Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an ever evolving martial art. The techniques and training methodologies I utilize today are vastly different than those I used back in 1999. One of the biggest differences is training without the kimono (better known as “gi”). My original instructor was an old school Brazilian. He believed that only “Luta Livre” (a no-gi style which had a long standing rivalry with BJJ in Brazil) trained without the gi. He was convinced that gi training was more technical and the only way to develop proper technique. Like many at the time, he recommended gi training, even when preparing for no-gi tournaments.
The no-gi revolution really began in 2002 after Eddie Bravo submitted multiple time Mundial and ADCC champion Royler Gracie and credited his exclusive no-gi training for the victory.
Bravo claimed that the gi created a false sense of security. Gi grapplers would depend on grips that were not available once the gi was removed and as a result have no offensive options. Bravo suggested that since no-gi tournaments and MMA competitions did not allow gis then all training for those events should be no-gi.
My second instructor took to the no-gi revolution with open arms. After 3 years of training exclusively in the gi, 80% of my training became no-gi. As time went on I began to notice distinct benefits and disadvantages to exclusive gi or no-gi training.
Once I began training without the gi I was forced to improve my submissions. For example, the friction and grips the gi offered me allowed me to get away with leaving space in my armbars. If someone tried to yank their arm back I could simply tug on the sleeve and maintain my control. If I failed to fully clamp my knees it was alright considering there was no sweat I had to contend with. However, in no-gi I had to develop crushing pressure and tightness with my legs and hips to overcome the sweat factor and the fact that my hand grips alone could not save me. Also, my timing had to speed up. No-gi is a faster game, transitions and blink-of-an-eye reactions become more important than step by step set ups to finishes. I had to swing my hips the second an armbar was available and be ready with a follow up attack immediately if I lost the arm. I also had to develop different controls. I couldn’t simply grab a fist full of fabric to control someone. Underhooks, overhooks, 2 on 1 grips, and head clamps became new tools in my tool box.
Although no-gi was great for offense, it was my gi training that aided me the most in my defense and escapes. Without the gi I was free to move and scramble. My opponent was limited in how he could control me and the slipperiness of the sweat allowed me to explode out of inferior positions with my greater ease. Once I was wearing a gi though, my training partner could clamp me down and destroy my mobility. If I wanted to get out and still have energy to grapple I had to make sure all my motions had the greatest result for minimum effort. I also had to get used to making do with much less space.
When I learned how to recover guard with an opponent who had an iron grip on my pants and lapel then escaping without the gi became child’s play. Additionally, gi training improved my defensive posture. If I became lazy and allowed myself to be broken down my opponent could simply slide his hands into my collar and put me out. If my arm was left hanging, I knew simply pulling my arm away was not enough, I had to learn to control my opponent’s hips and methodically break down his offensive attack.
Attribute wise I noticed the gi allowed me to be greater at pulling, while no-gi made me a stronger clamper. Gi training improved my balance and base since I was always in danger of being swept while no-gi made me faster and more explosive since I had greater mobility.
A unique training method I would use as I went up the ranks was to train wearing a gi against a partner wearing simply shorts and a t-shirt. In this way I would be forced to utilize the tighter offense of no-gi while still keeping my escapes and defenses sharp.
I’m convinced that exclusive training in one particular style, gi or no-gi is going to be self-limiting. Training with both is going to open new possibilities and options both functionally and creatively. At the end of the day though, no matter what you’re wearing mat time is most important, so regardless of if you’re a gi or no-gi guy get on the mat and train!