No-Gi BJJ Classes

Gracie Humaita Botany is primarily a Gi (traditional uniform) academy, but we also provide No-Gi training. To see when we provide No-Gi classes, check our Timetable here.

Gracie Botany’s No-Gi coaches are fully qualified and meet strict Gracie Humaita standards. Our No-Gi coaches have extensive experience competing in No-Gi BJJ tournaments and grappling events. Our coaches can provide valuable insight and expertise on technique, strategy and help you develop your No-Gi BJJ skills.

What is No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that is primarily focused on takedowns and ground fighting techniques. The main difference between No-Gi BJJ and traditional BJJ is that No-Gi is practiced without the traditional uniform or ‘Gi’. Instead, students wear shorts and a rash guard.

No-Gi BJJ techniques are similar to Gi BJJ, such as joint locks, chokes, and submissions, but the lack of the Gi makes No-Gi more dynamic and fast-paced. It is more difficult to control an opponent’s movements, as there are fewer grips or holds to use. During sparring students rely more on speed and agility to execute techniques.

Is No-Gi BJJ really more fast-paced than traditional Gi BJJ?

Yes, No-Gi BJJ is generally considered to be more fast-paced than traditional Gi BJJ. In traditional Gi BJJ, students use the Gi to control their opponent’s movements and to set up submissions. In sparring (rolling) or competition Gi BJJ is often slower and more methodical.

In contrast, No-Gi BJJ requires students to use different strategies and techniques to gain or maintain control. Without the Gi, it is much more difficult to control an opponent. As a result, No-Gi BJJ often involves more scrambling and explosive movements, resulting in a faster-paced and dynamic style of rolling.

Is No-Gi BJJ good for self defence or is it just a sport?

No-Gi BJJ can be an effective form of self-defence. The techniques used in No-Gi BJJ can be applied in real-life self-defence situations. No-Gi BJJ is especially effective in self-defence situations where striking should be avoided. Such as in close quarters or when dealing with a larger or stronger opponent. In these situations, No-Gi BJJ can allow a smaller person to defend themselves and control an attacker through technique, leverage, and positioning.

In competition or as a sport, is No-Gi BJJ same or similar to freestyle wrestling?

No-Gi BJJ and freestyle wrestling share some similarities, but they are not the same. Both sports involve grappling and control techniques, but the rules, techniques, and objectives are different.

In freestyle wrestling, the objective is to take down and control your opponent to score points. Points are awarded for takedowns, exposure of your opponent’s back to the mat, and other positional advantages. The emphasis is on controlling and dominating your opponent in order to score points and win the match.

In No-Gi BJJ, the objective is to control and submit your opponent. Points are awarded for achieving dominant positions such as mount, back control, or passing the guard. Ultimately, the goal is to force your opponent to tap out. Tap out with a submission hold such as a choke or joint lock.

The techniques used in No-Gi BJJ are typically more diverse than in freestyle wrestling. They include submissions, joint locks, and chokes, in addition to takedowns and positional control techniques. No-Gi BJJ also places a greater emphasis on guard work and submissions from the bottom, which are not typically used in wrestling.

Should a BJJ student do both No-Gi and Gi BJJ? Or can one focus on No-Gi or Gi only?

While it is possible to focus on either No-Gi or Gi BJJ exclusively, it is generally recommended to train in both if possible.

Training in both No-Gi and Gi BJJ can provide a more well-rounded understanding of the art. Each discipline presents unique challenges and opportunities for technique development. Training in the Gi can help a student develop a strong grip and control game. No-gi will develop a faster-paced, more dynamic style of grappling.

A student will develop a wider range of techniques and strategies training both, beneficial in both sport competition and self-defence situations. e.g. A submission that is difficult to execute in the Gi may be easier to perform without the Gi, and vice versa.

That being said, many successful competitors have focused exclusively on either No-Gi or Gi BJJ. Ultimately, the choice is yours.