Craig Jones

Date: 2024-05-28 | Duration: 2h 14m

Episode Overview

Craig Jones dives deep into the evolving landscape of professional grappling, discussing his efforts to elevate the sport through his own invitational event. He highlights the financial challenges faced by major tournaments like ADCC, emphasizing the need for better athlete compensation and sustainable event models. Jones reveals plans to increase prize money and create opportunities for grapplers to earn more, while maintaining respect for existing organizations. The conversation also touches on the influx of top talent switching promotions, signaling a shift in the grappling world’s competitive dynamics. Jones shares candid stories from his own career, including training struggles, injuries, and the mental aspects of grappling. He reflects on the importance of technique and strategy over brute strength, and recounts memorable moments like intense matches and the camaraderie among fighters. The episode also explores Jones’s views on doping in combat sports, the role of judging in fights, and the challenges of organizing large-scale grappling events. Throughout, his passion for growing the sport and supporting athletes shines through, offering listeners a rare insider perspective on the future of competitive grappling.

About Craig Jones

Craig Jones is a renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, celebrated coach, and champion grappler, known for his innovative techniques and strategic prowess on the mat. With a competitive career that includes multiple prestigious titles, he has become a prominent figure in the jiu-jitsu community, earning accolades for his captivating performances in events like the ADCC World Championships. Beyond his achievements, Craig is also the co-founder of B Team Jiu-Jitsu, where he trains and mentors aspiring athletes, sharing his deep knowledge of the sport. His engaging personality and ability to break down complex grappling concepts make him a fascinating guest, as he delves into the nuances of jiu-jitsu and the mindset required for success, captivating audiences on platforms like the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Submission Grappling
– Mixed Martial Arts
– ADCC
– Craig Jones Invitational
– MMA Training
– Injury Recovery
– Grappling Techniques
– Event Promotion
– Drug Testing in Combat Sports
– Athlete Sponsorship
– MMA Fighters
– Competition Rules
– Sports Psychology
– Performance Enhancement
– Grappling Superfights
– MMA Coaching
– Sports Injuries
– Combat Sports History
– MMA Event Logistics
0:00:16 – Joe Rogan Experience introduction and opening remarks
0:03:01 – Discussion on raising a million dollars for events
0:04:59 – Overview of ADCC as the biggest grappling event
0:07:27 – Craig Jones shares experience competing in front of large crowds
0:09:29 – Announcement of Nicky Rod joining Craig Jones Invitational
0:10:26 – Intentions behind creating a sustainable grappling organization
0:12:44 – Challenges translating tournament success to seminars
0:14:05 – Tournament format and number of matches faced
0:16:08 – Importance of technique and strategy in grappling
0:17:00 – Discussion about the biggest superfight in grappling history
0:19:24 – Judging system and use of three judges in grappling matches
0:20:45 – Concerns about judging in MMA fights
0:23:09 – Explanation of rules and setup in Karate Combat
0:26:12 – Preparation challenges for high-level grappling matches
0:29:21 – Discussion on concussions and fight injuries
0:31:10 – Technical skill recognition in MMA and grappling
0:34:25 – Legends coming out of retirement for grappling events
0:38:33 – Craig Jones Invitational event planning and impact on other promotions
0:43:01 – Financial challenges and athlete compensation in ADCC
0:46:21 – Fan engagement and potential participants for grappling events
0:49:14 – Language and cultural aspects in grappling communities
0:53:10 – Training discipline and factors behind athlete success
0:56:19 – Early life and training background of Craig Jones
0:59:58 – Influence of Eddie Bravo's instructional materials
1:03:20 – Training through injury and illness
1:07:51 – Unique fighting styles and cultural backgrounds in MMA
1:11:07 – Tactical approaches to grappling escapes and transitions
1:15:19 – Emerging MMA fighters and their potential
1:20:02 – Discussion of severe injuries and fight commitment
1:23:01 – Craig Jones' fibula injury and recovery
1:26:42 – Humorous anecdotes from training and competition
1:30:18 – Trash talk and mental games in MMA
1:32:51 – Controversies and perceptions about steroids in jiu-jitsu
1:40:01 – Remembering elite grapplers and historic matches
1:42:16 – Injury frequency and rehabilitation challenges in grappling
1:51:40 – Opioid crisis and its impact on athletes
1:56:01 – Future possibilities and openness in grappling events
2:00:43 – Comedic interactions and friendships in the grappling community
2:03:02 – Training routines and managing social interaction
2:06:33 – Neck injuries and their severity in grappling
2:09:14 – Closing remarks and well wishes

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:16 It's fading in my old age. Starting point is 00:00:24 I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to do that hearing? Yeah, just one of them. I thought it was cool until the inner ear started to swell Starting point is 00:00:43 I was always scared of the ears because it's just there's a design like it helps capture sound and bring Starting point is 00:01:22 that home with me. Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:47 funding this thing that's one of those things you know your girl takes a trip Starting point is 00:02:37 like a lot of these are just kind of flying around around here you know Starting point is 00:03:01 So how's one even get a million dollars out of a bank? Starting point is 00:03:20 And I mean, that put the energy in him to get it. Starting point is 00:03:49 I mean we're running as a nonprofit Starting point is 00:04:26 Their event is in T-Mobile Starting point is 00:04:59 obviously ADCC is the biggest. Right. And this sells a lot of ticket sales, but Starting point is 00:05:33 to the division winners so 10k is the winner of ADCC and we're gonna pay ten thousand and Starting point is 00:05:59 So for them, raising the money would just be losing more money. Starting point is 00:06:27 some of that should go back towards the athletes even if the ADCC is not making Starting point is 00:07:01 Like, it's not going to be that crazy if you choose the right venue. Starting point is 00:07:27 Obviously, I've never competed in front of that many people before. Starting point is 00:07:51 Well we kind of, I mean yeah obviously athletes can't do both but in terms of for the fans, Starting point is 00:08:32 of a payment increase. Starting point is 00:08:58 ADCC and the Craig Jones Invitational and Starting point is 00:09:29 I'm going to announce today Nicky Rod's jumping across. Starting point is 00:09:45 I I can't say any names in particular, but a lot of the old legends Star...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10157?

Craig Jones was the guest on JRE #10157. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10157?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10157 with Craig Jones, topics include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts, and Craig Jones Invitational.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10157?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10157 with Craig Jones is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.