If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), you’ve probably heard the terms “Gi” and “No-Gi” thrown around and wondered what the difference is. While both styles fall under the umbrella of BJJ and share many foundational techniques, they feel quite different in practice—and each comes with its own unique set of strategies, grips, and pace.
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu:
1. The Uniform
- Gi BJJ: Practitioners wear a traditional kimono (called a gi), which includes a jacket, pants, and belt. A rash guard and shorts or sparts (leggings) is typically worn underneath.
- No-Gi BJJ: Instead of a gi, athletes wear rash guards, shorts, and sometimes spats—tight-fitting gear designed for mobility and comfort.
The presence or absence of the gi changes the way you move, grip, and control your opponent.
2. Grips and Control
- Gi BJJ: The fabric allows for a wide variety of grips—on the sleeves, collar, pants, and belt. These grips provide strong control and create a slower, more methodical pace.
- No-Gi BJJ: Without the gi to grab, athletes rely on underhooks, overhooks, wrist control, and body positioning. This often leads to faster transitions and more explosive scrambles.
3. Technique and Strategy
- Gi BJJ: Many advanced techniques are built around grip-based controls like the lasso guard, worm guard, and spider guard. Grip fighting and grip breaking are major components of the game.
- No-Gi BJJ: The game emphasizes speed, movement, and wrestling-based techniques like leg locks, arm drags, and body locks. There’s a stronger crossover with wrestling and submission grappling.
4. Rules and Competition
- Gi competitions (like IBJJF events) follow a specific point system and may restrict certain submissions based on belt level. Gis must have certain measurements and meet fitting requirments.
- No-Gi competitions (like ADCC events) often allow a wider variety of submissions—especially leg locks—and sometimes use different rule sets like submission-only formats.
5. Grip Strength vs Athleticism
- Gi BJJ often favors technical precision and grip strength. A well-placed grip can neutralize a much stronger opponent.
- No-Gi BJJ tends to highlight athleticism and speed. Without the grips to slow things down, agility and reaction time become more important.
6. Self-Defense and Real-World Application
- Gi BJJ: Some argue that training in a gi better simulates real-world clothing like jackets or coats, making the grips more applicable to street self-defense.
- No-Gi BJJ: Others prefer No-Gi for self-defense, noting that people don’t always wear thick clothing—and that learning to control someone without relying on fabric is more universally effective.
So, Which One Should You Train?
The best answer? Train both. Each style complements the other and develops a well-rounded grappler. Gi helps you develop patience, precision, and control. No-Gi sharpens your timing, athleticism, and scramble ability.
At, High Altitude Martial Arts, we offer both Gi and No-Gi classes to give students a complete Jiu Jitsu experience. Whether you’re looking to compete, improve your self-defense skills, or just get an incredible workout, there’s a place for you on the mat—jacket or not.
