Craig Jones is a well-known Australian grappler who earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Lachlan Giles and thoroughly trained with coach John Danaher in the late 2010s and early 2020s as a member of the Danaher Death Squad (DDS) competitive team. In 2021, Craig and a few members of his previous DDS team joined the B-Team, a group founded by Jones. Craig Jones, a two-time ADCC Trials champion and the 2017 tournament's #1 choice despite weighing 88 kilogrammes, made a lot of people take notice when he submitted Leandro Lo, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation's (IBJJF) World No-Gi Champion (purple belt division). Later in his career, Jones would win a number of important competitions, including many belt titles in the Polaris Invitational promotion, solidifying his position as one of the best grapplers of his period.
Craig Jones BJJ – The Early Days
Jones was born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, South Australia. Craig Jones age is now 30 years old. His passion for athletics dates back to his earliest years. He dabbled in football and basketball early on, but ultimately settled on martial arts as his sport of choice. Instead, for a short time, Craig tried his hand at Judo and Taekwondo. Then, as a teen, he found mixed martial arts and found that it was a better fit for him than the classical disciplines.
Craig Jones, then 15 years old, joined in his cousin's BJJ academy in the hopes of one day being a UFC world champion. Craig began building a name for himself after the local grappling scene while training at the ISOHEALTH Academy with Matt Jones. When he reached the purple belt, Craig migrated to the Maromba BJJ Academy in Melbourne. That school eventually became Absolute MMA, where he trains to this day.
After an impressive showing in the 2015 IBJJF Worlds, Jones was awarded a brown belt by Lachlan Giles. About the same time, he began working as a full-time teacher in Melbourne. Craig Jones BJJ earned his black belt from Giles after only one year of training.
Craig Jones is not just a BJJ expert but also a psychology graduate with a focus on behavioural science.
Jiu-Jitsu discovered by Craig Jones.
Even as a young child, he was introduced to martial arts. Early and intense exposure to both Taekwondo and Judo. At age 15, Jones began studying under his cousin, also named Jones, in the art of Jiu-Jitsu. However, Craig was a huge mixed martial arts fan and could see himself as a potential Jiu-Jitsu athlete in the future. At first, he was interested in Jiu-Jitsu with the end goal of competing in tournaments.
Jiu-popularity Jitsu's in Australia has skyrocketed in recent years. Craig competed in BJJ tournaments whenever he could, even though there weren't many in his area. Despite being limited in the number of events he could enter, Craig Jones would have initial success. Consequently, he has become a well-known lower belt. As a result, Craig developed loftier Jiu-Jitsu goals.
DDS fell apart, and the B squad was born
Following his successful trials at the white and blue belt levels, Matt Jones would promote Craig to the purple belt. During his time off, he planned to travel to the United States and enter various events there.
To Jones' surprise, Jiu-Jitsu was rapidly gaining popularity on the opposite side of the world, and he quickly realised that he could make a living as a professional competitor. When Craig eventually returned to Australia, he settled on Melbourne as his new base due to the greater Jiu-Jitsu options available there. Jones planned to begin working out with Lachlan Giles at Maromba Academy in Melbourne. Since Jones has left, the organisation has been called "Absolute MMA."
In addition, Jones would later demonstrate his superiority at the 2015 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship. As a result, he became the first person to ever win a single world title.
Craig Jones BJJ Career
Craig Jones had established his reputation in Australia long before he gained international acclaim. But his BJJ efforts before his historic ADCC performance are no walk in the park either. His phenomenal showing in the 2015 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships marked his debut on the international BJJ stage. Defeating each and every one of his opponents with remarkable ease, he eventually became the global champion. Later, the mysterious 26-year-old claimed that he had trained with a handful of buddies in his living room and still come out on top. He also earned bronze at the 2016 UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro and a spot in EBI.
