Adult Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (All Levels)

Gi training is the traditional form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: you wear the kimono (Gi) and use grips to control, sweep, and submit with precision. Our Adult Gi classes in Decatur are designed for all levels — beginners learn confidently while experienced students refine grips, control, and technical fundamentals. Alongside our No-Gi classes, Gi training sharpens fundamentals and slows the pace in a way that builds cleaner, more technical Jiu-Jitsu.

What Is Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is grappling practiced in the traditional uniform, which allows students to use grips on the sleeves, collar, and pants to control movement and position, and to apply submissions. Compared to faster-paced No-Gi training, Gi emphasizes:

• Control and balance
• Grip fighting and posture management
• Patience and precision
• Clean positional transitions
• Technical problem-solving
• Strong defensive techniques

Gi vs No-Gi Training (And Why We Offer Both)

We train both styles because each develops something the other can't replace. No-Gi training typically emphasizes speed and movement, timing and scrambles, and adaptability without clothing grips. Gi training emphasizes grip control, slowing the pace, strong positional fundamentals, precision over explosiveness, and the development of strong defensive skills. Many students train both because Gi training improves overall technique that directly carries over into No-Gi performance.

A True All-Levels Class (Beginner to Advanced)

Our Adult Gi classes are structured so that students at different experience levels can train together safely and productively. In each class:

• Beginners receive clear, step-by-step instruction
• Fundamentals students refine core techniques
• Advanced students sharpen grips, pressure, and transitions

Completely new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? We typically recommend starting with our Intro to BJJ/101 program — it builds confidence and core positions before training in mixed-level classes.

What We Focus On in Gi Class

• Grip fighting and control: how to control posture, manage distance, and slow down exchanges through effective grip use
• Guard development and retention: closed guard, open guard concepts, sweeps, and retention skills that translate into both Gi and No-Gi training
• Pinning, pressure, and positional transitions: strong fundamentals like side control, mount control, and clean transitions between dominant positions
• Safe, fundamentals-based submissions: taught with control and safety as the priority, focusing on proper mechanics rather than speed or force

How Gi Training Supports Your Overall Progress

Even for students who mainly train No-Gi, Gi training acts as a technical "skills lab" that sharpens overall Jiu-Jitsu:

• Improved control and patience
• Better positional awareness
• Stronger fundamentals
• More technical decision-making
• Cleaner execution under pressure
• Strong defensive skill development

Many students notice their No-Gi performance improves after consistently adding Gi training to their schedule.

Where Gi Fits in the Adult Program

Who This Class Is For

• Adults interested in traditional Gi training
• No-Gi students who want to round out their game
• Beginners who prefer a slower, more controlled pace
• Experienced students looking to refine grips and fundamentals

We regularly work with students from Decatur, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Avondale Estates, and nearby Atlanta neighborhoods who want high-quality coaching in a supportive environment.

What to Wear for Gi Class

A Gi (kimono) and a belt if you have one. Don't own a Gi yet? We offer clean loaner Gis so new students can try a class before purchasing their own gear.

How to Get Started

View the schedule, pick a Gi All Levels class, and book your free class — no gear needed, we'll set you up with a loaner Gi. Or explore all of our adult and kids programs.