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No GI Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Arlington, Virginia

Name: District Marital Arts
Address: 927 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA, 22203, US
Telephone: (703) 988-3474

District Martial Arts offers No-Gi BJJ classes in Arlington, Virginia coached by Charles DiGisco, BJJ black belt and IBJJF No-Gi European Champion; and Carter Brownrigg, a BJJ black belt with a master’s degree in teaching. No-Gi classes are available at All Levels and Competition tracks with multiple sessions per week including early morning, midday, and evening options.

No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is BJJ practiced without the traditional kimono. Practitioners wear shorts and a rash guard, no collar, no sleeves, no fabric grips. The absence of the Gi changes the game significantly: without fabric grips, the game becomes faster, more athletic, and more dependent on body positioning, underhooks, wrist control, and the leg lock game that has become the defining feature of modern No-Gi competition.

At District Martial Arts in Arlington, Virginia, the No-Gi program is one of the most active programs in the gym. Classes run Tuesday morning, Tuesday evening, Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning, with an additional competition-focused session on Monday midday and Friday afternoon. This schedule reflects genuine demand No-Gi has grown substantially as a training priority for DMA members across all experience levels.

Meet Your Coaches

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU & FIGHT TEAM COACH

CHARLES DIGISCO

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU COACH

CARTER BROWNRIGG

The rise of submission grappling organizations ADCC, the EBI, WNO has accelerated No-Gi’s growth as a competitive format. High-profile matches streamed online have introduced a new generation to No-Gi as a primary focus rather than a Gi supplement. For MMA practitioners, No-Gi is the directly applicable format nobody fights in a Gi.

The leg lock game heel hooks, kneebars, ankle locks is far more central to No-Gi than Gi BJJ. Modern No-Gi competition is increasingly leg-lock focused, and DMA’s No-Gi program teaches both the entries and the defenses comprehensively.

Should You Train Both Gi and No-Gi?

The recommendation from experienced coaches at DMA is consistent: train both. The Gi develops patience, positional depth, and grip defense because the game is slower. No-Gi develops athleticism, speed, and leg lock awareness because the game is faster and grips are less available. Most dedicated students train both formats regularly.

If you can only train one: for MMA, No-Gi is the priority. For self-defense, both formats build applicable skills. For general development and competition, training both produces the most complete grappler.

According to the IBJJF, No-Gi competition has grown consistently year over year as one of the most popular formats in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a trend reflected in DMA’s own program growth in Arlington, Virginia.

Ready to Try No GI BJJ at DMA in Arlington, Virginia?

Book a 2-day trial for $39.

927 N Quincy Street, Arlington, Virginia 22203.

(703) 988-3474.

SIGN UP FOR a trial TODAY

CLIENT’S TESTIMONIAL

Dr. Eric Armakan

District Martial Arts (DMA) has everything you could want in a martial arts gym. Excellent coaches and an awesome culture. A gym with all disciplines, all levels, and classes at multiple times throughout the day. Having been to numerous gyms in the area, I'd recommend DMA without hesitation and would consider them the best in the DMV area.

Carlos Garcia

Training partners here are really top notch. Really glad I found this place. Perfect blend of fun, technique, and grit. It was exactly what I was looking for as a working professional coming out of college and getting back into the martial arts. Highly recommend

Theofilos Perperidis

I ‘ve been training at DMA for almost four months now, and it's been an incredible experience. Every session is intense, well-structured, and keeps me coming back for more. The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and push you to improve while maintaining a great, fun atmosphere. The other athletes are welcoming and create a strong sense of community, which makes training even more enjoyable. On top of that, the gym is always spotless, which is something I really appreciate. If you're looking for a top-tier training environment, DMA is the place to be.

Hrant Parsamian

Great place and coaches. Our son has been going there for 6 months and loves it!

Frequently Asked Questions No GI BJJ at DMA

What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi BJJ?

In Gi BJJ you wear the traditional kimono uniform and use collar, sleeve, and lapel grips to control your opponent. In No-Gi BJJ you wear shorts and a rash guard fabric grips are removed, which makes the game faster and emphasizes body positioning, underhooks, and the leg lock game more heavily.

Do I need to already train Gi BJJ to start No-Gi

No. DMA's No-Gi All Levels classes in Arlington, Virginia are accessible to students without prior Gi experience. Many members begin in No-Gi and add Gi training later.

What is the No-Gi class schedule?

No-Gi All Levels: Tuesday 6:30–7:30am, Thursday 6:30–7:30am, Wednesday 8:00–9:00pm. No-Gi Competition: Monday 12:00–1:00pm, Tuesday 6:00–7:00pm, Friday 4:15–5:00pm.

Is No-Gi good for MMA training?

Yes it is the most directly applicable BJJ format for MMA because no Gi is worn in competition. Many DMA members who train MMA use No-Gi as their primary grappling format.