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No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu

No-Gi strips Jiu-Jitsu down to its rawest form — no grips, no lapels, just technique, timing, and pressure. Great for kids who want a faster-paced session and anyone preparing for competition or cross-training from wrestling.

No-Gi at Gracie Barra Cibolo strips Jiu-Jitsu down to what works without grips — underhooks instead of sleeve grips, body locks instead of collar drags, head and arm control instead of lapel chokes. The pace is faster, the scrambles are messier, and your defense has to be tighter because the friction of a kimono isn't there to slow things down. Professor Edgar coaches no-gi the same way he coaches the gi program: structured, technical, and built around positions that actually hold up under live pressure.

The program suits a few specific people well. Wrestlers from the Schertz-Cibolo corridor who want to add a submission game without learning a thousand grip configurations. Adult competitors preparing for IBJJF and ADCC-style rule sets. Kids who already train in the gi and want a session that feels more like wrestling. And gi students who want to test whether their game still works when the fabric goes away — a question that exposes weak fundamentals fast.

No-Gi at GB Cibolo isn't separate from the rest of the academy. The same Gracie Barra curriculum runs underneath, the same belts and stripes apply, and the same training community fills the mat. The difference is gear, pace, and the technical priorities that follow from removing grips.

Students from Bentwood Ranch, Town Creek, and the Cibolo Valley neighborhoods train here a few miles off FM 1103 in Cibolo Valley Square. Wear a rash guard and grappling shorts if you have them; if not, athletic clothing is fine for a trial. Call (830) 205-3222 to reserve your spot.

Why Train No-Gi?

  • Wrestling-friendly entry point — natural fit for high school and rec wrestlers who want to add submissions to their game
  • Faster pace and scramble-heavy rounds that sharpen reflexes, hip mobility, and the ability to react under pressure
  • Direct carryover to real-world self-defense — attackers don't wear lapels, and street clothing rarely behaves like a gi
  • Exposes gaps in your gi game by removing grip-dependent shortcuts and forcing cleaner positional fundamentals on every exchange
  • Competition preparation for no-gi tournaments, submission grappling events, and MMA-rule-set rounds where the kimono isn't there
  • Same Gracie Barra curriculum and belt progression as the gi program — your rank counts the same either way

No-Gi Schedule

No-Gi training is available by arrangement. Contact us to learn about upcoming sessions and private instruction.

Call (830) 205-3222 First Class Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is no-gi Jiu-Jitsu and how is it different from gi training?
In no-gi Jiu-Jitsu, you train without the traditional kimono. Instead of gripping collars and sleeves, you use underhooks, overhooks, and body locks to control your opponent. The pace is typically faster, transitions happen more quickly, and techniques rely on body positioning rather than fabric. At Gracie Barra Cibolo, no-gi sessions complement the gi curriculum by exposing different aspects of grappling and building a more complete skill set.
When are no-gi classes at Gracie Barra Cibolo?
Gracie Barra Cibolo offers adult and kids no-gi classes on multiple days throughout the week. Check our schedule page or call (830) 205-3222 for the most current class times and days.
Do I need to train in the gi before trying no-gi?
Not necessarily. Some people start with no-gi and add gi training later, while others do the opposite. At Gracie Barra Cibolo, Professor Edgar recommends training both if your schedule allows, because each style strengthens different parts of your game. That said, if no-gi is what interests you, you are welcome to start there. The fundamentals of positioning and control apply to both.
What should I wear to a no-gi class?
A rash guard and grappling shorts are standard. If you do not own those yet, a fitted t-shirt and athletic shorts without pockets or zippers will work for your first session at Gracie Barra Cibolo. Avoid loose clothing that can catch fingers or toes. The front desk can help you order proper no-gi gear once you decide to continue training.
Is no-gi better for self-defense than gi training?
Both have value, but no-gi more closely resembles a real-world confrontation where neither person is wearing a heavy jacket or uniform. The wrestling-based clinch work, body locks, and takedowns taught in no-gi sessions at Gracie Barra Cibolo translate directly to self-defense scenarios. Professor Edgar emphasizes practical application in every class. Many students train both gi and no-gi to build the most complete set of skills.

Ready to Get Started?

Your first class is free. No experience needed. Classes run weeknight evenings and Saturday mornings in Cibolo.

Book Your Free Trial

Or call us (830) 205-3222