The Gi
- ◆Heavy jacket, pants, and belt
- ◆Grips on the collar, sleeves, and pants
- ◆Slower, more methodical pace
- ◆Builds patience, control, and grip strength
- ◆The traditional path through the belt ranks
No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu in Kannapolis
Same art, no jacket. Rash guard and shorts, faster scrambles, and a grappling game that carries straight over to wrestling, MMA, and self-defense.
- Adult classes
- Mon & Wed nights
- Fundamentals
- Mon & Wed midday
- Kids No-Gi
- Beginner & competition
- What to wear
- Rash guard & shorts
- First week
- Free
Gi vs No-Gi
Which should you start with?
No-Gi
- ◆Rash guard and shorts, no grips on clothing
- ◆Control with underhooks, wrist ties, and body locks
- ◆Faster pace with more scrambles
- ◆Leg locks and wrestling play a bigger role
- ◆Carries straight over to MMA and self-defense
The honest answer: start with whichever class fits your week. The fundamentals are the same in both, and most of our members end up training both.
Who it's for
Built for where you are
Total beginners
No uniform to buy, nothing complicated. Show up in athletic clothes and learn the basics in a fundamentals class.
Wrestlers
Our coaching comes from a folk-style wrestling background. Your takedowns, scrambles, and top pressure fit right in.
MMA & fight fans
Our coaches bring extensive MMA competition experience. No-Gi is the grappling you see in the cage.
Kids
Kids No-Gi classes for beginners and competitors. See the kids program.
Weekly schedule
No-Gi classes
Times change from time to time. Always confirm on the live schedule before you come.
| Day | Time | Class | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 – 2:00 pm | BJJ Fundamentals · No-Gi Adopt-A-Cop | Mike Powell |
| Monday | 7:00 – 9:00 pm | Adult No-Gi | Mike Powell |
| Wednesday | 12:00 – 2:00 pm | BJJ Fundamentals · No-Gi Adopt-A-Cop | Mike Powell |
| Wednesday | 7:00 – 9:00 pm | Adult No-Gi | Mike Powell, Mitch Alley |
| Monday | 5:30 – 6:30 pm | No-Gi Kids Beginners | Mike Powell |
| Wednesday | 5:30 – 6:30 pm | No-Gi Kids Competition | Mike Powell |
Coaches
Coached by competitors
Head Coach Mike Powell has been grappling since 2006 and holds two amateur MMA titles. Black belt Mitch Alley co-teaches Wednesday night No-Gi.
Is No-Gi good for beginners? +
Yes. Our No-Gi fundamentals classes are built for new students. You only need a rash guard or fitted shirt and shorts, so it's an easy way to start.
What do I wear for No-Gi? +
A rash guard or fitted athletic shirt, and shorts, spats, or leggings without zippers or pockets. No jewelry.
Is No-Gi better for MMA and self-defense? +
No-Gi translates directly to MMA and to situations where nobody is wearing a heavy jacket. That said, Gi training builds grip, control, and patience that make your No-Gi better too. Most of our members train both.
Is No-Gi included in my membership? +
Yes. The Adult membership covers unlimited Gi, No-Gi, and open mat. See pricing.
Do kids train No-Gi? +
Yes. We run a beginner No-Gi class and a No-Gi competition class for kids. See the kids program.
Try No-Gi free for a week.
Grab a rash guard and a pair of shorts. That's all you need for your first class.
Claim your free week