Craig Jones' success can be attributed in great part to his high-level of play and strategic complexity. He is at the pinnacle of BJJ skill. The BJJ community is well aware of his reputation as a leg locks expert who can complete a heel hook in a matter of seconds. Jones may have a soft spot for leg locks, but he doesn't dismiss the rest of BJJ. He's a well-rounded BJJ athlete with a strong emphasis on defence, particularly his Z-Guard. Given his preference for No-Gi, it comes as no surprise that he has a game that relies heavily on submissions. The results of his innovations in the art of leg locking speak for themselves. His DVD contains all of the most important information about his strategy.
Craig is exceptional at BJJ because of his fascinating mind in addition to his technical ability. He is versatile enough to succeed in any weight class and under any set of rules. Jones also devotes much time to watching old games on tape and going to seminars in order to improve his skills. A model worker in every sense of the word. Craig Jones is particularly proud of his ability to perform exceptionally well under great duress. That major in psychology is really paying off, isn't it?
Craig Jones’ ADCC debut
If Craig Jones's performance at EBI 11 wasn't enough to get the attention of the BJJ community, then perhaps ADCC 2017 will do the trick. To his surprise, he made it into the 88-kilogram weight class, which had many world champions.
His first opponent would be Leandro Lo, the current IBJJF champion and a prohibitive favourite to repeat as champion. In another unexpected turn of events, however, Craig would RNC Lo and force him to submit.
Craig Jones moves to the US
Craig is always travelling due to his status as one of the most ongoing professional grapplers. For obvious reasons, this complicates his plans to go back to Australia and subsequently the United States.
To this end, Jones made the tough decision to go to the United States. With this plan, he could reduce the distance he had to travel to tournaments significantly. He didn't have access to a gym at home in the United States and instead trained wherever his travels took him.
Craig Jones’ 2020-2021 run
Craig Jones continued to compete despite the fact that the majority of the world was in quarantine due to a pandemic. He would primarily compete for Who's #1 Promotion out of Austin, Texas, and Submission Underground.
Craig went 9–2 in Underground Submission bouts. Most notably, Vinny Magalhaes was harmed after he claimed that leg locks were ineffective, despite having just beaten Gordon Ryan.
EBI 14 – The Almost Champion
Jones was invited back to EBI shortly after ADCC, this time to compete in the Absolute tournament. Craig Jones, a welterweight, showed his BJJ adaptability once again by defeating three much larger opponents via heel hook in under two minutes.
Two of the top players in the world squared off in a thrilling final at EBI 14. One was our mysterious Australian, and the other was Gordon Ryan, winner of both the EBI and the ADCC several times. Jones forced extra time and came very close to winning the EBI world title. He had Ryan in an armbar that was as tight as any in BJJ history. Nonetheless, Ryan deservedly escaped, although with arm injuries, and went on to win the match and the championship.
Despite Craig Jones's latest failure, he is not giving up. At 26, he has plenty of time on his hands. And he is making tremendous strides forwards, already surpassing some legendary performers. Very respectable for a nobody who doesn't regularly train with world-class black belts. Keep a watch on Craig Jones, who is heel hook his way to fame and fortune!
The DDS breakup and formation of the B team
After the failure of their migration to Puerto Rico, DDS relocated to Austin, Texas; however, shortly thereafter, John Danaher announced on Instagram that the group was disbanding.
He, along with Garry Tonon and Gordon Ryan, would start their own fitness centre. The B Team Academy would be founded by Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, Nick Rodriguez, and Ethan Crelinstein.
Surprisingly, both fitness centres can be found in Austin, Texas, and are conveniently close to one another.
Craig Jones’ legacy
At 31, Craig Jones is just getting started leaving his mark on the world. Beginning in 2017, he has been one of the sport's most prolific competitors.
Jones has set himself up for continued success in professional grappling with the opening of his own gym, which he co-founded with some friends. He hopes to expand his list of accomplishments and accolades in the near future.
