The jiu-jitsu world is buzzing after a surprising turn of events: Jacob “J-Rod” Rodriguez, ADCC silver medalist and a standout of the no-gi scene, has been spotted training in the gi—not just once, but regularly. Known for his explosive style and success with the B-Team, J-Rod has been actively training in the gi both at B-Team’s HQ and at AOJ, alongside gi phenom Tainan Dalpra.
For someone who built his name entirely in no-gi competition, this shift is more than a stylistic experiment—it might be a sign of something bigger.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
J-Rod’s decision to put on the gi signals a mindset that’s becoming increasingly rare among high-level no-gi competitors: the idea that to truly be the best, you have to master both disciplines. He’s openly stated that you can’t call yourself the greatest if you haven’t won in both gi and no-gi, and for someone of his age and trajectory, that says a lot.
It’s a bold move in a climate where many of the sport’s rising stars are all-in on no-gi. But J-Rod sees the gi not as a relic of the past—but as a necessary battleground for greatness.
A Cultural Turning Point?
There’s growing belief that the gi is due for a resurgence. While no-gi has surged ahead in popularity—fueled by faster-paced action, leg lock wars, and the rise of events like ADCC—the gi has quietly been overshadowed. But that may be changing.
J-Rod’s decision to embrace the gi could help bridge the gap between the two styles. When someone with his aggressive style and high-energy game steps into a gi, the narrative shifts. It’s no longer just traditionalists or point-fighters in kimonos—it’s modern athletes bringing flair and physicality to a format that many had written off as slow or outdated.
The skills developed in the gi—grip fighting, posture control, and technical precision—often translate well to no-gi, even if the reverse isn’t always true. For athletes who want to be truly complete, this return to the gi might not just be helpful—it might be essential.
The GOAT Conversation: One Style Isn’t Enough
This shift also reignites the age-old question: Can someone truly be the greatest of all time without proving themselves in both styles?
Legends like Roger Gracie, who dominated in gi and no-gi, are often still regarded as the GOATs over modern no-gi champions simply because they’ve shown excellence across the entire spectrum of the sport. It’s a compelling argument, and one that appears to be resonating with J-Rod himself.
Will Others Follow?
It’s too early to tell whether this will spark a true gi revival. But J-Rod’s presence in the gi—especially as he trains consistently at B-Team with the kimono on—sends a strong message: you don’t have to choose one lane. You can be elite in both, and maybe you should be if you want to be remembered as more than just a specialist.
For fans of the sport, this could be the beginning of a new era—one where the line between gi and no-gi isn’t a wall, but a bridge.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
