Gi vs No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Start With?

If you're thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Varsity Lakes, you've probably seen the words "Gi" and "No-Gi" thrown around and wondered what they actually mean. It's one of the first questions we get from new people at Kazoku, so here's the simple version.

What is Gi Jiu Jitsu?

The Gi is the traditional uniform, the thick cotton jacket, pants and belt you picture when you think of martial arts. In Gi jiu jitsu you're allowed to grip the fabric: the collar, the sleeves, the pants. That opens up a huge range of grips, chokes and control that you just don't have without it.

Because you can hold onto the material, Gi training tends to be a little slower and more technical. It rewards patience and problem solving. A lot of people describe it as a chess game, where you're setting traps a few moves ahead. It's a fantastic way to learn the details of the art, which is why most schools, including ours, build their foundations in the Gi.

What is No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?

No-Gi is trained in shorts and a rash guard instead of the uniform. No jacket means no grips on clothing, so you control your partner using their body: underhooks, wrists, the neck, and body locks.

Without the fabric to slow things down, No-Gi is usually faster and more scrambly. It has a lot in common with wrestling and it's the style you'll see in MMA. Plenty of people love it because it feels athletic and dynamic, and you don't have to learn all the Gi grips to get going.

So which one should you start with?

Honestly, either is a great place to begin, and you don't have to pick. At Kazoku we run both, and most of our members train Gi and No-Gi through the week.

Here's how we usually put it:

If you want to build a really solid, detailed foundation, the Gi is the classic starting point. The slower pace gives you time to think and the extra grips force you to understand leverage and control properly. A lot of coaches believe that if your Gi game is strong, your No-Gi game comes easily.

If you're mainly interested in fitness, self-defence or MMA-style training, or you just prefer the faster feel, No-Gi is a brilliant entry point too.

The good news is you don't need to own a Gi to start. Come in wearing shorts and a t-shirt or rash guard, and if you want to try a Gi class we can lend you one. When you do buy your own, just note that we train in white Gis only.

The best way to find out? Try both.

Reading about it only gets you so far. The fastest way to know which one clicks for you is to get on the mats and feel the difference yourself.

Your first week at Kazoku Jiu Jitsu Academy in Varsity Lakes is free, and you're welcome to try as many Gi and No-Gi classes as you like during that week. No experience needed, no gear needed, no pressure.

Book your free week and come see which style suits you.