Craig Jones: The Grappling Phenom Redefining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Background in BJJ

Craig Jones, born on July 17, 1991, in Adelaide, Australia, has rapidly risen to become one of the most influential and recognized figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Starting his journey in grappling relatively late compared to his peers, Jones began training in BJJ at the age of 15. Under the tutelage of various instructors, including Lachlan Giles, Jones honed his skills, focusing primarily on the competitive aspects of the sport. His dedication and passion for BJJ led him to earn his black belt in a remarkably short period, showcasing his exceptional talent and understanding of the art.

Competition Record

Craig Jones’ competition record is nothing short of impressive. He gained international fame at the 2017 ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) World Championships, where he shocked the BJJ community by submitting the renowned Leandro Lo and making it to the semifinals. This performance established him as a formidable competitor on the world stage. Over the years, Jones has collected numerous accolades, including victories at Polaris, EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational), and GrappleFest. His aggressive and dynamic grappling style, particularly his proficiency with leg locks, has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the sport.

Personal Life

Beyond the mats, Craig Jones is known for his charismatic personality and sense of humor, which have endeared him to fans worldwide. He often shares insights into his training routines, travel adventures, and personal life through social media, providing a glimpse into the life of a professional grappler. Jones’ approachable demeanor and candidness have helped demystify the world of elite BJJ, making it more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.

Craig Jones Instructionals on BJJ Fanatics

Jones has also made a significant impact on the competition mats through his instructional videos on BJJ Fanatics. These instructional series cover a wide range of techniques and concepts, from his famous leg lock system to guard passing and escapes. His ability to break down complex techniques into easily understandable segments has made his instructionals immensely popular among practitioners of all levels. By sharing his knowledge, Jones has helped countless grapplers enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

The Split with the DDS

One of the most notable events in Craig Jones’ career was the dissolution of the Danaher Death Squad (DDS), the elite BJJ team led by renowned coach John Danaher. The split, which occurred in 2021, shocked the BJJ community as DDS had been one of the most successful and influential teams in the sport. Following the breakup, Jones, along with several other former DDS members, formed a new team called the B-Team. This move allowed Jones and his teammates to create a training environment that reflected their philosophies and goals.

CJI and a New Paradigm in Grappling

Driven by frustration with athlete pay and the promotional status quo, Jones founded the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) in August 2024, held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. He guaranteed each competitor a minimum payout of $10,001, with two million-dollar grand prizes (for under-80 kg and over-80 kg divisions)—a first in BJJ history. The event streamed for free on YouTube and broke barriers for athlete compensation and accessibility.

For CJI 2, set for August 30–31, 2025, the model evolved. Rather than solo brackets, Jones adopted a team-based, Quintet-style format featuring eight teams of five grapplers battling for a $1 million prize. The event will also host a women’s tournament—the largest payout ever in women’s BJJ ($100,000)—and a superfight pitting Craig Jones against Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson. CJI 2 will remain free to watch on YouTube, despite production support from FloGrappling.

Learn more about the success of our article, Craig Jones Invitationals.

Retirement & the End of an Era

In July 2025, during an interview on *Morning Kombat*, Jones confirmed that his superfight at CJI 2—against Steveson—would likely be his final competitive match. He framed it as a forced break to recuperate from burnout and reflection on the relentless pace he’d maintained. Around the same time, he announced the closure and forthcoming rebranding of B-Team, acknowledging the impracticality of continuing amid his frequent absences. Wikipedia also confirms the retirement post-CJI 2.

In this podcast, Craig Jones discusses his retirement and the split of the B-team.

What This Means for Grappling

Craig Jones’s competitive exit marks the end of a seismic era in BJJ: from technical innovation and instructional influence to fan-first event promotion and athlete empowerment. CJI 2 promises both a triumphant farewell and a blueprint for a more athlete-centric future. Whether he returns, “comes back,” or vanishes remains part of the mystery he’s always maintained—one that will keep fans watching.

Conclusion

Craig Jones’ journey from a young grappler in Australia to a global BJJ icon is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. Whether through his remarkable competition record, engaging instructional content, or groundbreaking initiatives, Jones continues to influence and inspire the BJJ community worldwide. As he forges ahead with new ventures and challenges, the grappling world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the career of this exceptional athlete.

Gordon Ryan Instructionals: Beginner to Advanced

John Danaher

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Who is John Danaher

• Born 7 on April 1967, in the United States, but grew up in New Zealand
• Started BJJ under Renzo Gracie in the early 90s
• 6th Degree black belt
• His most famous original DDS students were Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon.

Top 5 John Danaher Quotes

1. On Mastery and Excellence:
– “True mastery is never out of reach, but rather a forever ongoing process. It is the journey that counts, not the destination.”

2. On the Importance of Fundamentals:
– “Fundamentals are the foundation upon which all advanced techniques are built. You cannot truly excel without a strong understanding of the basics.”

