I keep seeing the same claim online lately — “GI Jiu-Jitsu is dead. No-GI is taking over.”
As someone who’s been in this game a long time and runs a gym that teaches both every week, I’m here to give you my take on the debate.
GI Jiu-Jitsu Is Not Dead
Here are the facts.
1. The Biggest Tournament in the World is GI.
The biggest Jiu-Jitsu tournament on the planet is Master Worlds by the IBJJF. And it’s a GI tournament. Thousands of competitors from all over the world show up to compete in the GI year after year. IBJJF Adult Worlds is also a much bigger event than any No-GI Championship.
The numbers don’t lie — the GI is still king on the biggest stages.
2. What’s Really Happening at My Gym.
At Travis Lutter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we run full GI and No-GI classes every week.
My GI classes are always bigger than the No-GI ones.
More students show up, more people stick around, and the rooms are packed inGI. The No GI Classes are good classes but we have more students showing up to train in the GI.
3. GI Training Is Easier on Your Body as You Age
Training in the GI is much easier on your body the older you get. The grips give you solid control. You can play smarter, more technical Jiu-Jitsu and still get great physical work in without beating your body up as much. No GI requires more strength and speed to be successful.
4. Even No GI Pioneers Are Coming Back to the GI.
Eddie Bravo, the founder of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu chain has recently gone back to training in the GI. As he’s getting older, it came down to either training in the GI or giving up training altogether. Is what he said when questioned about training
5. The Young Guns Are Doing Both GI and No GI!
The best young competitors right now are competing in both GI and No-GI. Or most of them are. That’s awesome it makes them complete Jiu-Jitsu athletes and pushes the whole sport forward. Both GI and No GI benefit.
But even with those guys going back and forth, the biggest tournaments are still the GI ones.
6. GI Builds Rock-Solid Fundamentals That Carry Over Everywhere.
Here’s another big one most people overlook: training in the gi forces you to develop cleaner technique, better posture, and real control.
You can’t just slip out or muscle your way through
That foundation makes you way better when you take the GI off and train No GI (or even step into MMA).
I see it every day with my students.
7. The Gi Is Legit Self-Defense Training.
Most real-world situations involve grabbing clothes — jackets, shirts, whatever the person is wearing.
GI training teaches you exactly how to use those grips under pressure.
No GI is fun, but the GI gives you practical skills that actually translate when it matters outside the gym.
Conclusion: The Gi Is Here to Stay.
I love teaching No GI too — we train both at Team Lutter and they make each other better. But the idea that the GI is outdated or dying is just not true. It’s still the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s still going strong, and it’s the reason so many people fall in love with this art for life. If you’ve been thinking about adding the GI or No GI into your training (or getting back into it), now is a great time.
Come try a class and see why so many people keep choosing it.
Need to Train!
Travis Lutter
Travis Lutter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
817-781-4243