Conclusion
Craig Jones is a two-time ADCC Trials champion and the 2017 tournament's #1 choice despite weighing 88 kilogrammes. He earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Lachlan Giles and trained with John Danaher in the late 2010s and early 2020s. In 2021, Craig joined the B-Team, a group founded by Jones. As a young man, he first became interested in Jiu-Jitsu through his love of mixed martial arts. He has since gone on to become the first person to ever win a single world title in the discipline.
Craig Jones is at the pinnacle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has won gold at the ADCC. The 26-year-old made his debut on the international stage at the 2015 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships. He also earned bronze at the 2016 UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro and a spot in EBI. Craig Jones was invited back to compete in the Absolute tournament at EBI 14. He defeated three much larger opponents via heel hook in under two minutes.
Most notably, Vinny Magalhaes was harmed after he claimed that leg locks were ineffective, despite having just beaten Gordon Ryan. The B Team Academy was founded by Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, Nick Rodriguez, Ethan Crelinstein and John Danaher after the DDS group broke up. The mysterious Australian came very close to winning the EBI world title, but failed in an armbar attempt against Gordon Ryan. Craig Jones is one of the most successful grapplers in the world. The 31-year-old has just opened his own gym, which he co-founded with some friends. He hopes to expand his list of accomplishments and accolades in the near future.
Content Summary
- Craig Jones is a well-known Australian grappler who earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Lachlan Giles and thoroughly trained with coach John Danaher in the late 2010s and early 2020s as a member of the Danaher Death Squad (DDS) competitive team.
- Craig Jones, a two-time ADCC Trials champion and the 2017 tournament's #1 choice despite weighing 88 kilogrammes, made a lot of people take notice when he submitted Leandro Lo, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation's (IBJJF) World No-Gi Champion (purple belt division).
- His passion for athletics dates back to his earliest years.
- Craig Jones BJJ earned his black belt from Giles after only one year of training.
- However, Craig was a huge mixed martial arts fan and could see himself as a potential Jiu-Jitsu athlete in the future.
- At first, he was interested in Jiu-Jitsu with the end goal of competing in tournaments.
- Jiu-popularity Jitsu's in Australia has skyrocketed in recent years.
- Craig competed in BJJ tournaments whenever he could, even though there weren't many in his area.
- Despite being limited in the number of events he could enter, Craig Jones would have initial success.
- Consequently, he has become a well-known lower belt.
- DDS fell apart, and the B squad was born Following his successful trials at the white and blue belt levels, Matt Jones would promote Craig to the purple belt.
- During his time off, he planned to travel to the United States and enter various events there.
- When Craig eventually returned to Australia, he settled on Melbourne as his new base due to the greater Jiu-Jitsu options available there.
- Jones planned to begin working out with Lachlan Giles at Maromba Academy in Melbourne.
- In addition, Jones would later demonstrate his superiority at the 2015 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship.
- As a result, he became the first person to ever win a single world title.
- Craig Jones had established his reputation in Australia long before he gained international acclaim.
- His phenomenal showing in the 2015 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships marked his debut on the international BJJ stage.
- He also earned bronze at the 2016 UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro and a spot in EBI.
- Craig Jones' success can be attributed in great part to his high-level of play and strategic complexity.
- He is at the pinnacle of BJJ skill.
- The BJJ community is well aware of his reputation as a leg locks expert who can complete a heel hook in a matter of seconds.
- The results of his innovations in the art of leg locking speak for themselves.
- Craig is exceptional at BJJ because of his fascinating mind in addition to his technical ability.
- Craig Jones is particularly proud of his ability to perform exceptionally well under great duress.
- Craig Jones' ADCC debut If Craig Jones's performance at EBI 11 wasn't enough to get the attention of the BJJ community, then perhaps ADCC 2017 will do the trick.
- Craig Jones moves to the US Craig is always travelling due to his status as one of the most ongoing professional grapplers.
- For obvious reasons, this complicates his plans to go back to Australia and subsequently the United States.
- To this end, Jones made the tough decision to go to the United States.
- With this plan, he could reduce the distance he had to travel to tournaments significantly.
- He didn't have access to a gym at home in the United States and instead trained wherever his travels took him.
