Gi vs. no-gi, and how to read the class schedule

Gi

The gi is the traditional jiu jitsu uniform: a heavy jacket, pants and a belt. Because you can grip the jacket and pants, gi training uses lots of grips and collar techniques.

No-gi

No-gi means training in athletic clothes, usually shorts and a rash guard. With no jacket to grab, it's faster and uses different grips.

The class names on the Redlands schedule

• Fundamentals: adult gi and no-gi classes for all levels. Where beginners start.
• All Levels: open to everyone. Friday 6:30pm (no-gi) and Saturday at noon.
• Advanced: for adults with a white belt and three stripes or higher.
• Live Training: open sparring time, usually right after class. Beginners start with Fundamentals first.
• Women Only: Friday at 5:30pm, all levels.
• Kids classes: Tiny Champions (3 to 4), Little Champions (5 to 6), Little Champions 2 (7 to 9) and Juniors (10 to 15).

Which one should a beginner take?

Fundamentals. Your free class will be a Fundamentals or All Levels class.

Questions

What's the difference between gi and no-gi jiu jitsu?

Gi is trained in the traditional jacket and pants, which you can grip. No-gi is trained in athletic clothes, without the jacket grips.

Which class should a beginner take?

Fundamentals, the adult class for all levels.