The Brazilian jiu-jitsu community is no stranger to debates over the effectiveness of Gi versus No-Gi training. One of the latest discussions gaining traction is the potential of No-Gi king Gordon Ryan making a serious impact in the Gi division. Black belt competitor Patrick Gaudio has been training in No Gi and Gi with Gordon Ryan in Austin, Texas for the past few months and has weighed in on the matter, expressing his belief that Ryan could achieve world championship status in Gi competition if he set his mind to it.
Ryan’s Potential in Gi Competition
“To be completely honest, I believe he could,” Gaudio stated. “I think if he dedicated himself to Gi training the same way he dedicated himself to No-Gi, he would definitely have positive results.”
Gaudio pointed to Ryan’s coaching structure as a significant advantage, particularly under the guidance of renowned coach John Danaher. “John Danaher is also an excellent coach who’s behind him, understanding jiu-jitsu and teaching,” he explained.
Drawing comparisons to Ryan’s dominance in No-Gi, Gaudio added, “He did what he did in No-Gi. So if he put on the Gi and dedicated himself, I believe he would certainly become a world champion in the Gi as well.”
While Ryan has yet to fully embrace elite-level Gi competitions, Gaudio’s endorsement suggests that with the right dedication, he could extend his legacy into the traditional format of the sport.
Ryan’s Health Struggles and Future Plans
This discussion arises amidst Ryan’s ongoing health battles. He recently revealed on Jake Shields’ podcast that he has suffered from chronic stomach issues since 2018, caused by repeated antibiotic treatments for staph infections. These health concerns have severely impacted his training, with Ryan disclosing that during his 2024 ADCC camp, he was only able to complete around 18 high-quality training sessions in the final 10 days leading up to the event.
Despite these setbacks, Ryan remains the dominant force in No-Gi grappling. However, his competitive longevity is uncertain, hinging largely on his ability to resolve these health problems. “If my stomach just got better, I would compete until I was like 40,” he stated. For now, Ryan’s focus remains on recovery and the establishment of his new jiu-jitsu school in Austin, Texas.
The Future of Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Ryan has not shied away from making bold claims regarding his potential impact on Gi jiu-jitsu. In a conversation with Joe Rogan, he argued that he might be “the only person who could save the traditional Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition scene,” critiquing the sport’s point-scoring system and lack of entertainment value.
“If I started competing in the Gi, that’s the only way people would actually watch it,” Ryan asserted. “They’d be like, ‘Oh s*it, this guy’s going to go out there and try to submit everyone.’”
As speculation about Ryan’s potential Gi career continues, his training with Nicholas Meregali has reignited conversations about how his No-Gi skills might translate to the traditional format. Ryan, who has been a black belt for over six years, trained extensively in the Gi up to brown belt. Notably, he once defeated a black belt in a Gi match while still a purple belt.
Gi vs. No-Gi: The Endless Debate
The ongoing debate over Gi versus No-Gi jiu-jitsu remains a major talking point in the grappling community. The primary difference between the two lies in the attire and rules: Gi practitioners wear a thick cotton uniform and can use grips on the fabric to control and submit their opponents, while No-Gi competitors wear rashguards and tight-fitting shorts, relying purely on body mechanics and grip fighting.
Advantages of Training in the Gi
More Available Moves and Submissions: The Gi allows for a wider array of techniques, as competitors can use their opponent’s clothing for grips and control.
More Training Opportunities: Gi jiu-jitsu has been practiced for longer than No-Gi, making it easier to find schools and competition opportunities.
Despite the distinctions, personal preference and goals largely determine whether an athlete prioritizes one style over the other. If Ryan does choose to enter the Gi circuit, it could mark a significant shift in the competitive landscape, drawing increased attention to a format that some feel has lost its excitement.
For now, the jiu-jitsu world can only speculate whether Gordon Ryan will make his long-anticipated leap into the world of Gi competition. One thing is certain—if he does, the sport will never be the same.
Godron Ryan rolling with Nicholas Meregali in the Gi:
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
