So you may have heard of No-Gi training but never understood what exactly it is or assumed it is for much higher belts. No-Gi is very simply what it says on the tin. It is training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but without the Gi or uniform. Normally the participants wear shorts and a rashguard.
At Atlantic Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi is for White belt – 2 Stripes up.
Here are some benefits;
Feel Free to Move without the Gi
The main difference in training No-Gi is of course not wearing the Gi. Training in without the Gi allows for more freedom of movement and faster t4ransitions. It may also allow easier submission escapes due to the lack of friction normally found while wearing the gi. This results in somewhat faster sparring. This is a huge benefit and can also improve your agility, thought process and mobility when training in or out of the Gi.
Your Grip Game Increases Massively!
While you may not think it, a lot of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners are actually reliant on the Gi for obtaining grips. Remove the Gi and there are significantly fewer grips available to you. This results in putting more thought into how you grip and how to obtain the grips you want when there is no material to grab. You will now learn to use various wrestling style tie-ups to adapt.
Your thought process and ability to quickly establish and maintain grips in any situation will massively improve your overall Jiu Jitsu skill-set.
Less to think about
Removing the Gi can also reduce the number of techniques you can apply. These can include many chokes that use the gi or transitions to position using a certain grip of your opponents Gi.
Removing the Gi from the equation means you can develop a less complex game while being very effective. Over time, your reflexes will improve and your quick reactions to techniques will also improve.
So there are a few benefits for anyone training No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. Why not give it a try?
Check out our timetable here to pop into our next No-Gi class. All levels welcome – White belt – 2 Stripes up!
