Gi vs No-Gi jiu-jitsu
Gi and No-Gi are the two ways Seeds 13 teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at its five Texas academies: Gi in the traditional kimono, No-Gi without it. Same art, two uniforms — here is what changes on the mat, and when each class runs.
Side by side
| Gi | No-Gi | |
|---|---|---|
| What you wear | Jiu-jitsu kimono, blue or white, with your belt | The academy's own No-Gi uniform |
| Grips | Collar, sleeves and pants are part of the game | No cloth to hold: grips and pace change |
| Adults, evening | Monday · Wednesday (and Friday in San Angelo, Early, Abilene) | Tuesday · Thursday |
| Kids | Alternating days, Monday–Thursday | Alternating days, Monday–Thursday |
| First class | No gi needed | No uniform needed |
From each academy's weekly schedule; times are on the academy pages. Longview's Friday evening class is the adults competition class, in the Gi.
Gi and No-Gi questions
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi jiu-jitsu?
Gi classes train in the traditional jiu-jitsu kimono, blue or white, where grips on the collar, sleeves and pants are part of the game. No-Gi classes train without it, in the academy's own No-Gi uniform, so there is no cloth to hold and the grips and the pace change. It is the same art and the same fundamentals.
Should a beginner start with Gi or No-Gi?
You do not have to pick. At all five academies the evening adult classes run in the Gi on Monday and Wednesday and in No-Gi on Tuesday and Thursday, so the free week, Monday through Thursday, lets you try both. In Waco the evening No-Gi class is listed for intermediate and advanced students, so beginners there start in the Gi.
What do I need to wear for Gi and for No-Gi?
Nothing special for the first class: comfortable athletic clothes, and no gi needed. After the free week, Gi students train in a blue or white kimono and No-Gi students in the academy's own No-Gi uniform, with no other gear on the mat. Like every student, you purchase and train in the academy uniform.
Is there a No-Gi class at lunch?
Yes, in three academies. Early and Abilene run Beginners · All Levels in No-Gi at 12:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday, and Longview holds a No-Gi lunch class at the same time. San Angelo and Waco keep the noon class in the Gi. Each academy page has the full weekly schedule.
Do kids train Gi or No-Gi?
Both. At most academies each kids group alternates Gi and No-Gi through the week, Monday to Thursday; in Waco, Little Seeds train in the Gi and Little Trees in No-Gi. Homeschool classes alternate at all five. The Friday kids competition class trains Gi and No-Gi in San Angelo, Early and Abilene, and Gi in Longview. See the kids program.
Starting out? Adults Jiu-Jitsu at Seeds 13 covers every class on the schedule, from Beginners · All Levels to competition training.
Try both in a free week
A full week of regular classes, Monday through Thursday, at no cost. No contract, no gear needed for day one.
Book your free trial week
Leave your details and we will call you to set it up. No contract, no gear needed for day one.
Prefer to talk? Phone numbers for all five academies.