Either path works. Gi often slows exchanges and teaches grips; no-gi often rewards wrestling and body control. Start with whichever your local gym teaches well and that you will attend consistently.
Open BJJ Team
Either path works. Gi often slows exchanges and teaches grips; no-gi often rewards wrestling and body control. Start with whichever your local gym teaches well and that you will attend consistently.
Pick the format you can attend three times in your first month. Habit beats theoretical optimization.
Gi can help beginners feel control through grips, but it is not required. Consistency and coaching quality matter more than fabric.
Not if you later learn grips deliberately. Many athletes cross-train successfully in both.
Start where you can train regularly. Switching later is normal.
Heel hooks are generally not legal for white belts in IBJJF-style competition, and Open BJJ marks heel-hook IBJJF legality as restricted. ADCC and MMA rulesets often allow heel hooks, but event rules and division details always matter.
Build a simple closed-guard system around posture breaks, scissor and hip-bump sweeps, and two high-percentage submissions so every defense creates another threat.
No, you do not need to be in shape before starting BJJ. Class itself can build useful fitness if you manage intensity, breathe calmly, and train consistently.