard, and there is no grip provided by the clothing. This makes it more difficult to perform certain techniques, but also opens up new possibilities for movement and strategy.
What Are the Differences Between Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?
Gripping: As mentioned above, the gi provides a lot of grip for both the person wearing it and their opponent. In no-gi jiu jitsu, there is no grip provided by the clothing, which means you have to rely more on body positioning and other techniques to control your opponent.
Movement: Without the gi, there is more freedom of movement and it can be easier to slip out of certain positions. However, this also means that it can be harder to maintain control over your opponent.
Submissions: Some submissions are more difficult to perform without the gi, while others become easier. For example, the gi provides more opportunities for chokes and collar grips, while no-gi jiu jitsu is better for leg locks and other types of submissions.
Strategy: Because of the differences in gripping and movement, the strategies used in gi and no-gi jiu jitsu can be quite different. For example, in gi jiu jitsu, it is common to focus on controlling your opponent’s gi and using collar grips to set up submissions. In no-gi jiu jitsu, you may need to focus more on body positioning and use underhooks and overhooks to control your opponent.
Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between gi and no-gi jiu jitsu is a personal one. Some people prefer the traditional feel of gi jiu jitsu, while others enjoy the freedom of movement in no-gi jiu jitsu. It’s also worth noting that many people train both gi and no-gi jiu jitsu, as they complement each other and can help you become a more well-rounded grappler.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend you to try both styles out and see which one you enjoy more. And if you’re already an experienced grappler, consider adding the other style to your training routine to challenge yourself and improve your skills as many of these techniques are easily transferable from one to the other.
In conclusion, gi and no-gi jiu jitsu are two styles of grappling that are similar but different to one another, each with their own unique advantages and challenges. The best one for you will depend on your personal preferences and goals. Give them both a try and see which one you enjoy more – or better yet, incorporate both into your training routine for a more well-rounded approach to jiu jitsu.
At Sydney Wrestling Academy, we provide both Gi & No Gi Jiu Jitsu training for both beginners and at a high level.
Book a trial today to see which style of BJJ works best for you!