Complete no-gi BJJ strategy: wrist control, clinch, leg lock entries and adapting your game for no-gi grappling.
Without a gi, gripping the fabric is removed. This changes everything: takedowns rely on clinch and body control; guard passing uses leg weaves and pressure; guard retention depends on frames and frames alone. No-gi is faster and more slippery.
| Grip | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Wrist Control | Setting up arm drags, inside position |
| Underhook | Takedowns, passing, body lock |
| Overhook | Clinch control, guillotine entries |
| Head Control | Neck cranks, guillotines, front headlock |
| Body Lock | Rear throws, suplex, positional control |
Leg locks are the primary submission differentiator in no-gi. Heel hook, inside heel hook, and kneebar become available in many rulesets. The ashi garami family (inside position) is the foundation. Always control the heel before applying pressure. Leg lock defense: rotate WITH the pressure, never against.
Arm drag β back take, single leg takedown, double leg, body lock to rear throw, guillotine choke, D'Arce choke, Anaconda, kimura trap, RNC from back, heel hook from ashi garami. Build your no-gi game around 2-3 of these as your primary system.
Weekly techniques, tips and updates
Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.
Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.
Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.
Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.