Gi vs. No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu: What’s the Difference and Which Class Should You Take?

Look at the Checkmat Murrieta schedule and you’ll see two kinds of classes: Gi and No-Gi. If you’re new to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, it’s a fair question. What’s the difference, and which one should you start with?

The short answer: both are jiu-jitsu, built on the same principles, and both are worth training. The differences come down to what you wear, how you grip and how the game feels. Here’s how it breaks down.

Key takeaways

• Gi classes are trained in the traditional jiu-jitsu uniform, and you can grip the jacket and pants.
• No-Gi classes are trained in athletic wear like rash guards and shorts, with no clothing grips.
• The core skills (positions, escapes, control and submissions) carry over between both.
• Gi training tends to be slower and more methodical. No-Gi tends to be faster and more scramble-heavy.
• Checkmat Murrieta offers both for adults and kids. Your first class is free, and a loaner gi is available.

What is gi jiu-jitsu?

The gi is the traditional jiu-jitsu uniform: a thick cotton jacket, matching pants and a belt that shows your rank. In gi classes, you and your partner can grab the collar, sleeves, lapels and pants.

Those grips change the game in a few ways:

• More control options. Gripping the fabric lets you slow a partner down, pin them and hold positions.
• More techniques. Collar chokes, lapel-based guards and sleeve grips are unique to the gi.
• A slower pace. Friction and grips make escaping harder, so matches tend to be more methodical.

Many coaches feel the gi rewards patience and precision, because you can’t rely on slipping out of a bad spot. That’s one reason gi training is often recommended for building strong fundamentals.

What is no-gi jiu-jitsu?

No-gi jiu-jitsu is trained in athletic clothing, usually a fitted rash guard and shorts. Without a jacket and pants to grab, you control your partner with grips on the body: wrists, arms, the neck, the head and underhooks.

That leads to some differences:

• A faster pace. There’s less friction, so positions change quickly and scrambles are common.
• Different grips. Wrist control, overhooks, underhooks and body locks take center stage.
• A different technique emphasis. Some submissions and guards show up more often in no-gi.

No-gi training can feel closer to wrestling in rhythm, and many people enjoy its speed and athleticism.

What carries over between gi and no-gi

Whichever you choose, you’re learning the same art. The fundamental ideas of jiu-jitsu, such as positioning, base, posture, leverage, escapes and control, apply in both.

Most people who train both find that each one helps the other. The gi sharpens precision and patience. No-gi sharpens speed and body-to-body control. There’s no wrong answer.

Which class should you take?

Here are some simple ways to decide:

• You want a strong foundation. Many beginners start in the gi. The Adult Gi Fundamentals classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings are built for that.
• You like a faster, athletic pace. No-Gi may be a great fit.
• You’re interested in self-defense. Both are useful. The gi mirrors grabbing clothing, while no-gi mirrors dealing with someone in light clothing.
• You want to compete. Tournaments offer both gi and no-gi divisions.
• You’re not sure. Try both. Plenty of people end up training a mix.

If you’re still unsure, ask the coaching team. Professor Ricardo Feliciano and the Checkmat Murrieta coaching team can help you choose based on your goals and schedule.

Gi and No-Gi classes at Checkmat Murrieta

Here’s how Gi and No-Gi classes fit into the current weekly schedule. Adult classes are All Levels unless marked Fundamentals.

The schedule also includes the Women’s Class (Tuesday and Thursday 6:15–7:15 PM and Saturday 9–10 AM), the Kids Competition Class (Friday 4–5 PM and Saturday 9–10 AM) and Open Mat (Saturday 10 AM–12 PM). Sunday is closed.

Schedules can change, so always check the current class schedule before you come in.

For adults, you can read more on our Teens & Adults program page or the beginner program page. For kids, most classes are in the gi, with Kids No-Gi on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. See our kids jiu-jitsu program for more.

What to wear

For Gi classes

• A jiu-jitsu gi (jacket, pants and belt). If you don’t have one yet, a loaner gi is available for your first class.
• Optional: a rash guard or fitted T-shirt under the jacket. Many people prefer one for comfort.
• Gi colors: white, blue or black are standard. Keep your gi clean and free of metal or sharp accessories, and ask a coach about sizing and where to get one.

For No-Gi classes

• A rash guard or fitted athletic shirt. Tight-fitting tops work best because loose shirts can catch fingers and toes.
• Athletic shorts without pockets, zippers or buttons. Many people wear grappling shorts, and some add spats or compression leggings underneath.

For both

• Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed.
• Remove jewelry before training.
• Bring water and a pair of sandals or slides for walking off the mat.
• Wear clean training gear to every class.

Close to Murrieta and Temecula

Checkmat Murrieta is at 40932 California Oaks Road in Murrieta, near the I-15 California Oaks Road exit, with ample parking. For families and adults coming from Temecula, we’re about 15 minutes from Old Town, depending on traffic. Learn more about training with us from Temecula.

Try a free class, gi or no-gi

The best way to find out which style you enjoy is to try it. Your first class is free, a loaner gi is available, and there are no long-term contracts required. Contact us about current memberships and family discounts.

Book your free class or call (951) 704-3312.