Understanding the Kimono, the rash guard, and why a complete grappler trains in both.
Walking into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym can be confusing for a beginner. One day everyone is wearing heavy cotton robes that look like Judo suits. The next day everyone is wearing tight lycra tops and board shorts. These are the two faces of our sport. We call them Gi and No-Gi. While the goal of submission is the same, the path to get there feels very different.
The Gi: Human Chess
The Gi, also known as the Kimono, is the traditional uniform. It consists of a heavy cotton jacket and trousers reinforced to withstand pulling. In this style, you are allowed to grab your opponent's clothing. You can grab the collar. You can grab the sleeve. You can grab the belt.
This changes the game completely. The friction of the fabric slows everything down. It becomes a methodical game of chess. If someone grabs your collar, you cannot just explode away. You have to address the grip first. It forces you to be technical and precise.
No-Gi: The Scramble
In No-Gi grappling, we ditch the heavy cotton for a rash guard and shorts. You are not allowed to grab clothing. If you try to grab a sweaty wrist, you will slip off. This forces you to use hooks. You use overhooks, underhooks, and neck ties.
Because there is less friction and fewer handles, the game is much faster. It involves more wrestling and more scrambling. It is dynamic and explosive. If you enjoy the pace of MMA, you will likely love No-Gi.
Why We Do Both
At Checkmat Orpington, we do not choose sides. We believe a complete grappler must be proficient in both. The Gi teaches you incredible defensive awareness because you cannot just slip out of submissions. No-Gi teaches you aggressive offensive movement and wrestling.
Do not worry about choosing one over the other. Come down to Amigos Gym. Try a class in the Gi. Try a class in a rash guard. You will soon realise they are just two sides of the same beautiful coin.