I was really enjoying a recent podcast until the Miga referred to NoGi Jiu Jitsu as "boring" and implied that it isn't technical. That comment didn't sit right with me, and I felt it might be influenced by the fact that his business partner is deeply rooted in the Gi tradition and known as a Gi innovator.
As someone who trains primarily in Nogi, I’ve found it to be anything but boring. Nogi requires a high level of technical skill and adaptability, particularly because you don’t have the advantage of Gi grips to control your opponent. The pace is faster, the transitions are smoother, and it forces you to rely on pure technique and timing. For me, this makes it far more dynamic and realistic, especially when considering modern self-defense scenarios.
On the other hand, I personally find Gi Jiu Jitsu to be less appealing. While it’s deeply traditional and respected in the community, it often feels like a tug-of-war. The slower pace, combined with the heavy reliance on grip fighting, can make it feel disconnected from the quick, fluid exchanges that I value in Nogi. Moreover, the Gi itself can lead to issues like tendon strain from constant gripping, and in my experience, it can make it easier to hold down an opponent in ways that wouldn’t be as feasible without the Gi.
I get that everyone has their preferences, and Gi Jiu Jitsu definitely has its merits—especially for those who enjoy the strategic depth that the Gi brings. But to dismiss NoGi as boring or not technical seems shortsighted. Both styles have their own unique challenges and benefits, and I think it’s important to respect and appreciate what each brings to the table.
As someone who trains primarily in Nogi, I’ve found it to be anything but boring. Nogi requires a high level of technical skill and adaptability, particularly because you don’t have the advantage of Gi grips to control your opponent. The pace is faster, the transitions are smoother, and it forces you to rely on pure technique and timing. For me, this makes it far more dynamic and realistic, especially when considering modern self-defense scenarios.
On the other hand, I personally find Gi Jiu Jitsu to be less appealing. While it’s deeply traditional and respected in the community, it often feels like a tug-of-war. The slower pace, combined with the heavy reliance on grip fighting, can make it feel disconnected from the quick, fluid exchanges that I value in Nogi. Moreover, the Gi itself can lead to issues like tendon strain from constant gripping, and in my experience, it can make it easier to hold down an opponent in ways that wouldn’t be as feasible without the Gi.
I get that everyone has their preferences, and Gi Jiu Jitsu definitely has its merits—especially for those who enjoy the strategic depth that the Gi brings. But to dismiss NoGi as boring or not technical seems shortsighted. Both styles have their own unique challenges and benefits, and I think it’s important to respect and appreciate what each brings to the table.