No Gi Grappling
in Exeter.

If you're searching for no gi grappling in Exeter or submission wrestling classes in Exeter, you're looking for a faster, more dynamic style of grappling that complements traditional gi BJJ or stands on its own as one of the most effective combat sports. No gi is the fastest-growing side of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, driven by the explosion of high-level competition like ADCC, EBI, and UFC.

At Costello BJJ, our no gi program is led by Luke Costello, an ADCC World Championship competitor. Let that sink in. ADCC is the Olympics of no gi grappling, featuring the absolute best grapplers on the planet. Luke didn't just compete, he earned his spot against the world's elite. There is no higher credential in submission grappling.

Luke is, without question, the most qualified no gi instructor in Exeter. You won't find another coach in the region with his level of experience, competition pedigree, and depth of no gi knowledge. If you're serious about no gi grappling, this is where you train.

Gi vs no gi: What's the difference?

Gi BJJ uses the traditional kimono (gi), which allows you to grip lapels, sleeves, and pants to control your opponent and execute chokes and sweeps. It's technical, methodical, and rewards patience and precision.

No gi BJJ (submission wrestling) removes the gi entirely. You train in shorts and a rash guard. Without grips on clothing, the pace becomes faster, more explosive, and more scramble-heavy. Control comes from body positioning, underhooks, overhooks, and limb control rather than fabric grips.

Both are BJJ. The principles are the same: control, positioning, leverage, and submissions. But no gi emphasizes speed, athleticism, and scrambling, while gi emphasizes grips, patience, and technical precision.

Why train no gi?

More realistic for self-defence and MMA

In real-world scenarios, people don't wear kimonos. They wear t-shirts, hoodies, or nothing at all. No gi grappling teaches you to control and submit opponents without relying on clothing grips. You can't grab a collar that isn't there. This makes no gi significantly more applicable to real-world self-defence than traditional gi training.

No gi control comes from body positioning, underhooks, wrist control, and limb isolation, all of which work whether your attacker is wearing a thick jacket or is shirtless. It's pure grappling, stripped down to what actually works when there's nothing to grab.

If you're interested in MMA, no gi is essential. Every UFC fighter trains no gi grappling. It's faster, more explosive, and translates directly to MMA's cage environment where fighters wear shorts and nothing else.

Faster pace and more dynamic movement

Without gi grips to slow things down, no gi becomes a fast, fluid chess match. Scrambles are constant. Positions change quickly. You learn to adapt on the fly, develop explosive movement, and chain submissions together.

This makes no gi incredibly engaging and fun. Every roll feels like a high-intensity problem-solving session where you're constantly moving, reacting, and hunting for submissions.

Improves your gi game

Training no gi makes your gi game sharper. Without grips to rely on, you're forced to develop tighter control, better positioning, and more effective submissions. When you go back to the gi, everything feels easier because you've been training with fewer tools.

Many top gi competitors (including Luke Costello) train no gi regularly because it sharpens their fundamentals and exposes weaknesses in their control and positioning.

ADCC: The highest level of no gi grappling

The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championship is widely considered the most prestigious no gi grappling competition in the world. It happens every two years and features the absolute best grapplers on the planet.

Luke Costello competed at the ADCC World Championship, which means he's tested his no gi skills against the best in the world. When you train no gi at Costello BJJ, you're learning techniques and strategies from someone who's competed at the absolute pinnacle of the sport.

What you'll learn in no gi classes

• No gi-specific control: Underhooks, overhooks, wrist control, body locks, and how to control without grips
• Dynamic guard passing: Fast, explosive passing strategies that work without gi grips
• Leg locks: Heel hooks, knee bars, toe holds, and ankle locks (more common in no gi than gi)
• Guillotine and front headlock systems: Essential no gi attacks from standing and ground
• Back attacks and rear naked chokes: The highest-percentage submissions in no gi
• Wrestling and takedowns: Shots, sprawls, and takedown defence critical for no gi success
• Live rolling: Fast-paced sparring where you test your skills against fully resisting opponents

Is no gi harder than gi?

Not harder, just different. No gi is faster and more slippery, so escapes are easier but control is harder. Gi is slower and more methodical, with more emphasis on grips and patience.

If you're brand new to grappling, either is fine to start with. Many people train both. Gi builds a strong technical foundation; no gi builds explosiveness and adaptability. Together, they make you a complete grappler.

Who should train no gi?

• MMA fighters or aspiring fighters: No gi is essential for MMA grappling
• Self-defence focused individuals: No gi is more applicable to real-world scenarios
• Gi practitioners: No gi will sharpen your gi game and expose weaknesses
• Anyone who wants a fast-paced, dynamic workout: No gi is intense, engaging, and incredibly fun
• Competitors: ADCC, EBI, and UFC all use no gi rules. If you want to compete at the highest levels, you need no gi experience

No gi grappling in Exeter with world-class instruction

At Costello BJJ, you're learning no gi from Luke Costello, an ADCC World Championship competitor, IBJJF World Champion, and 4x European Champion. Luke's competitive background in both gi and no gi gives him a unique depth of grappling knowledge.

Our no gi classes welcome all levels, from complete beginners to experienced grapplers. You'll learn cutting-edge techniques, train in a supportive environment, and roll with skilled training partners who will challenge and elevate your game.

Ready to start no gi training?

Your first class is free. No experience required. Come see why no gi grappling has become one of the fastest-growing combat sports in the world.

Book your free trial class or visit us at Costello BJJ Exeter in Marsh Barton.