Craig Jones is an Australian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the most influential submission grapplers of his generation. Known for his innovative leg lock systems, offensive guard game, and dry sense of humour, Jones rose from relative obscurity to become one of the sport’s biggest stars through standout performances at the ADCC World Championships.
Originally representing Absolute MMA under Lachlan Giles, Jones became internationally recognised after his breakout run at ADCC 2019, where he submitted several elite competitors to reach the final of the under 88 kg division. He later joined B-Team Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, alongside Nicky Rod, Nicky Ryan and Ethan Crelinsten after leaving the Danaher Death Squad.
Beyond competition, Jones has become one of the sport’s leading instructors, producing highly regarded instructional content focused on leg locks, guard passing and submission systems. In 2024, he launched the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), an event that disrupted professional grappling by offering one of the largest prize pools in the sport’s history.
Jones is widely regarded as one of the most entertaining personalities in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, balancing world-class competitive success with a humorous approach that has helped grow the sport’s mainstream appeal.
Athlete Information
Full Name: Craig Jones
Nationality: Australian 🇦🇺
Born: 17 July 1991
Birthplace: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Team: B-Team Jiu-Jitsu
Rank: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Weight Division: 88 kg / Absolute
Style: No-Gi Submission Grappling
Coach: Lachlan Giles (black belt)
Career Highlights
- ADCC World Championship Silver Medallist (2019)
- ADCC World Championship Bronze Medallist (2022)
- Founder of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI)
- Multiple-time Polaris Professional Champion
- Multiple-time EBI Invitational Champion
- Defeated numerous ADCC and IBJJF world champions throughout his career
- Recognised as one of the pioneers of the modern leg lock revolution
Fighting Style
Craig Jones is best known for his highly technical submission game, particularly his expertise in heel hooks, inside sankaku positions and back attacks. While initially recognised as one of the world’s premier leg lockers, he has evolved into one of the most complete no-gi grapplers, combining aggressive guard play with elite passing and front headlock attacks.
His instructional approach has heavily influenced modern submission grappling, with many high-level competitors adopting concepts popularised through his teaching.
Notable Achievements
- ADCC World Championship Finalist (2019)
- ADCC World Championship Bronze Medalist (2022)
- Polaris Professional Champion
- EBI Invitational Champion
- GrappleFest Superfight Winner
- Creator of one of grappling’s largest professional tournaments (CJI)
Legacy
Craig Jones has become one of the defining figures of modern no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While his competitive accomplishments place him among the sport’s elite, his influence extends far beyond medals. Through his instructionals, seminars, coaching and the creation of CJI, Jones has played a major role in increasing athlete pay and pushing professional grappling toward a more sustainable future.
His combination of technical innovation, entertainment value and willingness to challenge established norms has made him one of the most recognisable athletes in the sport.