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No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

What is No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that is practiced without the traditional kimono, or gi. In No-Gi BJJ, practitioners typically wear rash guards, shorts, or spats, which are tighter-fitting athletic clothing designed to minimize friction and prevent the grabbing of clothing during grappling.

Key characteristics of No-Gi BJJ include:

  1. Grip and Control: Unlike traditional BJJ, where practitioners can use the gi to grab and control their opponent, No-Gi BJJ relies more on body grips, such as overhooks, underhooks, and head control. This often results in a faster-paced and more dynamic style of grappling.
  2. Techniques and Strategies: While many of the foundational techniques are similar between Gi and No-Gi BJJ, some techniques and strategies are more effective in one style versus the other. For example, certain chokes and submissions that rely on the gi are not applicable in No-Gi, and practitioners may focus more on leg locks, wrestling-based takedowns, and positional control.
  3. Competitions: No-Gi BJJ has its own set of competitions and tournaments, which are governed by different rulesets depending on the organization. Some of the most well-known No-Gi competitions include the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championship and the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) No-Gi World Championship.
  4. Training: Training for No-Gi BJJ often includes a significant emphasis on wrestling and submissions that do not rely on the gi. This can make No-Gi BJJ more applicable to mixed martial arts (MMA) and self-defense scenarios, where opponents are unlikely to be wearing a gi.

Overall, No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a versatile and effective form of grappling that complements traditional Gi BJJ and offers practitioners a different set of challenges and techniques to master.

Related Article: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Gentle Art of Ground Fighting

We must remember that science is a way of using empirical evidence to better understand our world. We are all scientists, just many of us are not very good ones. However, we are all capable of exercising our intellects in a purposeful, linear pursuit of knowledge.
Chris Matakas

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Other Glossary terms

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Qiangshu (枪术), also known as Spear Technique, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the qiang (枪), a spear.
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Sandā
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Kendogi
A kendogi, also known simply as a keikogi or gi, is the traditional training uniform worn by practitioners of Kendo.
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Shuai Jiao
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Kendo
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasizes swordsmanship and mental discipline.
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Yiquan
Yiquan, also known as "Intention Boxing" or "Mind Boxing," is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes the cultivation of internal power through mental focus and intention rather than through the practice of fixed forms or techniques.
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Weaving
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Dutch kickboxing is a style of kickboxing that originated in the Netherlands. It combines techniques from traditional Muay Thai, Western boxing, and Kyokushin karate.
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Wushu
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Kata
Kata is a fundamental component of traditional Karate and other martial arts, consisting of a series of choreographed movements and techniques performed in a specific sequence.
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Hatakikomi
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Muay Korat
Muay Korat is another traditional style of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art that is the predecessor to modern Muay Thai.
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