Kron Gracie Questions BJJ Practitioners Who Refuse to Do Gi BJJ

Recently, Kron Gracie stirred up this conversation by questioning practitioners who exclusively train no-gi, sparking responses from various prominent figures in the sport.

Despite his strong reputation, Gracie has struggled to maintain the attention of BJJ fans worldwide. He refined his skills with a generation of competitors now aging out of the sport and has been working to regain his footing after his reputation took a significant hit following his last UFC performance. Rumors swirled that he would return at the Craig Jones Invitational, but according to Jones, Gracie received a call from the UFC about a potential booking, leading him to opt out of competitive grappling.

Gracie’s post details:

“Guys who only train nogi, are the same guys that would get dr unk, make out with their buddy and claim they aren’t gay. And probably wear a cross body fanny pack”

*Kron Gracie has since issued and edit and clarified he was simply re-sharing a meme as opposed to releasing a personal quote.

Gracie remains vocal about his dissatisfaction with the direction Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is heading. Many grapplers now admire Gordon Ryan for his technique and style, leading to reluctance among some to train in the gi. Ryan, who trains exclusively in no-gi, did spend time in the gi up until earning his purple belt.

The landscape of competitive BJJ has been shifting, with no-gi gaining popularity. Gordon Ryan, a dominant force in no-gi competitions, believes this trend will continue. “I think we’re going to see a gradual phasing out of the Gi, at least at the highest levels of competition,” Ryan predicted. He argues that athletes excelling in the “more dynamic, technical, and physically demanding no-gi game” will rise to the top.

However, not everyone shares this view. Craig Jones, known primarily for his no-gi prowess, acknowledges the value of gi training. “I don’t think (GI training) is necessary, but it teaches you skills that you won’t get [otherwise],” Jones explained. He points out that gi techniques like spider guard and lasso guard can fast-track learning in hip mobility and guard retention.

Keenan Cornelius, renowned for his innovations in gi jiu-jitsu, has been exploring both realms. While appreciating the evolution of no-gi, he humorously noted, “Even though no-gi is a simplified version of gi for people with less brain power, I appreciate the simplicity.”

The younger generation, represented by Mica Galvao, sees value in both styles. Galvao believes that while no-gi might become more popular in competitions due to its accessibility to spectators, gi jiu-jitsu will retain its traditional importance.

Eddie Bravo, a pioneer of the no-gi movement, has a more polarized view. “I get bored watching Gi stuff, but I appreciate it and I respect them,” Bravo stated, highlighting the entertainment factor that has contributed to no-gi’s rising popularity.

Some BJJ aces, like Felipe Pena believe it’s upto the IBJJF to make sure Gi stays competitive. Pena previously cautioned:

“For Professional Athletes, black belts, the financial return on Nogi has been greater, due to the number of events in this modality, but in terms of sport JJ, I see Gi Jiu-Jitsu much greater and that it is unlikely to change, as most most of the schools have practitioners training in the gi, perhaps because it is an easier and safer adaptation.”

“It’s easy to talk from the outside, without knowing what’s really going on, but I believe that ibjjf, if they want to, are fully capable of making professional gi Jiu-Jitsu grow like grappling… Paying black belt athletes, at least in the main ones events like the World Cup, Pan, Brazilian Nationals, etc. with a grant that really makes sense to compete and that keeps up with the growth of the sport, is something that would be the first step in my vision.”