Craig Jones, hailing from Adelaide, Australia, has become a household name in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. Known for his incredible submission skills and relentless attacking style, Jones has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the top BJJ competitors in the world.
This article will delve into Jones’ journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, his training and lineage, competitive accomplishments, and his influence on the sport.
Born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, Australia, Craig Jones began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 15 under the guidance of Rodrigo Medeiros, a black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie. Jones later trained with Lachlan Giles and received his black belt from Giles in 2016. Lachlan Giles, an accomplished grappler himself, is a black belt under John Simon, who in turn was promoted by Jean Jacques Machado.
Craig Jones rose to prominence in 2017 when he shocked the BJJ world by submitting two world-class competitors, Leandro Lo and Murilo Santana, at the ADCC World Championship in Finland. His performance at ADCC earned him a spot among the world’s elite competitors, and he has since competed against some of the best grapplers on the planet, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the sport.
Throughout his career, Jones has accumulated numerous titles and accolades. Some of his most notable achievements include:
In addition to these accomplishments, Jones has been a fixture in numerous professional grappling events, such as Polaris, EBI, and Grapplefest, where he has consistently showcased his world-class skills.
Craig Jones is best known for his aggressive and attacking grappling style, which has earned him a reputation as a submission hunter. He is particularly skilled in leg attacks, including heel hooks and knee bars, but his versatility allows him to be a threat from almost any position. Jones’ expertise in the Z-guard, also known as the knee shield, has made him a formidable guard player, and his relentless pursuit of submissions keeps opponents on their toes.
As one of the most well-known and respected competitors in the sport, Craig Jones has had a significant impact on the global BJJ community. His success has inspired countless aspiring grapplers and has helped to put Australian BJJ on the map.
Jones has also contributed to the sport through his instructional DVDs and online content. With a focus on his specialty techniques, such as leg locks and guard play, Jones’ instructionals have become popular among practitioners seeking to elevate their game. His clear teaching style and in-depth knowledge make his instructionals invaluable resources for BJJ enthusiasts.
Craig Jones’ meteoric rise to the top of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world has been nothing short of remarkable. As an elite competitor, a skilled instructor, and an ambassador for Australian BJJ, Jones has left an indelible mark on the sport. His dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire the next generation of grapplers and ensure that his legacy will endure for years to come.