Gi vs No-Gi BJJ: What's the Difference and Which Should You Train?
A clear breakdown of the two main formats of BJJ training — and our recommendation for where to start.
One of the first questions new students ask about BJJ is: "What's the difference between Gi and No-Gi training?" It's a great question — and the answer reveals something important about the depth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art.
What Is Gi BJJ?
Gi training (also called "traditional BJJ") is done wearing a kimono — the heavy cotton uniform consisting of a jacket and pants secured with a colored belt. The Gi is more than just a uniform: it's a training tool. The collar, lapels, and sleeves can all be gripped and used to control, choke, or sweep an opponent.
Gi training tends to be slower, more technical, and more positionally focused. Because there's so much to grip, there's a wider variety of techniques available — particularly collar chokes and lapel guards that simply don't exist in No-Gi.
What Is No-Gi BJJ?
No-Gi training is done in shorts and a rash guard (or compression gear), with no uniform to grip. This changes the game significantly. Without collar and sleeve grips, the game becomes more dynamic, faster, and more focused on underhooks, body locks, and leg entanglements.
No-Gi training is the format used in MMA and submission grappling competitions (ADCC, EBI, etc.). It tends to be more athletic and explosive, and is often preferred by wrestlers transitioning into BJJ.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Gi BJJ | No-Gi BJJ |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform | Kimono (jacket + pants) | Shorts + rash guard |
| Grip types | Collar, lapel, sleeve, pants | Body, wrist, neck |
| Pace | Technical, methodical | Fast, explosive |
| Best for | Fundamentals, technique depth | MMA prep, wrestling cross-training |
| Competition format | IBJJF, GB tournaments | ADCC, EBI, Submission Wrestling |
Which Should You Start With?
Our recommendation at Gracie Barra Davenport: start with Gi.
Gi training builds the technical foundation that makes you better at No-Gi as well. The slower pace, wider variety of grips, and positional emphasis of Gi training develops the body awareness and fundamental movement patterns that accelerate development in both formats.
Most experienced BJJ practitioners train both regularly. At GB Davenport, we offer both Gi and No-Gi classes as part of our adult program — so once you're comfortable, you can start adding both to your schedule.
Bottom Line
There's no wrong answer. Both formats make you better at BJJ. The most important thing is to pick one, show up consistently, and start building your game. The nuances of each format will reveal themselves naturally over time.