Twenty-Two Years to Black Belt
August 21, 2026
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People have different goals when they take up a martial art. The most common is to learn how to defend themselves. But people also start to get fit, to lose
Gi or no-gi? Choosing your best starting path in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can feel like standing at a fork in the road. One way you see jackets, belts and strong sleeve grips. The other way is shorts, rashies and faster scrambles. Which one should you choose first?
Good news, you do not need to guess. In this guide, you will learn the key differences between gi and no-gi, how each supports self-defence and fitness, and exactly how to start at Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy with a simple 4-week plan. We will also answer common questions on training frequency, gear, and when to step into All Levels classes.
Whether your goal is confidence, competition, or a healthier routine, there is a clear path for you, beginning with our Fundamentals pathway and a 14-day trial.
Gi vs no-gi in plain language
Think of gi as chess with extra pieces. You wear a heavy jacket and pants that your partner can grip. Those grips slow things down a touch and create rich options for control, posture breaking and sweeping.
No-gi is the same art without the uniform grips. You wear shorts and a fitted top or rashie. Movement is often quicker, with more focus on underhooks, head position and wrestling-style entries.
Both build the same core skills: base, balance, frames, guard retention, safe escapes and positional control. At our academy, the Fundamentals curriculum is unified, so you are learning the same key shapes and decisions in both uniforms.
What changes in grips, pace and rules
- Grips: In gi, you will learn to use collars, sleeves and pants to control distance. In no-gi, you will use wrist control, elbow ties, overhooks, underhooks and body locks. The principles of posture and frames do not change.
- Pace: Gi rounds can feel more methodical because grips create friction. No-gi rounds often feel faster and reward timing and hip movement.
- Submissions: Chokes from the collar are unique to gi. No-gi leans on guillotines, rear naked chokes, kimuras, arm bars and leg entanglements. In both cases, we teach safe application and early, confident tapping.
- Rules: Sport competition rules vary between organisations and uniforms. For beginners, this is background detail. Your first goal is control, escapes and staying calm on the ground.
Self-defence and real-world carryover
Both styles support practical self-defence. Gi training teaches you to deal with someone grabbing your clothing and to control an opponent with strong grips. No-gi teaches you to move and clinch without handles, which mirrors many real scenarios. Our Fundamentals blend both, so you are prepared either way.
If you are focused on women’s safety or want a welcoming start point, our women’s self-defence sessions and women-only classes build awareness, posture, frames and safe get-ups. You can learn more about our inclusive approach to womens self-defence in Prahran on our homepage.
So, should you start with gi or no-gi?
Short answer: start where you will be most consistent. If jackets make sense to you, begin with gi Fundamentals. If you prefer the feel of shorts and a rashie, begin with no-gi Fundamentals. Many beginners try both during the 14-day trial, then lean into the one they enjoy most while still cross-training.
Our timetable includes Fundamentals Gi and Fundamentals No-Gi through the week, including early mornings for busy schedules. You can check what is on when you are ready to book.
What to wear and gear to begin
You do not need special gear to start. For your trial:
- No-gi: wear comfortable, pocketless shorts or tights and a fitted tee or rashie.
- Gi: we provide clean loan Gis in common sizes. If you decide to continue, we stock academy-branded Gis on-site.
Bring water, a small towel, and slip-on footwear for bathroom breaks. Tie long hair back, remove jewellery, and trim nails for safety.
How often to train at first
Two classes per week is the sweet spot for most beginners. You will remember more, get less sore between sessions, and settle into a routine. Three times a week is excellent if you recover well and have the time. One a week is okay if that is all you can manage, but progress will be slower.
Our Fundamentals pathway is designed around high-frequency core skills, so even twice weekly adds up quickly.
A simple 4-week beginner plan
Here is a clear starting structure using our timetable and digital curriculum.
Week 1
- Attend 2 Fundamentals classes. Pick one gi and one no-gi if you want to compare.
- Watch the first two lessons of the digital Masterclass that cover posture, frames and the basic survival positions. Rewatch after class to lock it in.
Week 2
- Attend 2 Fundamentals classes again. Try a different time slot or coach if you can to experience small style differences.
- In the Masterclass, focus on guard retention basics and the trap-and-roll and elbow escape from mount.
Week 3
- Attend 2 Fundamentals classes. Ask your coach to pair you with a patient partner and to help you set one micro-goal for each round, like keeping elbows in or recovering guard once per round.
- Review digital clips on closed guard posture, standing in base and safe get-ups.
Week 4
- Attend 2 Fundamentals classes. If you feel calm and safe in all key positions, add 1 All Levels class as a watch-and-drill session. Let the coach know you are new and will sit out of high-intensity sparring segments if directed.
- Rewatch the Masterclass segments that match what came up in class. Note one success and one question to ask next time.
After this first month, most beginners feel comfortable staying in Fundamentals as their main track, with a gradual step into All Levels over the next month. A common benchmark for regular All Levels attendance is around 40 to 60 Fundamentals classes, but it varies by person. Your coach will guide you.
Guidance by goal
- Hobbyist focused on fitness and skill: Train 2 to 3 times per week, split across gi and no-gi as you like. Keep Fundamentals as your base and add one All Levels session when you feel composed in bad positions.
- Self-defence first: Prioritise Fundamentals with a mix of gi and no-gi. Ask about our women’s self-defence and situational drills. Aim for 2 sessions weekly and add a third once your body adapts.
- Competition curious: Build a base with 3 sessions per week across Fundamentals and All Levels. As you approach an event, add targeted rounds and rules review with a coach. Wrestling classes can help your stand-up entries and balance.
If wrestling interests you as a complement to no-gi and competition preparation, see the wrestling sessions on our timetable for details.
Digital curriculum support
Your 14-day trial and membership include access to our digital Masterclass that maps to the 88 Essential Fundamentals. Use it to preview lessons, review after class, and catch up if you miss a session. Video learning does not replace partner drilling, but it accelerates retention.
When to move to All Levels
Look for these signals:
- You can name and find the main positions under light pressure.
- You escape mount and side control calmly most of the time.
- You can hold closed guard posture and stand up in base without thinking.
When these feel reliable, add All Levels once a week. Continue with your two Fundamentals sessions so the base keeps improving.
FAQ
Start with the format you are most likely to attend consistently. Both teach the same fundamentals. Many beginners try both in the first two weeks, then choose a main track.
Two sessions per week is a great start. Three is excellent if your recovery allows. Once a week works, but progress will be slower.
Yes. No-gi builds clinch control, balance and movement without clothing grips, which mirrors many real situations. Gi also helps by teaching you to deal with clothing grabs. Training both is ideal.
No. Wear pocketless shorts or tights and a fitted top for no-gi. We have loan Gis for trials, and academy-branded Gis are available on-site when you are ready
When you can recognise positions, escape common holds with control, and feel calm during drilling, start with one All Levels class per week while keeping Fundamentals as your base.
Often yes for early-stage local comps, provided your sessions are purposeful and you add rounds and rules practice closer to the event. Speak with a coach for a plan that suits you.
Ready to start with support?
Begin with our Fundamentals pathway and a Prahran 14-day BJJ trial. There are no obligations and no pressure. We provide loan Gis for trials, and you can pick up a branded Gi on-site when you are ready. If you want to explore class times before you start, check our Richmond BJJ schedule to see how morning and evening blocks can fit your week. Planning to focus on no-gi from day one? Our no-gi page outlines what to expect and how it complements your gi learning.
Your first step is simple. Book a trial, bring comfortable training clothes, and come say hello. We are a family-friendly, ego-free academy, and Jiu-Jitsu is for everybody.
Copyright Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy 2024
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