Official BJJ Fanatics No-Gi Grappling Rankings

Certainly, when it comes to the title of 'best no gi bjj fighter', a few prominent names spring to mind from the pages of recent history. Right at the top of this illustrious list is Gordon Ryan, renowned globally as the 'King of Grappling'. Ryan's technical proficiency, razor-sharp instincts, and versatile skill set have seen him amass a stunning record of 159 wins and a paltry 9 losses, marking him out as a veritable titan of the sport. He holds 3 ADCC world championships, one of which was in the absolute division, further solidifying his status as a no gi juggernaut.

What this article covers:

• Best No Gi BJJ Fighter
• No - Gi Grappler
• Grappling No-Gi
• Who is the Best No Gi Grappler
• Greatest No-Gi Grappler
• Best No-Gi Gear

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Best No Gi BJJ Fighter

Not too far behind in this pantheon of grappling greats is Andre Galvao, who has notched up a remarkable tally of accolades in his own right. As the head coach and co-founder of the legendary Atos academy, Galvao's winning tournament record ranks among the best in history, with an enviable collection of 6 ADCC gold medals, 10 World Championship gold medals, 11 Pan American gold medals, 3 Abu Dhabi World Cup gold medals, and 2 ADCC South American gold medals. Galvao's outstanding proficiency in No Gi grappling continues to set the gold standard in the sport, making him one of the most revered and successful figures in the competitive circuit. These men and others like them, who continually push the boundaries of the discipline, embody the essence of the no gi bjj fighter, driving the evolution of the sport and setting ever higher benchmarks of excellence.

No - Gi Grappler

A no-gi grappler refers to a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) who competes without the traditional gi, or kimono. No-gi grappling has gained popularity for its dynamic, fast-paced nature and its direct application to mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions where the use of a gi is not permitted. Unlike traditional BJJ, no-gi grappling places a greater emphasis on body control, speed, and transitions due to the absence of clothing to grip.

Techniques such as chokes, locks, and control positions often need to be modified or substituted with others more appropriate for no-gi grappling. An effective no-gi grappler develops the ability to manage the slippery, quick-paced nature of no-gi contests. They master the use of underhooks, overhooks, leg entanglements, and body locks in controlling opponents. Fighters such as Gordon Ryan and Andre Galvao, who have made a name for themselves in this challenging discipline, demonstrate the skill, strategy, and athleticism required to excel in the sport. Their success and dominance have inspired a new generation of grapplers to explore and innovate within the world of no-gi BJJ.

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Grappling No-Gi

Grappling No-Gi refers to the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) without the traditional "gi" or kimono typically worn during training or competition. No-Gi grappling places a unique emphasis on speed, agility, and a specific subset of techniques due to the absence of the fabric grips available in a gi.

In No-Gi BJJ, competitors typically wear shorts and a rash guard, which results in fewer opportunities for grabbing and controlling the opponent compared to gi BJJ. As a result, no-gi grapplers need to rely heavily on underhooks, overhooks, and body locks to control and submit their opponents. Submissions commonly used in no-gi grappling include guillotines, rear naked chokes, and leg locks, although the specific rules about allowed submissions can vary between different competition formats.

The distinct pace and technical focus of no-gi grappling make it a thrilling spectacle for spectators and a challenging endeavor for practitioners. By forcing practitioners to adapt to fewer grips and different control points, no-gi grappling significantly broadens a grappler's skillset and understanding of the intricate art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Who is the Best No Gi Grappler

Determining the best no-gi grappler in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can be subjective as it often depends on the criteria used for evaluation such as technical mastery, tournament victories, and dominance over peers. However, if one was to base this on recent achievements and accolades, the name that frequently surfaces is Gordon Ryan.

Gordon Ryan has proved himself to be an extraordinary talent in no-gi grappling, winning numerous accolades in high-level competitions such as ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) and EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational). Known for his methodical and relentless approach to submission, Ryan's skill set is versatile, with a profound understanding of leg attacks, back control, and guard play that makes him a formidable opponent in any situation.

