What is it?

As the name suggests, NoGi means ‘no gi’: simply, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu without a gi. Anyone who’s trained in both styles will know that this style of BJJ has a very different flavour. The absence of a gi generally leads to a faster and more dynamic style, as grapplers who rely on vice-like kimono grips are disarmed. It’s fair to say it’s like trying to catch hold of a wet seal - probably easier if the seal is wearing pyjamas. Instead, there is a greater reliance on body mechanics and techniques over strength. 

NoGi has evolved rapidly over the years thanks to the popularity of MMA, and you’ll come across more techniques that have been adapted into the art over the years. It also benefits from the influence of wrestling. 

Wrestling carries a lot of the signature movement styles you’ll find in NoGi but is very different to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Instead of submissions, the objective in wrestling is to control or pin your opponent. In traditional wrestling, to win a match, the wrestler can pin their opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a specific duration, accumulate points through takedowns and manoeuvres or force their opponent to concede. In submission wrestling, however, the winner is whoever submits their opponent or gains more points than their opponent. 

when are the classes?

Monday - Friday 20:30 - 22:00

what do you need?

Shorts and/or leggings or training spats with a rashguard. 

Despite American TV shows depicting wrestlers wearing singlets and headgear, we typically train in NoGi attire but feel free to dress like Wonder Woman or Captain America. Just leave the Borat mankini at home, please and always wear a rashguard for hygiene.