GI vs No GI with coach Jason

BJJ Geelong: GI vs No GI Explained by Coach Jason

BJJ Geelong lifters and fighters often ask about GI vs No GI. Coach Jason breaks down both styles so you can pick the right one, or train both, at Carbon Gym.

BJJ Geelong GI vs No GI coach Jason at Carbon Gym

GI vs No GI for BJJ Geelong Beginners

GI grappling uses grips on the uniform, slows the pace, and rewards technique. No GI moves faster and sets up well for MMA. The BJJ Geelong scene trains both, often in the same week.

Learn more at IBJJF. Our BJJ program covers GI and No GI.

Start Rolling

New to BJJ Geelong training? Start with our intro offer. Coaches walk you through basics before anyone rolls.

 

GI or No GI? That is the question…

For several years now a debate has been raging within the grappling community over which style of ground-fighting is better – Gi or no-Gi. To me the answer is “both” and “neither”.

The two are not dramatically opposed nor are they mutually exclusive. Many grapplers limit themselves to training exclusively with or without the Gi. This is a detrimental practice because they are denying themselves access to the benefits of the omitted style.

For me, I started my training in the Gi 8 years ago. I always had a passion for MMA so my game was still very no-Gi based. For me it’s easier to transition from no-Gi to Gi as no-Gi relies heavily on the use of overhooks and underhooks as opposed to lapel and sleeve grips. However they both have huge benefits and a complete grappler should train in both.

GI ADVANTAGES –

  • Improves upper body strength: The constant gripping of your opponent’s sleeves, lapels and trousers greatly strengthens the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the hands, forearms, upper arms and back – all of which are used in both styles of grappling. –
  • Slows the game down because the Gi keeps you and your opponent relatively dry and creates friction it results in a slightly slower game than submission grappling. This removal of an amount of speed from the equation results in a more technical, methodical approach while fighting. This is good for those who are over-reliant on explosiveness and brute strength to effect their movements.
  • Promotes better escapes as the collar on your neck puts you in danger of strangulation from many angles, it promotes a greater overall defensive awareness. Also, escaping hold-downs and submissions when your opponent has tight grips on your gi is much more difficult than no-gi. It is much harder to pull a cloth-enveloped limb out of an arm or leglock by relying on speed and explosiveness, and so you are forced to use a more technical approach instead.

NO-GI ADVANTAGES

  • Promotes better hold-downs and control positions: Learning to hold down a perspiring and slippery opponent is far more difficult than holding down someone who is wearing a gi. When you have learned to control an opponent who is not wearing a gi it will become easy to control someone who is.
  • Increases the speed of the game: The reduced importance of the grips and reduced friction in the no-gi game means it almost always moves at a faster pace. Practicing at this higher speed improves reflexes and assists in the development of reactive, free-flowing movement which is crucial during positional scrambles.
  • Improves submissions: It is much harder to lock in a submission in no-gi as the sweat makes it easier to escape. So this really improves your joint locks as you have to be extra tight and technical to lock in the joint and keep your opponent from escaping

 

 So instead of buying into the dogma of ‘my style is better than yours’, instead ask “do I want to limit myself?”


How GI Training Helps BJJ Geelong Athletes

The GI forces you to use technique over athleticism. Grips slow the pace, reward tight games, and create endless chains of counters. Most world-class BJJ players credit their GI training for the base that carries them in No GI.

Many BJJ Geelong members start in the GI for this reason. Once the fundamentals click, No GI becomes easier to understand.

When No GI Makes Sense

If your goal is MMA, you want strong No GI chops. Sweating, lack of grips, and fast scrambles change everything. Our coaches cover wrestling, leg locks, and scrambles specific to No GI.

Most BJJ Geelong members train both across the week. It is the best of both worlds, not either-or.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which style is harder?

They are hard in different ways. GI rewards patience. No GI rewards speed and conditioning.

Do I need my own GI?

You can borrow one for a few classes, then buy once you know you want to continue.

How long until I can spar?

Most members feel comfortable rolling within 4 to 6 weeks.