The debate over whether training in the gi helps improve no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been ongoing for years. Some argue that the technical precision developed in gi training carries over to no-gi, while others believe that no-gi is its own game and should be trained exclusively. To get expert opinions, let’s look at what some of the most accomplished grapplers and MMA fighters have to say on the matter.

Roger Gracie – “Gi Forces You to Be More Technical”

As one of the greatest gi competitors of all time and also a 3x ADCC Champion, Roger Gracie believes that training in the gi builds better overall technique.

“No-gi is slippery, so sometimes you can escape a position just because of that. In the gi, you have to maneuver your way out technically because your opponent can physically hold onto you.”

Roger emphasizes that the grips in gi training force a deeper understanding of technique, which can be beneficial when transitioning to no-gi.

Benson Henderson – “Training in the Gi Won’t Hurt You”

Former UFC champion Benson Henderson takes a practical approach, believing that gi training can only help improve a grappler’s overall game.

“The better you are in the gi, the better you’ll be in no-gi and MMA. It’s not going to hurt you.”

Henderson sees gi training as an asset rather than a hindrance, helping to sharpen overall jiu-jitsu skills.

Mason Fowler – “Most ADCC Champions Started in the Gi”

Mason Fowler, an elite no-gi competitor, highlights the fact that many top no-gi athletes have strong gi backgrounds.

“Most, if not all, of the best guys in no-gi also trained in the gi or came up in the gi. Out of the guys who won ADCC, I think every single one of them started in the gi and got to black belt before transitioning primarily to no-gi.”

His observation suggests that the gi serves as a strong foundation for no-gi success.

Xande Ribeiro – “Gi and No-Gi Complement Each Other”

BJJ legend Xande Ribeiro sees the gi and no-gi as complementary rather than opposing styles.

“Training in the gi helps my ability to move and defend. If you move well in the gi, it’s even easier without the gi. No-gi, on the other hand, makes you more precise because you don’t have the gi grips to rely on.”

For Xande, gi training refines movement and control, while no-gi forces precision and adaptability.

Augusto ‘Tanquinho’ Mendes – “Gi Helps You Develop Control”

A world champion in both gi and no-gi, Tanquinho believes that gi training teaches valuable control skills.

“If someone is having a tough time passing your guard in the gi, they’re probably not going to pass it in no-gi either. Training in the gi develops grip strength and control that carries over to no-gi.”

His experience suggests that gi training improves defensive capabilities in no-gi.

Suga Sean O’Malley & Tim Welch – “Gi Improves Positional Awareness”

UFC star Sean O’Malley and his coach Tim Welch both see value in gi training, particularly for developing positional awareness.

“Gi training helps you understand positions and control better. It improves your overall jiu-jitsu IQ, which helps in no-gi and MMA.”

While O’Malley trains primarily for MMA, he acknowledges the benefits of gi training for technical development.

Robert Degle – “Gi Rulesets Encourage Better Positional Skills”

A top no-gi competitor, Robert Degle focuses on how gi training forces positional discipline.

“The rule set of gi competitions, especially IBJJF, encourages students to develop positional skills that they might neglect if they only train no-gi.”

He suggests that gi training creates a more well-rounded grappler, rather than relying solely on submission-focused no-gi strategies.

Conclusion: Does Gi Make You Better at No-Gi?

The responses from these champions show that while no-gi and gi are different, training in the gi can provide valuable skills for no-gi.