- Craig Jones' 2020-2021 run Craig Jones continued to compete despite the fact that the majority of the world was in quarantine due to a pandemic.
- He would primarily compete for Who's #1 Promotion out of Austin, Texas, and Submission Underground.
- Craig went 9–2 in Underground Submission bouts.
- EBI 14 – The Almost Champion Jones was invited back to EBI shortly after ADCC, this time to compete in the Absolute tournament.
- Craig Jones, a welterweight, showed his BJJ adaptability once again by defeating three much larger opponents via heel hook in under two minutes.
- Two of the top players in the world squared off in a thrilling final at EBI 14.
- One was our mysterious Australian, and the other was Gordon Ryan, winner of both the EBI and the ADCC several times.
- Jones forced extra time and came very close to winning the EBI world title.
- He had Ryan in an armbar that was as tight as any in BJJ history.
- Nonetheless, Ryan deservedly escaped, although with arm injuries, and went on to win the match and the championship.
- Despite Craig Jones's latest failure, he is not giving up.
- At 26, he has plenty of time on his hands.
- Keep a watch on Craig Jones, who is heel hook his way to fame and fortune!
- The DDS breakup and formation of the B team After the failure of their migration to Puerto Rico, DDS relocated to Austin, Texas; however, shortly thereafter, John Danaher announced on Instagram that the group was disbanding.
- He, along with Garry Tonon and Gordon Ryan, would start their own fitness centre.
- The B Team Academy would be founded by Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, Nick Rodriguez, and Ethan Crelinstein.
- Surprisingly, both fitness centres can be found in Austin, Texas, and are conveniently close to one another.
- Craig Jones' legacyAt 31, Craig Jones is just getting started leaving his mark on the world.
- Beginning in 2017, he has been one of the sport's most prolific competitors.
- Jones has set himself up for continued success in professional grappling with the opening of his own gym, which he co-founded with some friends.
- He hopes to expand his list of accomplishments and accolades in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Craig Jones
Craig Jones stands at 6’2 inches tall and is roughly the same size as Gordon Ryan. However, in terms of weight, he typically competes around the 90KG mark, meaning his walkaround weight may be slightly higher (remember, BJJ weight cuts aren’t as intrusive as those practised in MMA).
Like many BJJ practitioners, Jones has put on muscle and size over the years. In his early days as a black belt, he would compete at under 77KG, meaning he was a lightweight. Before this, he was also known as a welterweight and had quite a slim, skinny frame in his earlier years.
Throughout his time training, Craig Jones has been taught by two main coaches. His first was Lachlan Giles which is when he lived in Australia and trained with him. Here, he got his black belt and made a name for himself. He then moved to the USA and married an American woman. After that, he began training with John Danaher in New York City before joining him in Puerto Rico.
After this, he moved to Austin, Texas and began his own gym, meaning like many BJJ black belt practitioners, he is now without an official coach.
Craig Jones currently trains at ‘The B-Team’ in Austin, Texas. This is the gym of Jones, alongside his friends. He previously trained under John Danaher in Puerto Rico and before that trained with Danaher in Renzo Gracie’s gym in New York. Before joining the USA, Jones originally trained under Lachlan Giles for several years in his native Australia.
Craig Jones was born in 1991 and did not get international recognition until his shock ADCC 2017 run, where he tapped out Leandro Lo and Chael Sonnen. Interestingly, most BJJ practitioners who are elite are known in their teens and even during their childhood.
This was not the case for Jones, who was something of a ‘late bloomer’ outside of Australia. Since then, he’s made up for lost time and has become one of the best no-gi grapplers of his generation.
In 2021, Craig Jones broke his hand during a training session. This resulted in him missing out on several high profiles BJJ super fights and competitions. During this time, Jones still trained regularly and at a good pace. However, he would often be seen wearing a bandage around his right hand whilst sparring. Whilst training, when injured, is not advised in BJJ, if you’re a professional like Craig Jones, then it’s understandable.