The Rise of No-Gi Grappling

No-gi grappling represents a major evolution in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By removing the traditional gi (kimono), practitioners are forced to rely less on fabric grips and more on body control, speed, and athleticism. This style emphasizes underhooks, overhooks, clinches, and leg entanglements rather than collar chokes and sleeve control.

The rise of submission grappling tournaments in the 1990s and 2000s helped popularize no-gi competition. Events like ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) showcased the effectiveness of no-gi strategies, bringing together athletes from wrestling, sambo, catch wrestling, and BJJ backgrounds. Today, no-gi grappling exists alongside gi-based training as a parallel discipline, with its own stars, rulesets, and technical innovations.