Lets start of and look at the beginners ability to develop sound Technical Foundation and Control skills over an opponent that is derived only from training in the gi. Gi training emphasizes and helps the beginner to develop their ability to develop grips, technical precision, and control over a resistant opponent. Only in the gi can one use the uniform to gain handles and grips, such as the sleeves, collar, and pants, which create more opportunities for the beginner to control and attempt submissions. Kimono vs No-Gi Training for Beginners becomes clear here, as gi training helps beginners develop crucial control skills. In addition to the aspect of control development, beginners in the gi, learning to develop better grip fighting strategies, escapes, and defensive maneuvers since the gi slows the game down and reduces the chance of relying on strength and speed over technical ability.
To start I’ll discuss the beginner training in a gi. As briefly mentioned in the above paragraph, beginner are more apt to develop their Defensive Skills as that the gi increases friction, making it harder to escape submissions and move quickly, which in turn forces them to focus on their defensive strategies. This friction caused by wearing a gi, teaches patience and the importance of using correct posture and positioning rather than trying to explode out of positions. Which I will attest to is signifyingly is a more common to unskilled beginners and students who train solely in no-gi. For new students, this slow-paced learning can help solidify key defensive principles and techniques. This is another point in favor of Kimono vs No-Gi Training for Beginners.
Now as I mention the next aspect. I know from some of you out there I’m going to take some heat. But like it or not. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a traditional martial art, that like other martial arts had a heritage. Sometimes I think that not only beginners but advance students forget this. So to present an argument for training in the gi, many practitioners argue that Jiu Jitsu’s history and tradition are deeply rooted in gi training. The gi represents a lineage that dates back to judo and traditional Japanese martial arts. For some students, this connection to tradition has significant importance. So by wearing a gi, it encompasses and instills a sense of discipline, respect, pride and focus on the art’s long-standing traditions.
Finally I’ll mention the fact of Adaptability. From my experiences I’ve come to see that those students who start training in the gi are often more adaptable when they transition to the no-gi game. The added grips and slower pace forces them to master technique, which can translate well into no-gi, where techniques need to be executed more cleanly without the extra control provided by the gi. This adaptability is a key point when discussing Kimono vs No-Gi Training for Beginners.
So now lets look at the aspect of beginners starting to train in no-gi. One of the most prominent arguments is that it equates to Real-World Application. No-gi training is often viewed as more applicable to real-world situations, such as self-defense or mixed martial arts (MMA). Students comment all the time that there opponent wont be wearing a traditional kimono in a fight. However, here it comes (I tried to keep my opinion out and be unbiased). I tell them that you opponent wont be wearing spiderman tights our a LuLu- Lemon outfit either. There will be lose clothing that’s similar to a kimono. But, lets get back on track. Training without the gi, the movements are faster, and there are fewer grips to rely on. All in all this makes for a more dynamic environment and can better simulate a real-life physical altercation situation, where no one will be wearing a gi. For beginners interested in practical self-defense or transitioning to MMA, no-gi can be more relevant to their training goals.
I’ll now address the issue of Athleticism and Physical Movement. If you have been in the Jiu Jitsu game for a minute. You’ll often hear other students comment to others “Your strong” or “You have good athleticism.” For the novice these comments are often taken as a complement. But for the experienced practitioner, the comments are negative, inferring the student had no technical ability. One of the reasons is that training without a gi allows for greater mobility and often results in faster-paced grappling sessions. Of which becomes the norm for the beginners. Beginners who are naturally athletic may prefer this style because it complements their physical attributes of speed, flexibility, and strength. Without the gi’s friction, escapes, and scrambles become more common, which can make no-gi more exciting for beginners who may enjoy a faster, more explosive style of jiu-jitsu.
For the beginning student training in no-gi can be easier as that in no-gi training techniques are simplified. While gi jiu-jitsu has an array of techniques that rely on the grips provided by the uniform, no-gi often strips the art down to more fundamental techniques that can be executed without relying on specific grips. The collar tie, arm drags and fishhooks are basics that are easier for the beginner to master. Simply stated, no-gi training can be advantageous for beginners, as it reduces the complexity of learning and focuses more on universal grappling principles like body positioning, leverage, and balance. When evaluating Kimono vs No-Gi Training for Beginners, this is a crucial factor.
Finally, training in no-gi offers more potential with other sports like wrestling and submission grappling. For beginner students with a background in wrestling or who want to eventually compete in submission-only tournaments or Mixed Martial Arts, no-gi training may feel more natural and directly applicable. Beginners with this focus may prefer to skip gi training altogether
So for the beginner its important to find the Right Balance to meet their training goals. The choice between training in the gi or no-gi for beginners depends on their goals, personal preferences, and long-term aspirations. Gi training offers a strong technical foundation, emphasizing patience, precision, and connection to jiu-jitsu’s traditions. No-gi, on the other hand, aligns more closely with practical application, faster movement, and adaptability in combat sports like MMA. For many, a combination of both gi and no-gi training provides a well-rounded approach to mastering jiu-jitsu. Ultimately, neither is inherently superior, and the best path may involve exploring both styles to develop a complete skill set.
To read other Blog articles 📖 that I have published. Simply click 🖱️on this URL Annapolis Jiu Jitsu Blog Articles.
If you want to take your grappling performance 💪 to the next level. Check out A1Grappler. Our specific line of Grappling 💊Nutritional Supplements, designed by Grapplers for Grapplers🥋🤼‍♀️ .
Interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Start in Annapolis’ premier Jiu Jitsu Academy. Our instructor staff consists of Brazilian National Champions, Pan American World Champion Masters World Champions and North American Grappling Champions. It gets NO better than Team Randori. Click HERE TO START.
Professor Al Hogan is a recent inductee in the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2024) and a two time IBJJF Masters World Champion and Pan American Champion. He is renowned for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Defensive Tactics Instruction, catering to the Jiu Jitsu enthusiast, law enforcement, military and security personnel.
👊 If you’re ready to amplify your Jiu Jitsu journey under Professor Al's tutelage, we offer you a complementary 1 Week Free Membership in our academy.