NoGi grappling in Stratford.
Same art, no gi to grab. NoGi trains the modern techniques used in submission grappling and MMA at a faster, sweatier pace. It's for teens and adults 13+, it's co-ed, and there's still no ego on the mats. We recommend getting comfortable with the fundamentals first.
Book a Free Intro Class →What a NoGi class actually looks like.
NoGi runs the same familiar shape as our gi classes, just without the jacket to grab. A light warm-up to get moving, a technique of the day broken down step by step, focused drilling with a partner, then positional sparring where you try it out. The pace is quicker and it gets sweaty, because there are no grips to slow the action down.
You're paired with a friendly training partner and a coach walks the room the whole time. There's still no throwing you to the wolves, and you set your own intensity as you find your feet in the faster style.
Gi vs NoGi: which should a beginner start with?
Both are the same art, so you can't go wrong. NoGi is faster and grip-free: there's no jacket to hold, which means fewer control points and a quicker, more scrambly pace. Most people build a base in gi BJJ Basics first, where the grips give you time to think, and then add NoGi once the fundamentals feel familiar.
Total beginners are always welcome, and we'll happily point you toward Basics first so the faster pace doesn't get ahead of you. And to be clear: there's no striking here. NoGi is pure grappling, the same as the rest of what we teach.
What you'll learn.
NoGi trains the modern side of jiu-jitsu, the techniques you see in submission grappling and MMA. It moves quickly, so we recommend getting comfortable with the fundamentals before you jump in.
- The modern techniques used in NoGi grappling and MMA
- Leg locks, wrestling takedowns and dynamic passing
- Controlling and finishing without any grips on the gi
- A faster pace: fundamentals recommended before you jump in
- The same class format you already know: warm-up, technique, drilling, positional sparring
When NoGi runs.
NoGi classes run through the week alongside our gi program, so you can train around work and mix both styles. The full up-to-date timetable lives on the schedule page.
See the full schedule →What to bring on day one.
For NoGi you'll want a rash guard and shorts (grappling or board shorts without pockets or zippers), plus a water bottle and a pair of flip-flops for walking off the mats. There's no gi to buy for this class. Come with clean feet and cut nails, and get to the mats a few minutes early so a coach can say hi. If you're brand new to grappling, we'll point you to BJJ Basics to build your base first.
Submission grappling in the heart of Stratford.
We're on Downie Street in Stratford, and we're proud to train grapplers from across Perth County, St. Marys, Mitchell, Sebringville, Tavistock and Listowel, plus commuters from Kitchener-Waterloo and London who make the drive worth it. Free parking on-site.
Good questions, honest answers.
Either is fine, but most people build a base in gi BJJ Basics first. The gi's grips give you more time to think while you learn the fundamentals, and NoGi's faster, grip-free pace is easier to enjoy once those basics feel familiar. Total beginners are welcome, and we'll point you to Basics first.
A rash guard and grappling or board shorts, ideally without pockets, zippers or drawstrings that can catch fingers. Bring a water bottle and flip-flops for off the mats. There's no gi to buy for this class.
Not at all. NoGi shares its techniques with MMA and submission grappling, but it's still pure grappling with no striking. Most people who train it just enjoy the faster pace, and plenty never step in a cage.
Yes, when they're taught properly and applied with control. We introduce leg locks step by step, teach you how to recognize and defend them, and expect everyone to work at a pace their partner can follow. Tap early and often, and there's nothing to worry about.
Start on the mat.
One free class. No pressure, no contract, no ego. Build your base in BJJ Basics, then add NoGi when you're ready. The hardest part is walking through the door, and we make that part easy.
Book a Free Intro Class →