Should I Take Gi or No Gi for My First Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class?
If you're new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to start with Gi or No Gi classes. At Watermark Jiu Jitsu, about half of our classes are Gi and the other half are No Gi. So how do you decide which one to take for your first class? Let’s break it down in this post. And as always, call or text anytime to talk it through.
What is Gi Jiu Jitsu?
Gi Jiu Jitsu is the traditional form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where practitioners wear a gi—a thick jacket, pants, and a belt that represents rank. The gi allows for grips, meaning you can grab your opponent’s collar, sleeves, and pants to control their movement and apply techniques. This style emphasizes technical precision, grip fighting, and patience—many people compare it to a game of chess.
Benefits of Gi Jiu Jitsu:
- Focuses on technical details and precise control
- Slower-paced, allowing for more time to think and execute techniques
- Develops strong grip strength
- Uses the belt ranking system for progression
- Often seen as the best way to build a solid foundation in BJJ
What is No Gi?
No Gi Jiu Jitsu is practiced without the traditional uniform. Instead, students wear rash guards and shorts (or spats). Without a gi, you can’t rely on grabbing clothing, so the emphasis shifts to body positioning, underhooks, overhooks, and faster transitions. No Gi tends to be quicker and more explosive, which makes it a popular choice for people interested in MMA and self-defense.
Benefits of No Gi Classes
- Faster pace with fewer grips
- Focuses on body control rather than clothing grips
- Helps improve athleticism, agility, and reaction time
- Closely resembles real-world self-defense scenarios and MMA applications
- Great for developing wrestling-style takedowns
Which Class Should You Take First?
The best answer? Try both! Watermark Jiu Jitsu offers a one-week free trial, meaning you can attend unlimited classes during your first week and experience both styles. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some guidelines:
- If you like a methodical, strategy-focused approach, start with a Gi class.
- If you prefer fast-paced, athletic movements, try a No Gi class.
- If you’re interested in self-defense or MMA, No Gi may feel more applicable.
- If you want to build a deep technical foundation, Gi training is the way to go.
Watermark Jiu Jitsu Makes It Easy for Beginners
- Clean loaner gis available for trial students – no need to buy gear right away!
- Unlimited attendance for all memberships – train as often as you like.
- No contracts – cancel or pause anytime with a simple text.
- Family discounts available – train together and save.
The best way to figure out which style you like is to come in and train! Sign up for your free trial today and experience both Gi and No Gi classes for yourself.
