Why We Train No-Gi (And Why It's a Great First Step)

No-gi jiu-jitsu is jiu-jitsu without the traditional uniform. Instead of gripping a collar or sleeve, you control with underhooks, overhooks, wrist control, and body positioning. It's faster, it's closer to what a real altercation looks like, and — for most beginners — it's the easier place to start.

Less gear, fewer barriers

You don't need to buy a gi to start. A rashguard and shorts you probably already own are enough for your first class. That removes the biggest practical barrier for new students: the cost and commitment of a uniform before you even know if you like the art.

Faster, more pressure-tested

Without grips to slow things down, no-gi moves faster. That forces you to rely on positioning and pressure rather than fabric. It's why no-gi tends to translate well to MMA and self-defense — there's nothing to grab in a t-shirt and jeans, so you'd better be able to control a body, not a jacket.

"No-gi is the perfect entry point. It's faster, more accessible, and closer to self-defense than the gi game."

The 10th Planet approach

10th Planet was built as a pure no-gi system from the ground up — not gi jiu-jitsu with the gi removed. That means the curriculum, the positions (rubberguard, the lock-down, the Aoki Lock), and the teaching method are all designed for no-gi from day one. If you're going to start, start in the system built for the game you're playing.