Gi vs No Gi

Gi vs. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: Which One is Right for You?

February 03, 20252 min read

Gi vs. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: Which One is Right for You?

What’s the Difference Between Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu?

If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), you’ve probably heard about Gi and No-Gi training. But what’s the difference, and which one should you train? At Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, we offer both styles to help you develop a well-rounded skill set. Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the best option for your goals.

Gi Jiu Jitsu: The Traditional Art

Gi Jiu Jitsu is practiced while wearing a traditional kimono (gi) and belt, allowing for grip-based control and submissions.

Key Benefits of Gi Jiu Jitsu:

✔️ More Control & Strategy – The gi allows for collar, sleeve, and pant grips, making the game more methodical.
✔️ Slower Pace & Technical Focus – With grips, escapes take more time, forcing you to use precise technique.
✔️ Transfers Well to Self-Defense – Many grip-based techniques translate well to real-world scenarios.
✔️ Essential for Belt Promotions – Most belt ranking systems are based on Gi progression.

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: Fast-Paced & Athletic

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu is practiced without the kimono, using a rash guard and shorts. This makes the game faster and more dynamic.

Key Benefits of No-Gi Jiu Jitsu:

✔️ Faster Transitions & Scrambles – Without grips, movement is more explosive.✔️ Great for MMA & Wrestling – No-Gi is closer to real-life grappling scenarios used in MMA.✔️ More Reliance on Body Positioning – Instead of grips, you must use underhooks, overhooks, and frames.✔️ Perfect for Self-Defense – Most real-world situations don’t involve a gi, making No-Gi highly practical.

Which One is Best for You?

The best choice depends on your training goals:

🏆 Want to compete in tournaments? → Train Gi and No Gi.

🤼 Interested in MMA or wrestling-based Jiu Jitsu? → Train No-Gi.

🛡️ Looking for self-defense? → Both styles are beneficial.

🥋 Want a more methodical, grip-based game? → Train Gi.

🔥 Prefer a faster, more explosive pace? → Train No-Gi.

Why Train Both Gi & No-Gi Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas?

At Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, we encourage students to train both styles to become well-rounded martial artists. Whether you’re aiming to compete, improve self-defense skills, or just stay in shape, training in both Gi and No-Gi will maximize your progress.

Start Training Gi or No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Today!

Train at Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas at 9640 W Tropicana Ave Suite 120 Las Vegas, NV 89147

📞 Call or Text to Schedule Your First Class: 702-972-5971

📅 View Our Class Schedule: https://potentialjiujitsu.com/schedule

🔘 Try Your First Class Free!

https://potentialjiujitsu.com/freeclass

Kris Olivo is an IBJJF Certified Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under the legendary Robert Drysdale, an active and seasoned competitor, and a passionate coach dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential. With over 10 years of experience on the mats, Kris has competed at the highest levels, earning multiple championship titles:

• IBJJF Master World Champion (No-Gi, Brown Belt)

• Former IBJJF #1 Ranked Brown Belt (Master 1, Gi & No-Gi)

• IBJJF American National Champion (Gi & No-Gi, Brown Belt, Master 1)

• PGF Veteran

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Kris brings discipline, resilience, and a strategic mindset to both his training and coaching. Known for his explosive, entertaining, and dynamic style, he emphasizes mobility, body awareness, and adaptability, helping students move, think, and perform at their highest level.

Kris founded Potential Jiu Jitsu because he believes that Jiu Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it’s a vehicle for transformation. His mission is to help students push their limits, find out what they’re made of, and ultimately, become more.

Kris Olivo

Kris Olivo is an IBJJF Certified Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under the legendary Robert Drysdale, an active and seasoned competitor, and a passionate coach dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential. With over 10 years of experience on the mats, Kris has competed at the highest levels, earning multiple championship titles: • IBJJF Master World Champion (No-Gi, Brown Belt) • Former IBJJF #1 Ranked Brown Belt (Master 1, Gi & No-Gi) • IBJJF American National Champion (Gi & No-Gi, Brown Belt, Master 1) • PGF Veteran A U.S. Air Force veteran, Kris brings discipline, resilience, and a strategic mindset to both his training and coaching. Known for his explosive, entertaining, and dynamic style, he emphasizes mobility, body awareness, and adaptability, helping students move, think, and perform at their highest level. Kris founded Potential Jiu Jitsu because he believes that Jiu Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it’s a vehicle for transformation. His mission is to help students push their limits, find out what they’re made of, and ultimately, become more.

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