BJJ No-Gi Fundamentals: Grips, Guards and Submissions Without the Kimono
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Master BJJ no-gi fundamentals: wrist control, underhooks, body lock, submission chains and best guards for no-gi.
No-gi BJJ removes the friction and grips of the gi, making movement faster and guard passing easier. Mastering no-gi requires understanding alternative grip systems, positional priorities and submission chains specific to no-gi.
Contents
No-Gi Grip Alternatives
| Gi Grip | No-Gi Alternative |
|---|---|
| Collar grip | Neck tie (overhook neck) |
| Sleeve grip | Wrist control |
| Both sleeves | Two-on-one (Russian grip) |
| Lapel control | Body lock / waist grip |
Best No-Gi Guards
- Butterfly guard: Inside hooks, arm drags and back takes — no grips needed.
- Single leg X (SLX): Leg entanglement with outside heel hook and kneebar.
- Half guard: Deep half and lockdown work in no-gi with wrist control replacing sleeve grip.
- Closed guard: Still effective but less controlling without collar grips.
No-Gi Submission Priority
- Rear naked choke is the highest-percentage no-gi choke.
- Guillotine (arm-in or arm-out) is the most common standing/guard submission.
- Heel hooks are high-percentage where allowed — learn inside heel hook from the saddle position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between gi and no-gi BJJ?
The absence of collar and sleeve grips changes everything. No-gi relies on wrist control, underhooks, overhooks and body lock control. Positions are less stable and transitions happen faster.
What guards work best in no-gi?
Butterfly guard, single leg X (ashi garami), half guard, leg entanglement guards (50/50, saddle) and wrestling-based guards all work well in no-gi. Spider and lasso guard are gi-specific.
Do submissions change in no-gi BJJ?
Chokes rely on arm and neck mechanics rather than collar grips. The rear naked choke, guillotine and arm triangle replace collar chokes. Leg locks become more important — heel hooks are available in many no-gi rule sets.