National American Grappling Association comes to Austin

The National American Grappling Association (NAGA) came to Austin this weekend for a regional tournament.  NAGA hosts the country’s oldest and largest Submission Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournaments in the United States.

There are two types of grappling, Gi and No-Gi, differing in technique, rules, but the most notable difference is clothing.   A “gi” can also be called a “kimono” and consists of a pair of heavy cotton drawstring pants, and a heavy cotton jacket with a thick collar and a hem that is notched on either side.  Gi matches range between 3 and 5 minutes and appear to be favored by younger participants, while No-Gi matches run slightly longer, are more popular among young adults, and appear to be more brutal.  

Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial arts that are practiced both as combat sports and for self-defense. Grappling most commonly does not include striking or the use of weapons. No-Gi grappling appears similar to traditional wrestling, but quickly degenerates into a regulated version of Fight Club.