3. On Learning and Progress:
– “Consistent, deliberate practice is the key to progress in any field. It’s about improving one aspect at a time and not becoming overwhelmed by the whole.”

4. On Strategy and Tactics:
– “A sound strategy is the cornerstone of effective tactics. You must understand the bigger picture to make the right decisions in the heat of the moment.”

5. On the Mindset of a Champion:
– “Champions are not made in the ring; they are merely recognized there. The true battle happens long before you step into the arena, in your daily habits, discipline, and relentless pursuit of improvement.”

Top 3 Most Popular Podcasts Featuring John Danaher

1.  The Joe Rogan Experience
Episode: #1111 – John Danaher
Summary: In this highly popular episode, John Danaher sits down with Joe Rogan to discuss his philosophy on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his approach to teaching, and his experiences training some of the sport’s top athletes. Danaher delves into the mental aspects of BJJ and the importance of innovation in martial arts and shares stories from his coaching career.

2. Lex Fridman Podcast
Episode:** #182 – John Danaher
Summary: John Danaher joins Lex Fridman to explore the deeper intellectual and philosophical elements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the development of Danaher’s famed leg lock system, the concept of mastery in martial arts, and the future of grappling sports. This episode is a favorite among BJJ enthusiasts for its in-depth analysis and thoughtful discussion.

3. Jake Shields’ Fight Back Podcast
Episode: #48 – John Danaher
Summary: In this insightful episode, John Danaher talks with Jake Shields about his systematic approach to teaching BJJ, the principles that underpin his training methods, and his thoughts on discipline and peak performance. Danaher also shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from years of coaching elite grapplers, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the science and art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Top Achievements of John Danaher’s Students

1. 1. Gordon Ryan
      • Achievement: Multiple-time ADCC World Champion
      • Details: Gordon Ryan has become one of the greatest grapplers ever. He has won multiple ADCC World Championships, dominating his weight class and the absolute division.
   2. Garry Tonon
      • Achievement: ADCC Medalist
      • Details: Garry Tonon has earned medals at the ADCC World Championships and is known for his aggressive and exciting grappling style. He has also successfully transitioned to a professional MMA career.
   3. Eddie Cummings
      • Achievement: EBI Champion
      • Details: Eddie Cummings is renowned for his mastery of leg locks and has won multiple titles at the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI), a prestigious submission grappling tournament.
   4. Nicky Ryan
      • Achievement: Youngest ADCC Competitor and Medalist
      • Details: Nicky Ryan made history by becoming the youngest competitor at the ADCC World Championships and has medaled in this elite competition, showcasing his prodigious talent.
   5. Nick Rodriguez
      • Achievement: ADCC Silver Medalist
      • Details: With less than two years of BJJ training, Nick Rodriguez stunned the grappling world by winning a silver medal at the ADCC World Championships, demonstrating incredible athleticism and skill.
   6. Craig Jones
      • Achievement: ADCC Silver Medalist
      • Details: Craig Jones has consistently been one of the top competitors in international grappling, earning multiple medals at the ADCC World Championships and establishing himself as a top submission artist.
   7. Nicholas Meregali
      • Achievement: ADCC Silver Medalist
      • Details: Nicholas Meregali switched to the New Wave team a few years back and has since focused mostly on his no-gi game. On top of the silver medal in ADCC 20222, he has won several Flograppling events against high-level opponents.

Another rising student of John is the female fighter, Helena, known as HelenaJiuJitsuGirl. She is still not an adult but has been racking impressive wins at the Flograppling events and the ADCC 20224 trials.

Personal Life

After completing his university studies in Auckland, he returned to the United States and continued his education in New York, pursuing a Ph.D. in epistemology. To support his studies, he started working at night as a bouncer. Before coming to America, he had only a limited understanding of stand-up fighting and no experience in ground fighting. On several occasions in various podcasts, he has recounted how he initially didn’t believe in ground fighting until he saw other bouncers with wrestling backgrounds easily take down their opponents to the ground.

However, one of his colleagues at the University sparked his interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after he could control John, who was much bigger than he was, after a short time of training in BJJ. After that, John wanted to learn more about this art form and attended the Renzo Grazie Academy in New York.

When he was a purple belt, he was asked to help with the academy classes because Renzo often had to travel for fights and seminars. This led to his career as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, which later evolved into a full-time instructor position at the gym, where he ran classes and taught private sessions.

He stayed at the Renzo Academy until 2020, when he and some students decided to move to Puerto Rico and open a school there. A big reason for this was the pandemic, which made it hard for them to train in New York. They never opened the school in Puerto Rico, and the team split in the middle of 2021 when John Danaher moved to Texas and created a new team known as the New Wave.

Please read our article Renzo Gracie and John Danaher to learn more about their early days together.

