Craig Jones

Craig Jones Biography

Craig Benjamin Jones is a renowned Australian grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt competitor and coach, famous for his exceptional skills in no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions. He has gained international recognition as a two-time ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship silver medalist and a three-time Polaris Pro Grappling champion. Craig is the head of B Team Jiu-Jitsu based in Austin, Texas, and founded the Craig Jones Invitational in 2024. His influence stretches beyond competition as he also coaches UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Childhood

Craig Jones was born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, South Australia. Growing up, he was an active child, participating in various sports such as Australian rules football and basketball. He also briefly trained in taekwondo and judo in his early years. His interest in martial arts began as a teenager, with dreams of becoming an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter. At 15, he started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at his cousin's academy, marking the start of his journey in the martial arts world.

Education

While advancing in his grappling career, Craig also pursued formal education and graduated with a degree in Behavioral Science, specializing in Psychology. His educational background complements his coaching and competitive career, providing deeper insights into the mental and behavioral aspects of high-level competition and training. His training under notable coaches like Lachlan Giles in Melbourne and later under John Danaher in New York helped shape his technical and strategic approach to Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Career

Craig Jones' competitive career began gaining traction when he won the IBJJF World No-Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu championship as a purple belt. After earning his black belt, he became a prominent figure in the global grappling community, training with the famed Danaher Death Squad in New York. After the squad disbanded in 2021, Craig founded the B Team Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, alongside former teammates. He competes regularly in prestigious events and has solidified his reputation with victories and silvers in the ADCC World Championships and Polaris Invitational tournaments. He is also recognized as a top coach, specifically mentoring UFC fighters in grappling skills.

Family Life

Details about Craig Jones' family life, including past and present relationships, children, or partners, are kept private and not publicly disclosed. However, his professional and training environments reflect supportive and close-knit team dynamics that play a significant role in his career development and ongoing success.

Achievements

Craig Jones boasts a distinguished list of achievements in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He won the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship at purple belt level, two ADCC Trials championships, and placed second in the ADCC World Championship twice. Additionally, he secured multiple Polaris Pro Grappling titles across various weight classes. His skill with the open guard and submission techniques has earned him a reputation as one of the top grapplers of his generation, influencing the sport and inspiring many practitioners worldwide.

Controversies

Craig Jones has stirred some controversy in the grappling world, largely due to his outspoken personality and his pivotal role in the breakup of the Danaher Death Squad, a highly acclaimed grappling team. The split was attributed to personal and professional conflicts, as well as differing values and individual brand pursuits among members. Despite this, Jones continued to maintain a strong presence in the sport by founding a new team and growing his personal brand through competition and coaching.

Craig Jones Summary

Craig Jones is a prominent figure in Brazilian jiu-jitsu known for his competitive success, coaching prowess, and influential role in modern grappling. From humble beginnings in Adelaide, Australia, to training with some of the best in the world, he has developed into a respected athlete and mentor. His achievements have solidified his legacy in the sport, while his dynamic personality ensures he remains a significant presence in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community worldwide.