#439 – Craig Jones: Jiu Jitsu, $2 Million Prize, CJI, ADCC, Ukraine & Trolling

At a Glance

• Craig Jones’ Humor and Kindness - “While he does make fun of himself a lot, he is legitimately one of the greatest submission grapplers in the world.” Craig’s humor and kindness shine through his persona, making him a unique figure in the sport.

• Transparency in Athlete Compensation - “I’m a big fan of transparency. If you think I’m an idiot for thinking athletes should get paid more, tell me it.” Craig advocates for transparency in athlete compensation, highlighting an important issue in the grappling world.

• Importance of Transparency - “Transparency in all of its forms.” The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency in sports organizations, such as revealing event viewership numbers and financial details.

• Future of Grappling - “I think the most exciting, best way to watch the sport is if guys engage each other offensively on the feet.” Craig discusses the potential evolution of grappling, focusing on integrating wrestling and submissions for an exciting spectator experience.

• Public Feud and Resolution - “Let’s settle the disagreement in a way that answers the question to the fans.” Craig expresses the need for resolving public feuds through open dialogue and transparency, highlighting the importance of addressing issues for the benefit of the community.

What to Do

• ‘Focus on minimizing injury by relaxing during training’ - By staying relaxed in bad positions and not panicking, you can reduce the risk of injury and improve your longevity in training.

• ‘Train at a pace that suits your intensity and with the right people’ - Finding the right intensity and training partners can help you train effectively without risking injury or burnout.

• ‘Be psychologically relaxed and accept the outcome’ - Being mentally relaxed and accepting of the situation can lead to better performance, even in high-pressure situations.

• ‘Train short duration, high intensity sessions for optimal performance’ - Short, intense training sessions can help maintain competition intensity without putting excessive strain on the body.

• ‘Increase athlete pay to grow the sport’ - By increasing the financial rewards for athletes, you can attract more talent and interest in the sport, ultimately leading to its growth and popularity.

What to Get

• Not Much Here

Summary

In this podcast episode, Lex Friedman interviews Craig Jones, a martial artist and world traveler known for his humor and success in submission grappling. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the upcoming CGI tournament with over two million dollars in prize money, the challenges of training for peak performance, and the importance of making the sport accessible to a broader audience. Craig Jones shares insights into his training philosophy, highlighting the psychological challenges and individualized approach to preparation for major events like CJI and ADCC.

The discussion also delves into the unique aspects of the CGI tournament, such as the use of rounds to incentivize action and the adoption of an MMA scoring structure to appeal to a wider audience. Craig Jones emphasizes the importance of putting on an exciting show to grow the sport of Jiu-Jitsu, contrasting it with the paywall model used by other events. He shares his belief in transparency and openness in the sport, advocating for a more accessible and engaging format for competitions.

Throughout the conversation, Craig Jones’s humor and candidness shine through, offering a glimpse into his unconventional approach to training and competition. From sharing anecdotes about training mishaps to discussing the challenges of balancing preparation with relaxation, Craig Jones provides a unique perspective on the world of submission grappling. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of humor and the ability to find hope and connection in a world that can sometimes seem chaotic and challenging.