Walk into any BJJ academy and you'll see two types of training: people in gis, and people in rash guards and shorts. Gi vs no-gi is one of the first choices a new grappler faces, and it shapes the techniques you'll learn, the grips you'll use, and the gear you'll buy. Here's an honest breakdown of both styles to help you decide where to start.
What Is Gi BJJ?
Gi training is the traditional form of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, practiced in the kimono — the heavy jacket, pants, and belt. The gi itself becomes part of the game: you grip sleeves, collars, lapels, and pant legs to control, sweep, and submit your opponent. Gi jiu-jitsu tends to be more methodical, with a huge emphasis on grips, posture, and technique over speed.
Most academies teach gi as the foundation, and the biggest tournaments in the sport — including the IBJJF Worlds — are gi competitions.
What Is No-Gi BJJ?
No-gi drops the kimono. You train in a rash guard and shorts (spats/leggings are common too), and without fabric to grab, the game changes completely. Control comes from underhooks, overhooks, head position, and wrist control instead of cloth grips.
No-gi is generally faster and more scrambly — slippery with sweat, with fewer places to stall. It's the style you see in submission-only events and MMA grappling, and it's been growing fast for years.
Gi vs No-Gi: Key Differences
| Gi | No-Gi | |
|---|---|---|
| Grips | Cloth grips: collar, sleeve, lapel, pants | Body grips: wrists, neck, underhooks |
| Pace | Slower, more methodical | Faster, more scrambles |
| Submissions | Gi chokes (cross collar, loop choke, baseball choke) | No cloth chokes; more leg locks in modern meta |
| Gear needed | Gi, belt (rash guard optional underneath) | Rash guard, shorts or spats |
| Laundry | Heavy gi to wash and hang dry | Light kit, washes easily |
| Cost to start | Higher (a good gi is the main expense) | Lower |
Pros and Cons of Each
Gi pros: Builds precise technique and grip strength; the most widely available classes; the traditional competition circuit. Gi cons: More expensive to start; slower game isn't for everyone; gi maintenance (washing, shrinkage — see our gi size chart and care tips).
No-gi pros: Faster, athletic game; cheaper and easier gear to maintain; directly applicable to MMA and self-defense without clothing grips. No-gi cons: Harder on the body at first (more scrambles, more sweat-slip escapes to chase); fewer traditional tournaments; some find it less technical early on.
Which Should You Train First?
The honest answer: try both, then follow what your gym offers and what you enjoy. That said, most coaches recommend starting with gi because the grips slow the game down, giving beginners time to think and learn proper technique. The fundamentals you build in the gi — posture, base, escapes — transfer directly to no-gi.
But if your academy runs strong no-gi classes, or you're training BJJ specifically for MMA, starting no-gi is completely valid. Plenty of elite grapplers today are no-gi specialists who barely touch the kimono.
Long-term, training both makes you a more complete grappler. The gi sharpens your technique; no-gi sharpens your athleticism and scrambling.
What Gear Do You Need?
For gi: one or two gis and the belt of your rank. A rash guard underneath is optional but recommended for hygiene. Start with our BJJ gi size chart to nail your fit, then browse BJJ gis — premium pearl weave kimonos at $99.
For no-gi: a fitted rash guard (short or long sleeve) and grappling shorts or spats. Explore the no-gi collection and rash guards to get kitted out.
Gi vs No-Gi FAQ
Is gi or no-gi better for beginners?
Most coaches suggest gi first — the slower pace and grips help beginners learn technique. But starting no-gi is fine if that's what your gym focuses on.
Is no-gi harder than gi?
It's faster and more physically demanding, with less to hold onto. Many find gi more technical and no-gi more athletic, especially early on.
Can I train both gi and no-gi?
Absolutely — and you should. They complement each other, and most academies offer both.
What do I wear under a gi?
Men typically wear a rash guard or go without an undershirt; women are generally required to wear a rash guard or shirt underneath. Check your gym's policy.