Grappling
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is one of the world’s most popular martial sports. This is probably because it has a lower impact on the body than the other stand up martial arts such as Taekwondo, Muay Tai or Silat. Brazilian Ju-jitsu like all jujutsu styles uses an opponent’s strength against themselves rather than striking outward or attacking an opponent. After originating in feudal Japan, jiu-jitsu made its way to Brazil in the early 1990’s where it became Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). There the Gracie family helped to introduce Brazilian jiu-jitsu to the world and give it widespread popularity. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting and submission holds. BJJ or “submission grappling”, focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one's opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
Over the years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu split between two grappling styles: Gi and no-Gi BJJ. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners often wear a uniform (a Gi ) while training. As you might guess, those who favor No-Gi ‘Submission Grappling” do not wear one. The uniform isn’t just for show; it can be very advantageous while rolling as well as while executing different techniques like grappling and throwing. No-Gi practitioners generally wear rash guards and shorts, or in our case a T-shirt in class. Advocates for No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu make the case that it’s easier to learn and has more real-life applications as theres no uniform to grab a hold of. Therefore No-Gi BJJ forces you to focus on your gripping technique. Meanwhile, many others believe that Gi BJJ is a better option because it simulates a situation in which an attacker grabs an opponent’s lapels, collars and sleeves.
No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu training is more fast-paced than traditional Gi training. This is mainly because No-Gi BJJ leaves fewer opportunities to stall or grapple an opponent while rolling. You must rely more on chokes and control positions quickly than over-hooking and clinching. No-Gi BJJ forces you to focus on your gripping technique. Natural physical abilities like speed and strength play different roles for each of the two styles. Gi and No-Gi BJJ both use grappling and rolling techniques to force their opponent into submission. Gi-BJJ particularly uses these techniques to grab the opponent by their Gi. Natural abilities are secondary. A No-Gi practitioner harnesses their natural strength and speed so that they can easily move to a dominant position. It is harder to secure a submission if you can’t hold your opponent’s Gi while in class or at tournament.
Gi training makes you fight more defensively, but No-Gi training helps you focus on a tight offence. We don’t wear our martial arts uniform in day-to-day life so in this respect, No-Gi style is more realistic for self-defense scenarios because it means you’re not reliant on a Gi. One of the systems we practice in our school is called Raposa De Prada or Silver Fox Grappling and is a form of No-Gi submission grappling.
