Short answer: No-Gi is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu without the uniform. You wear a rash guard and shorts, there are no collar or sleeve grips, and the game becomes faster, more slippery and closer to wrestling. It is the style used in submission grappling events and in MMA. At One Way Martial Arts in Alexandria, VA, No-Gi runs on Wednesdays at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM, and Saturday at 12:00 PM.
Gi vs No-Gi at a glance
| Gi | No-Gi | |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Jacket, pants and belt | Rash guard and shorts |
| Grips | Collar, sleeves, pants | Wrists, neck, underhooks, body locks |
| Pace | Slower, more methodical | Faster, more scrambles |
| Typical attacks | Collar chokes, lapel guards | Guillotines, leg locks, back takes |
| Carries over to | Self-defense against a clothed attacker | MMA and wrestling |
What No-Gi teaches you
- Body control. Without cloth to hold, you learn underhooks, overhooks, head position and hip pressure.
- Hand fighting. Winning the grip exchange before anything else happens.
- Wrestling. Takedowns and scrambles matter more because guard pulling is harder to hold.
- Tighter submissions. Sweat removes friction, so sloppy technique simply slips off.
- Leg locks. A bigger part of the modern No-Gi game. They are taught progressively and with strict safety rules.
Should a beginner start with Gi or No-Gi?
Either works. The Gi slows things down, which makes it easier to see what is happening, and it forces clean technique. No-Gi feels more natural to former wrestlers and to people who want to do MMA. Most of our students end up training both, and each one improves the other. If you are brand new, read how to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu first.
What to wear
- A fitted rash guard, short or long sleeve.
- Grappling shorts or spats with no pockets, zippers or metal.
- A mouthguard is a good idea.
- No shoes on the mat, no jewelry, nails cut short.
No-Gi classes at One Way
Wednesday is our No-Gi day, with No-Gi Fundamentals at 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM, No-Gi Advanced at 7:00 PM for students with three or more stripes, and Marathon Rolls No-Gi at 8:00 PM. No-Gi All Levels runs Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 12:00 PM. Check the schedule for current times, and see the No-Gi program page for coaches. Pair it with wrestling on Monday and Wednesday at 8:00 PM, or with Gi classes for a complete game.
Frequently asked questions
What is No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trained without the traditional uniform, in a rash guard and shorts. Grips are on the body instead of the clothing, which makes the game faster and closer to wrestling.
Is No-Gi good for beginners?
Yes. No-Gi Fundamentals classes are built for complete beginners, and many students train Gi and No-Gi together from the start.
When are No-Gi classes at One Way Martial Arts?
Wednesday at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 PM, and Saturday at 12:00 PM, at 5416 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA.