Two grappling arts. Same mat, same submissions, completely different game. If you are new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or switching between both, here is what you actually need to know.

BJJ athlete in sand TEAMBLADI Tabia rashguard in powerful No-Gi grappling stance under cinematic gym spotlight

The Gi - technique under friction

The traditional Gi is a heavy cotton jacket, matching trousers and a belt. Every surface is a grip - the collar, the sleeves, the lapels. BJJ built most of its foundational techniques around the Gi. The game is slower, more positional, more defensive. You can stall in ways No-Gi does not allow.

Gi grips allow very specific control that does not exist in No-Gi - sleeve drags, collar chokes, belt holds. If you have only trained No-Gi, you will feel the difference immediately.

Side by side cinematic contrast: BJJ athlete in traditional white Gi vs athlete in sand TEAMBLADI rashguard No-Gi gear

No-Gi - faster, messier, more athletic

No jacket. No collar grips. You train in a rashguard and grappling shorts (most grapplers add spats). Because there is nothing to hold onto, No-Gi relies on body control - underhooks, over-unders, wrist control, clinch work. The game is faster, sweatier and significantly more scramble-heavy.

No-Gi is closer to wrestling and MMA. If you are training for submission grappling tournaments (ADCC, EBI, IBJJF No-Gi) or MMA, No-Gi should be your priority.

What you need for No-Gi

Rashguard: The base layer. Manages sweat, protects skin from mat friction, prevents excess fabric from being grabbed. See our BJJ Rashguards - every colourway is IBJJF-legal, starting at €49.99.
Grappling shorts: Cut for movement. No pockets, no zips, secure waistband that survives takedowns. See Grappling Shorts from €54.99.
Spats: Optional but widely used. Compression leggings for skin protection and warmth. See BJJ Spats from €39.99.

Tabia Sand TEAMBLADI rashguard on BJJ athlete showing No-Gi competition detail and fit

Tabia Sand BJJ Rashguard

No-Gi Competition Rashguard · Short Sleeve · €49.99

Pair with the Tabia Sand Grappling Shorts for a matched No-Gi set. Ships from Vienna in 2-4 days.

Shop Tabia Sand

The simplest starting point for No-Gi: A matched rashguard and shorts in one colour. You look put together from day one, and there is nothing to think about before training.

Which should you train?

Both, if possible. Gi builds defensive instincts, positional patience and submission chains. No-Gi builds scramble awareness, explosive movement and submission finishing. The best grapplers train both.

If you are deciding where to start: No-Gi is more immediately transferable to MMA and wrestling. Gi gives you more technical depth faster. Most modern academies run both - check what your gym's schedule looks like and start there.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a regular t-shirt instead of a rashguard for No-Gi?

Most academies do not allow it. A loose t-shirt creates grip opportunities, bunches up and traps sweat against your skin. A rashguard is compression-fitted specifically to avoid these problems.

Is No-Gi harder than Gi BJJ?

Different, not necessarily harder. No-Gi is faster and more physical; Gi is slower with more technical options. Most people find Gi initially more technical to learn and No-Gi more physically intense.