John Danaher’s Best-Selling Videos

What caught everyone’s attention was how he created a system centered on leglocks and had his students demonstrate how they could finish more experienced fighters using his system. Everyone was eager to learn it, so they were an instant hit when John Danaher’s leglock instructionals came out.

Below are some of the most popular John Danaher videos on BJJ Fanatics.

• Enter the System
• Go Further Faster Bundle
• New Wave Jiu Jitsu

John Danaher’s instructional videos contain so much information that they have become a go-to for learning all the details about BJJ techniques. There is so much to learn here that it’s often hard to comprehend. To study and learn from his videos effectively, it is best to take notes and break down the learning into smaller, manageable blocks, rather than trying to absorb everything simultaneously.

Buying his videos will leave you with content to learn for years. As a black belt, I often return to his videos to review aspects I missed, such as positions, control, or techniques.

Although the price for these high-quality videos may initially seem slightly pricey, it becomes more affordable when you consider the amount of knowledge you gain and how long these videos will stay with you.

Master the Move: John Danhers’ Latest Series

The first video of his latest series was released in July 2024. In the Master the Move series, John will dive deep into the most successful and high-probability moves. With this series, he aims to identify the most significant moves you should focus on to progress more quickly. You can execute these moves even when the opponent knows you are going for that technique.

Head over to BJJ Fanatics and check out this new series by Danaher.

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John Danaher Instructional

Gordon Ryan: The King of Grappling

For nearly a decade, Gordon Ryan has ruled the no-gi Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu landscape. Widely regarded as the GOAT of no‑gi grappling, he pairs world‑class skill with shrewd marketing—turning wins into best‑selling instructionals on BJJ Fanatics and helping elevate professional grappling as a viable career for modern athletes.

Who Is Gordon Ryan?

• Born: July 8, 1995, in New Jersey
• Started BJJ: Age 15 under Miguel Benitez
• Black Belt: 2016 from Garry Tonon
• Major Titles: 7× ADCC and 2× IBJJF World Champion

Recent Career Highlights

• 2024 – Won his fights in ADCC
• 2024 – Defeated Josh Saunders in a comeback test
• 2023 – Beat Felipe Pena at Who’s Number One
• 2022 – Captured ADCC gold and won the Super Fight vs. Andre Galvao
• 2021 – Announced a temporary retirement due to health issues

Gordon Ryan Record

• Submission Rate: 82%
• Career Record: 98 wins, 5 losses (only one submission loss)
• Top Finish: Rear Naked Choke (~33% of submission wins)
• Leg Locks: Inside heel hook accounts for ~10% of wins

Personal Life

Gordon has been open about ongoing stomach health challenges that have intermittently kept him off the mats—including a brief retirement announcement in 2021. With the help of specialists, he reports significant improvement, though he notes he isn’t fully recovered. He shares health updates and frequent technical breakdowns on Instagram.

He is frequently seen with his longtime partner Nathalia Santoro, a brown belt under John Danaher, who often appears as his training partner in instructional content.

Following the split of the original DDS, several athletes formed the B‑Team. Gordon’s brother, Nicky Ryan, departed as well, and the brothers have not been publicly training together since.

Best‑Selling BJJ Fanatics Instructionals

Gordon is rare in that he actively showcases the systems he sells—often winning matches using the very sequences he teaches. That proof‑of‑concept builds trust and makes his courses some of the most popular in the sport.

• They Shall Not Pass – Comprehensive passing strategies
• The Pillars of Defence – Escapes and survival frameworks
• Systematically Attacking the Legs – Modern leg‑lock system
• Systematically Attacking the Guard – Guard‑cracking principles

Where to start? Echoing John Danaher’s advice: build defence first. If you’re new or returning, begin with The Pillars of Defence to harden your survival skills before layering on aggressive systems.

His YouTube Channel

In 2024, Gordon launched the Gordon Ryan YouTube channel, quickly amassing tens of thousands of subscribers. The content blends technical BJJ breakdowns, behind‑the‑scenes training, and lifestyle pieces—especially his passion for performance cars.

Watch an example video

Kingsway Jiu‑Jitsu — Opened Now in Texas

It’s long been public that Gordon and team planned a Houston academy. With build‑out photos showing fresh Fuji mats, the project moved forward under a new banner: Kingsway Jiu‑Jitsu (rebranding from New Wave). It is now open and appears to be a real success, with numerous people already training there.

Check out their Kingswayjiujitsu.com website to learn more.

Summary

Gordon Ryan remains the biggest star in grappling. His competitive record, high finish rate, and ability to demonstrate systems under pressure have made his BJJ Fanatics catalog a go‑to for serious students. After testing his health in June 2024 against Australian ADCC veteran Josh Saunders, he continued competing at the highest level, reinforcing why he’s called The King.

For a curated path through his catalog, see our pick‑list: Best Gordon Ryan Instructionals for Beginners to Advanced. Or browse everything on BJJ Fanatics.

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