Craig Jones: The Australian Grappler Revolutionizing BJJ and Submission Wrestling

When you mention Craig Jones in BJJ circles, people immediately perk up. This Australian phenom has completely transformed how we view submission grappling, combining technical mastery with an irreverent personality that’s made him one of the most magnetic figures in combat sports today.

I’ve been following Craig’s career for years, and what’s most impressive isn’t just his achievements – it’s how he’s gotten there.

From White Belt to World-Class: The Unexpected Rise of Craig Jones

Craig Jones isn’t your typical BJJ superstar. The Australian grappler began his journey in Adelaide, far from the Brazilian hotbeds where most elite grapplers develop. Yet somehow, this distance created something special – a unique approach to the sport that’s made him one of the most dangerous submission artists on the planet.

What makes Jones truly remarkable is his meteoric rise. While many competitors spend decades grinding before reaching the elite level, Craig exploded onto the scene almost overnight. In 2017, he shocked the grappling world by submitting ADCC champion Leandro Lo, putting himself and Australian BJJ on the map in dramatic fashion.

The Technical Edge That Sets Jones Apart

If you’ve watched Craig compete, you know his leg lock game is absolutely terrifying. He’s developed a system that’s become the gold standard in modern submission grappling, focusing particularly on the Z-guard and heel hook entries that leave opponents with nowhere to hide.

But reducing Craig to just “leg lock guy” would be a massive oversimplification. His back attacks and triangle choke setups are equally devastating, creating a three-pronged attack that makes him unpredictable in competition.

“The difference between good and great in this sport often comes down to specialization. I found my path through the leg lock system, but that was just the beginning.” – Craig Jones

Beyond the Mat: Craig Jones as an Instructor and Personality

What’s truly separated Craig from other competitors is his ability to connect with the BJJ community. His instructional videos aren’t just technically sound – they’re actually entertaining. Jones brings a refreshing authenticity and humor to his teaching that makes complex techniques accessible to practitioners at all levels.

This combination of world-class skills and approachable personality has helped him build one of the most loyal followings in the sport. When Craig speaks, the grappling community listens – whether he’s breaking down a heel hook or cracking jokes on Instagram.

The B-Team Revolution

After his departure from the Danaher Death Squad, many wondered what would happen next for Jones. The answer came in the form of The B-Team – a collective of elite grapplers including Nicky Ryan and Nicky Rodriguez who’ve established themselves as one of the most formidable competitive teams in BJJ.

Based in Austin, Texas, The B-Team represents a new model for grappling collectives – less hierarchical, more collaborative, and definitely more fun. Their success proves that you don’t have to sacrifice personality to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

The Future: What’s Next for Craig Jones?

At just 32 years old, Craig Jones still has plenty left to accomplish. While he’s already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest submission grapplers of his generation, there’s growing speculation about potential crossovers into MMA or even professional wrestling – both formats where his charisma and technical skills could translate brilliantly.

For now, though, Jones seems focused on building The B-Team into a dominant force while continuing to innovate within submission grappling. His recent matches show no sign of technical decline – if anything, he seems to be getting more efficient and dangerous with each performance.

Lessons from Craig’s Journey

If there’s one thing we can all take from Craig Jones’ story, it’s that geography doesn’t determine destiny in combat sports anymore. Coming from Australia – historically not a BJJ powerhouse – Craig proved that with the right mindset, technical focus, and willingness to seek out challenges, you can reach the highest levels no matter where you start.

His journey also highlights the importance of personality in combat sports. In an era where athletes can connect directly with fans, Craig’s authenticity has been as valuable as his armbar.

Want to Train Like Craig Jones?

For grapplers in the Brevard County area looking to develop their submission game, several local academies offer specialized training in the modern leg lock systems that Jones has popularized. These techniques have revolutionized BJJ, and understanding them is essential for any serious practitioner in today’s landscape.

Have you incorporated any of Craig’s techniques into your game? What’s your favorite Craig Jones moment? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss one of the most innovative grapplers of our generation!

Source: Jake Nowakowski