28-May-24
JRE MMA Show #157 with Craig Jones
Joe Rogan sits down with Craig Jones, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, coach, and champion grappler, to discuss the exciting world of grappling. This episode is full of insights into Jones’ approach to the sport, his ambitions for his upcoming invitational tournament, and his take on the current state of grappling.
The podcast dives deep into the controversial topic of steroid use in grappling, exploring the ethical and practical implications. It also delves into the inner workings of the competitive grappling world, highlighting the challenges athletes face, the potential for growth, and the future of the sport.
1. Craig Jones’ Invitational Tournament: A New Era for Grappling
- Craig Jones is launching a new grappling tournament, the Craig Jones Invitational, with a massive $3 million budget.
- The tournament aims to compensate athletes significantly better than existing events, with $1 million going to the winners of each division.
- The event also prioritizes charity, with ticket sales going towards various organizations.
- Jones’ objective is to elevate the sport by providing athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and earn substantial rewards.
2. Head-to-Head with ADCC: A Bold Move
- The Craig Jones Invitational will be held on the same weekend as the prestigious ADCC World Championship, creating direct competition.
- Jones argues that this is a necessary move to force ADCC to increase athlete compensation, which he believes has been stagnant for too long.
- While acknowledging the potential for backlash from ADCC, Jones is confident in the long-term benefits for the sport and the athletes.
- The strategy involves attracting top grapplers to his event by offering larger prize purses and making a bold statement about athlete compensation.
3. The Power of Leg Locks: A Game-Changer
- Craig Jones is a renowned leg lock specialist, and he discusses the impact of leg locks on the grappling world.
- He highlights how leg lock techniques have revolutionized the sport, forcing athletes to adapt and develop new strategies to defend against them.
- He emphasizes the importance of studying and mastering these techniques for those aspiring to compete at a high level.
- Jones’ expertise in leg locks has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the world, and his knowledge is valuable to both grapplers and MMA fighters.
4. The Controversy of Steroids in Grappling
- Craig Jones is open about his use of steroids, which is widely accepted in the grappling community.
- He argues that steroids are necessary for athletes to recover from intense training and compete at a high level, but acknowledges the potential risks and ethical concerns.
- The podcast explores the debate surrounding steroid use in grappling, highlighting the conflicting views on its necessity and the future of drug testing in the sport.
- The discussion delves into the implications of openly condoning steroid use on the sport’s image and the long-term health of athletes.
5. The Impact of John Danaher’s Coaching Style
- Craig Jones trained under John Danaher for several years, and he discusses the unique and demanding coaching style of the renowned jiu-jitsu instructor.
- Danaher’s emphasis on year-round training and intense discipline, often pushing athletes to train 365 days a year, is a controversial approach.
- Jones provides insights into the benefits and drawbacks of Danaher’s methods, acknowledging the potential for burnout and the pressure athletes face.
- The discussion highlights the complexities of balancing rigorous training with mental well-being and the importance of finding the right coaching approach for individual athletes.
6. The Importance of Self-Belief and Mental Toughness
- The podcast explores the mental fortitude required to succeed in grappling, emphasizing the crucial role of self-belief and mental toughness.
- Jones contrasts his own approach, which is more relaxed and playful, with the serious and driven mentality of athletes like Alexander Volkanovski, whom he coaches.
- He acknowledges that while different approaches work for different athletes, the ability to overcome challenges and maintain focus is essential for achieving success.
- The discussion touches on the psychological aspects of fighting, including the impact of confidence, resilience, and the ability to handle pressure.
7. The Allure of the “Enhanced Games”: A Controversial Idea
- The podcast touches on the idea of “enhanced games,” where athletes would be allowed to use performance enhancing drugs openly.
- Jones discusses the arguments for and against this concept, including the potential for increased performance and the ethical implications.
- The discussion explores the use of steroids in different sports, including boxing and cycling, highlighting the varying perspectives and regulations.
- The conversation raises questions about the future of drug testing in grappling and the potential impact on the sport’s image and the health of athletes.
8. The Unique Characters of Grappling
- The podcast highlights the personalities of several influential figures in the grappling world, including Genki Sudo and Yoel Romero.
- Jones shares anecdotes about his interactions with these athletes, emphasizing their uniqueness and the diversity of characters found within the sport.
- The discussion delves into the unconventional personalities and backgrounds of these athletes, showcasing the human side of grappling.
- The podcast explores how these athletes have transcended the sport to become cultural figures, inspiring others and demonstrating the transformative power of grappling.
9. The Value of Humour and Perspective
- Craig Jones is known for his sense of humor and his ability to find humor in the often serious world of grappling.
- The podcast highlights his lighthearted approach to the sport and his willingness to poke fun at himself and others.
- Jones emphasizes the importance of perspective and the ability to laugh at oneself, even in the face of intense competition.
- The discussion touches on the cultural significance of humor in grappling and its role in building camaraderie and creating a more enjoyable experience for athletes and fans.
10. The Future of Grappling: A Promising Horizon
- The podcast explores the potential for growth in grappling, both in terms of athlete compensation and fan engagement.
- Jones’ invitational tournament is seen as a catalyst for positive change, pushing the sport towards greater financial stability and recognition.
- The discussion highlights the increasing popularity of grappling, particularly in the wake of the UFC’s success, and the potential for mainstream appeal.
- The podcast concludes with a sense of optimism for the future of grappling, emphasizing the passion of the athletes, the innovation of the techniques, and the growing global community.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I want any negative energy towards the tournament come in my direction, not the anonymous sugar daddy in the background.” – Jones takes responsibility for the financial backing of his tournament, shielding his benefactor from potential criticism.
- “I’ve got to look like a weathered old man out there.” – Jones explains his strategy of appearing less physically imposing to avoid deterring potential students from his instructionals.
- “I’m the worst example of an athlete ever. I don’t stretch, don’t do any recovery, I don’t sleep. I just go easy the first round, I feel like them pushing on my legs.” – Jones humorously describes his unconventional training regimen, emphasizing his focus on technique and strategy over physical conditioning.
- “I think it’s just his brain, yeah, too tough.” – Jones attributes Volkanovski’s ability to withstand submissions to his incredible mental toughness and pain tolerance.
- “I think if you did a good job of this one, you can do it every year. He’s super invested in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu, loves it.” – Jones highlights the commitment of his anonymous sponsor to the sport, suggesting a long-term partnership for the invitational tournament.