Best <strong>No-Gi</strong> BJJ Techniques (2026) — Essential Grappling Guide
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
The most effective no-gi grappling techniques for submission wrestling and MMA. Master these submissions, takedowns, and guards for no-gi competition.
No-gi BJJ removes the collar and sleeve grips, demanding faster, tighter technique. These are the most effective techniques when there's no kimono to grab.
Contents
🥋 Essential Techniques
Rear Naked Choke
The king of no-gi submissions. Tight seat belt, control the head, and squeeze.
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Guillotine Choke
Easiest to set up from a failed takedown. High-percentage in no-gi and MMA.
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D'Arce Choke
Devastatingly effective from turtle position or sprawl. A Danaher System staple.
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Anaconda Choke
Sister technique to the D'Arce. Both rely on the same arm triangle principle.
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Heel Hook
The most feared leg lock in modern no-gi. Requires mat awareness but offers huge finishing power.
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Inside Heel Hook
Higher percentage than outside heel hook. The Danaher Death Squad's signature weapon.
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Double Leg Takedown
Bread and butter wrestling takedown. Essential for setting up ground positions.
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Butterfly Guard
Best guard for no-gi — hooks are harder to strip than grips.
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Arm Drag
Universal no-gi control technique. Leads to back takes, single legs, and wrestling entries.
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Back Take
Controlling the back in no-gi requires a different grip system but the same dominant position.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is no-gi BJJ harder than gi BJJ?
No-gi is generally faster and harder to slow down, which some find more difficult. However, no-gi submissions like heel hooks are often considered more accessible because no lapel/collar gripping is required.
❓ What grips do you use in no-gi?
In no-gi, you primarily use collar ties, over/underhooks, wrist control, and leg/ankle grabs instead of sleeve and collar grips.
❓ Is no-gi BJJ good for MMA?
Yes — no-gi BJJ transfers directly to MMA because MMA fighting has no gi. Wrestlers and no-gi grapplers typically have a faster transition to MMA.