No-Gi Explosion

While no-gi grappling had always existed, the early 2000s saw an unprecedented surge in its popularity. Factors fueling this included the rise of MMA, where fighters trained without gis to better simulate cage conditions, and the global prestige of the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. No-gi’s faster pace and emphasis on athleticism also attracted younger athletes and crossover competitors from wrestling.

Prominent no-gi specialists, such as Eddie Bravo with his 10th Planet system, popularized unorthodox positions and submission chains designed specifically for gi-free competition. Later, professional organizations and streaming platforms amplified the no-gi scene, producing stars like Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones. What was once considered a supplement to gi training has now become its own thriving subculture with unique rules, aesthetics, and training philosophies.