Gordon Ryan is the dominant force in modern no-gi grappling yet he believes that traditional Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is on its way out. In a candid conversation with Joe Rogan, the now 28-year-old phenom shared his perspective on the future of the sport.
Ryan highlighted the growing popularity of no-gi competition, noting that the excitement and dynamism of the no-gi game is captivating audiences in a way that the Gi cannot. “Most people just find no-gi more entertaining to watch,” he explained. “The movement, the scrambles, the unpredictability – it’s what draws viewers in.”
The New Jersey native also pointed to the technical shortcomings of Gi training, arguing that it fails to adequately prepare grapplers for the realities of no-gi competition. “In the Gi, you’re relying a lot on gripping the fabric, on controlling the collars and lapels,” Ryan said. “But in no-gi, you have to be so much more proficient with your hands, your body positioning, your ability to generate and maintain pressure. The Gi just doesn’t translate as well.”
Ryan’s own career trajectory is a testament to the power of the no-gi game. He made a conscious decision to focus exclusively on no-gi training after a competitive setback in the Gi. The results speak for themselves – a dominant run that has seen him capture multiple ADCC titles and cement his status as one of the greatest grapplers of his generation.
As for the future of Gi BJJ, Ryan believes the writing is on the wall. “I think we’re going to see a gradual phasing out of the Gi, at least at the highest levels of competition,” he predicted. “The athletes who can excel in the more dynamic, technical, and physically demanding no-gi game are the ones who are going to rise to the top.”
Ryan’s comments will undoubtedly stir debate within the BJJ community, where the Gi has long been viewed as the foundation of the art. But for the young phenom, the future belongs to those who can adapt and thrive in the fast-paced, submission-focused world of no-gi grappling.