However, it's worth mentioning that the landscape of no-gi grappling is continuously evolving with many talented competitors on the rise. Therefore, the title of 'best' is always subject to change and depends on the performance and consistency of these athletes in top-tier competitions. While Gordon Ryan holds the top spot currently, athletes like Craig Jones, Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu, and others are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in no-gi BJJ.

Please enjoy the most current edition of the BJJ Fanatics No-Gi Grappling Rankings. Based on results and performance, these are the current top ten in all 5 major male no-gi weight classes, as we see them. Rankings were weighted based on tournament placement, head to head results, level of dominance, recency, and strength of schedule. Only no-gi results were considered:

1. Augusto Mendes, Soul Fighters
2. Kennedy Maciel, Alliance
3. Nicky Ryan, Renzo Gracie Academy
4. Tye Ruotolo, Atos
5. Paulo Miyao, Cicero Costha
6. Matheus Gabriel, Checkmat
7. Geo Martinez, 10th Planet
8. Alex Sodre, Nova Uniao
9. Samir Chantre, Ares
10. Lucas Pinheiro, Atos

1. JT Torres, Atos
2. Garry Tonon, Renzo Gracie Academy
3. Dante Leon, GF Team
4. Lucas Lepri, Alliance
5. Vagner Rocha, Fight Sports
6. Renato Canuto, Checkmat
7. Lachlan Giles, Absolute MMA
8. Johnny Tama, Alliance
9. Jaime Canuto, GF Team
10. John Combs, Easton MMA

1. Andre Galvao, Atos
2. Matheus Diniz, Alliance
3. Craig Jones, Absolute MMA
4. Josh Hinger, Atos
5. Adam Wardzinski, Checkmat
6. Gabriel Arges, Gracie Barra
7. Manuel Ribamar, Rodrigo Pinheiro
8. Gabriel Almeida, Checkmat
9. Jon Blank, 10th Planet
10. Murilo Santana, Unity

1. Gordon Ryan, Renzo Gracie Academy
2. Felipe Pena, Gracie Barra
3. Vinicius Ferreira, Alliance
4. Lucas Barbosa, Atos
5. Vinny Magalhaes, 10th Planet
6. Kyle Boehm, 10th Planet
7. Keenan Cornelius, Legion
8. Patrick Gaudio, GF Team
9. Jackson Sousa, Checkmat
10. Tim Spriggs, TLI

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Greatest No-Gi Grappler

When it comes to the greatest no-gi grappler in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), many enthusiasts often mention Marcelo Garcia. Known for his exceptional technical prowess and innovative approach to grappling, Garcia has set a high standard in no-gi competition.

Marcelo Garcia, a multiple-time ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Champion and a Pan-American Champion, has left an indelible impact on the sport. His smooth and effective techniques, especially his mastery of the guillotine choke and X-Guard, are widely studied and incorporated into the game of countless BJJ practitioners worldwide. Despite his smaller size compared to many opponents, Garcia's skill, technique, and ability to execute moves with precision under pressure have led him to defeat larger, stronger opponents consistently.

While newer talents like Gordon Ryan have emerged to dominate the scene in recent years, Garcia's influence and contributions to no-gi grappling remain unmatched. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the current and future generations of grapplers, solidifying his position as one of the greatest no-gi grapplers of all time.

Best No-Gi Gear

When training or competing in no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wearing the best no-gi gear is paramount for both performance and safety. A high-quality no-gi outfit consists of a durable and well-fitted rash guard and grappling shorts or spats.

Rash guards are designed to reduce friction and prevent mat burn while grappling. A good rash guard should be durable, well-fitted, and made of breathable material to allow maximum comfort during intense workouts. Some top-rated brands known for their high-quality rash guards include Tatami, Hayabusa, and Venum.

Grappling shorts or spats are essential to ensure unrestricted movement during dynamic scrambles and transitions. They should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of the training and also provide enough flexibility for high-level maneuverability. Brands like RVCA, Scramble, and Fuji are renowned for their superior grappling shorts.

Furthermore, always remember that the best no-gi gear is not just about brand names and prices. It's about the comfort, durability, and fit that works best for your unique training needs. Lastly, always make sure the gear complies with the regulations of your gym or tournament.

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