The biggest question: To Gi or not to Gi? Some people say “it’s all the same”. Those are the same people who haven’t trained and/or fought in both settings. Gi and No-Gi are two completely different grappling games. There are pros and cons for both obviously, but we’ll notice the differences between the two first.

Differences:

The most obvious difference is the grips. The gi gives you the chance to control your opponent much easier. Sweeps become much more frequent, as well as Judo-Type take downs. The no-gi game relies on under or over hooks for control, while the take downs are more wrestling based.

Once on the ground, chokes become available using the lapels, or gi. Overall, the gi is a bit slower paced, more controlled, and technical. No-gi, however, seems to be faster paced and more fluid.

Pros & Cons:

Grappling in the gi sometimes can be like trying to swim in quick sand. It is restraining, and hot! The general idea is that the gi isn’t like “real” fighting, which is fair. But training in the gi is very beneficial to your technique, and understanding of the art.

Learning the wide array of grips, chokes, and throws are great because they do not exist in no-gi. Technicality is very important in the gi, therefore users usually develop an overall tighter game.

The No-Gi game is the most popular, especially here in North America. Wrestling and mixed martial arts have changed the game, and created a huge no gi following.

Again, the grips are actually “hooks”. The lack of lapel control makes for a faster pace, and great entertainment. Submissions are also harder to finish in no gi for the simple fact that everything is slippery. Whether it be rash guards, or sweaty skin, control is harder to secure.

On the flip-side, gi-less grappling helps to create more quickness, and increases overall strength. Learning how to utilize your over and under hooks is an art, and is applicable in MMA.

Conclusion:

TRAIN BOTH. You can NEVER know too much. Why limit yourself to one or the other? I personally enjoy both games.

If your goal is to fight mma, focus more on no gi. But training in the gi won’t hinder you, if anything it will help develop your knowledge of the body.

Tags: BJJ, Brazilian, choke, debate, Drilling, Gi, gi or no gi, Gracie, Grappling, k-1, lapel, MMA, no gi, nogi, pride, Submission, tournament, ufc, vs, Whitebelt