Craig Benjamin Jones, born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, Australia, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a distinguished competitor and coach.
Renowned for his no-gi prowess, Jones has been a defining force in shaping modern grappling techniques. His career has significant achievements and profoundly influenced the global Jiu-Jitsu community.
This article delves into some captivating insights on Craig Jones’s jiu-jitsu career, showcasing how he’s shaped the sport and continues to inspire grapplers worldwide.
- 1. Early Beginnings in Jiu-Jitsu
- 2. Educational Background
- 3. Rapid Rise through the Ranks
- 4. IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
- 5. Stellar ADCC Performances
- 6. Polaris Pro Grappling Champion
- 7. EBI and Kasai Achievements
- 8. Training with the Best BJJ Coaches
- 9. Mastery of Leg Locks
- 10. High-Profile Competitions
- 11. Strategic Brilliance
- 12. A Philosophy of Teaching
- 13. Launching the Craig Jones Invitational
- Conclusion
1. Early Beginnings in Jiu-Jitsu
Craig Jones embarked on his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2006 at his cousin’s academy in Adelaide.
His athletic background, which includes participating in Australian rules football and basketball, showcases his diverse physical capabilities and laid a strong foundation for his martial arts career.
2. Educational Background
Holding a degree in Behavioral Science, Jones skillfully integrates psychological insights into his competitive strategies.
3. Rapid Rise through the Ranks
Craig’s progression in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was nothing short of meteoric. Training under Lachlan Giles, he demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication.
By 2016, he had earned a black belt—an achievement that speaks to his skill and determination.
4. IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
- IBJJF World NoGi Champion in 2015 as a purple belt
Jones set a high standard early in his career by claiming the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship as a purple belt in 2015, demonstrating his potential to become a top competitor.
5. Stellar ADCC Performances
- ADCC World Championship Silver in 2019 and 2022
- ADCC Asian & Oceania Trials Winner in 2014 and 2016
Jones is a two-time ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship silver medalist, underscoring his prowess in one of the sport’s most challenging competitions.
6. Polaris Pro Grappling Champion
- Polaris 205 lbs Champion in 2018)
- Polaris 185 lbs Champion in 2018 and 2019)
Securing three Polaris titles, Jones has demonstrated consistent excellence in competition, reinforcing his status as a grappling elite.
7. EBI and Kasai Achievements
- EBI 11 Invitational Bronze in 2017
- Kasai 2 185lbs Grand Prix Bronze in 2018
- Kasai 5 205lbs Grand Prix Bronze in 2019
Craig Jones’s participations and achievements in tournaments like EBI and Kasai further cement his standing among the grappling elite.
8. Training with the Best BJJ Coaches
Jones trained under some of the sport’s most influential teams, including Lachlan Giles and John Danaher, before founding B-Team Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas.
9. Mastery of Leg Locks
Jones has played a crucial role in popularizing sophisticated leg attacks, significantly influencing no-gi grappling strategies.
10. High-Profile Competitions
Jones has competed against top-tier opponents such as UFC veteran Donald Cerrone, Gordon Ryan, and Chael Sonnen, with these matches being particularly memorable for their strategic depth.
11. Strategic Brilliance
Known for his analytical approach, Jones excels at executing complex techniques under pressure, making him a formidable strategist on the mat.
12. A Philosophy of Teaching
Beyond competing, Jones is passionately committed to coaching and shaping the next generation of grapplers with his innovative techniques and deep strategic insights.
13. Launching the Craig Jones Invitational
In 2024, Craig Jones announced his grappling tournament, characterized by a substantial prize pool that showcases his entrepreneurial vision for the sport.
This move highlights his commitment to elevating competitive standards and enhancing the financial rewards for athletes within the grappling community.
Conclusion
Craig Jones is not just a competitor but a pioneer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
His journey from a young athlete in Adelaide to a globally recognized grappler and coach illustrates his dedication, skill, and influence in the sport.
As he continues to compete and teach, his legacy is bound to expand, inspiring future generations of martial artists worldwide.
