Gi and No Gi are the 2 forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi Jiu Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash guard. In no gi you cannot grab your opponent’s clothing.
Most grapplers train mostly in one style and by doing so, limit themselves to just one style’s benefits instead of both.
To be a complete grappler, you should train in both. Marcelo Garcia is a good example of a BJJ player that is world class in both. He only started No Gi at brown belt, having built a strong base in Gi Jiu-Jitsu first. Usually if you start training in majority without the Gi, then you will have a much harder time adapting to the Gi. The Gi in some ways is more complex with all the grips but No Gi has many other aspects which are not found in the Gi (for ex: more brabo chokes, guillotines, footlocks than in the Gi).
In this interesting clip from @thejitsguy (Middle East’s number 1 BJJ podcast), we explore the Gi vs No Gi debate and what makes more sense:
“In my very first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Meditation, I talk about the age old question of whether to Gi or not to Gi. I break it down from a practical stand point, self defense, and the common discussion points among practitioners. In the end the choice is yours but be sure to give this a listen first and share your thoughts.”
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