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Gi vs no-gi

Brazilian jiu-jitsu / Popular

How grips, pace and technique differ between gi and no-gi.

What coaches agree on

  • Gi grips hold strong enough to buy you time to set up your attack deliberately; no-gi grips slip fast, so you need to act on them immediately and lean more on wrist, head, and body control.
  • Grabbing the gi lets you force back exposure and control posture through collar and lapel grips, which is why guards like the lapel guard only exist in the gi; without it, control comes from leg entanglement and body positioning, leaning your offense toward sweeps and leg attacks instead of back takes.
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  • Escaping is harder in the gi since your opponent has more grips to hold you down with, and more forgiving in no-gi where things slip; the frames and hand-positioning gi escapes force you to sharpen carry over and make no-gi escapes feel easy by comparison.
Gi vs No-Gi: No Difference?
Intermediate

Gi vs No-Gi: No Difference?

Coach's take: Shows exactly what changes (grips) and what doesn't (hip mechanics) between gi and no-gi.

3.4
Gi Vs No-Gi "Simplified"
Beginner

Gi Vs No-Gi "Simplified"

Coach's take: Funny, not useful -- the real points are there but played for laughs instead of explained.

1.6