#950 - Craig Jones - Drugged In Colombia, Escaping Jail & Defeating UFC Wrestling
In this episode of Modern Wisdom, Jiu-jitsu athlete Craig Jones discusses his plans to transform the sport through his event organization Cji, which aims to challenge ADCC's market position and improve athlete compensation. Jones shares details about his upcoming match against Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson and his evolving relationships with the Danaher Death Squad, including his ongoing rivalry with Gordon Ryan.
The conversation covers Jones's global travels and charitable work, including his experiences establishing Jiu-jitsu schools in Brazil's favelas and Ethiopia through the Guardian program. Jones also recounts personal incidents from his travels, such as being drugged in Colombia, and shares his perspectives on coaching methodology, highlighting Greg Souders' and John Danaher's approaches to teaching Jiu-jitsu.
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Craig Jones's Role and Relationships in Jiu-jitsu
Craig Jones discusses his growing influence in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, particularly through his innovative event, Cji. Jones reveals plans to challenge ADCC's dominance by hosting competing events and implementing engaging formats like team competitions and last-man-standing matches. His corporate takeover of Flow Grappling aims to prevent monopolization while improving athlete compensation.
Jones speaks about an upcoming match against Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson, humorously noting his intention to rely on leg-lock techniques. He also addresses his complex relationship with the Danaher Death Squad, including an ongoing rivalry with Gordon Ryan, though he indicates a recent truce for the sport's benefit.
Craig's Travels: Partying, Drugs, Charity
During his global travels, Jones experienced both challenging and rewarding moments. In Colombia, he fell victim to being drugged with [restricted term], requiring his assistant Seth's intervention. His time in Ethiopia exposed him to disturbing cultural practices, including ritualistic whipping ceremonies and female genital mutilation.
Jones has balanced these experiences with charitable work, particularly through the Guardian program. In Brazil's favelas and Ethiopia, he has helped establish Jiu-jitsu schools for underprivileged youth, providing equipment, training facilities, and educational support.
Craig's Relationships and Interactions With Other Jiu-jitsu Personalities
Jones discusses his reconciliation with John Danaher and the Death Squad, though his rivalry with Gordon Ryan continues to influence potential Cji event participation. He praises Greg Souders' innovative coaching methods, which emphasize problem-solving over repetitive drilling. Jones advocates for a coaching approach that guides athletes to find their own solutions, citing John Danaher as an exemplary coach who succeeded without being an elite competitor himself.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is a prestigious submission grappling tournament known for attracting top talents in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and other grappling disciplines. It features a unique ruleset that emphasizes submission finishes and is considered one of the most prestigious events in the grappling world. Winners of the ADCC are highly respected in the grappling community and often regarded as some of the best submission grapplers in the world. The tournament is held biennially and has a rich history of showcasing high-level grappling competition.
- Danaher Death Squad (DDS) was a renowned submission grappling team led by John Danaher, known for their expertise in leglocks and success in major grappling competitions like the ADCC. Established in 2011 at the Renzo Gracie Academy, the team's unique approach to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu attracted skilled practitioners like Eddie Cummings, who played a pivotal role in the team's formation. The name "Danaher Death Squad" was coined by former member Ryan Quinn, although John Danaher himself does not favor this moniker.
- John Danaher, a renowned Jiu-jitsu coach, is known for his analytical and systematic approach to teaching. He emphasizes problem-solving and understanding the underlying principles of techniques rather than focusing solely on repetitive drilling. Danaher's coaching style aims to empower athletes to think critically and adapt their strategies, fostering a deeper understanding of the sport. His methods prioritize efficiency and effectiveness in training, helping athletes develop a strategic mindset and improve their overall performance.
Counterarguments
- Craig Jones's plans to challenge ADCC might underestimate the brand loyalty and established reputation of ADCC, which could make it difficult for new events to gain the same level of recognition and prestige.
- The corporate takeover of Flow Grappling by Craig Jones could lead to concerns about conflicts of interest, where Jones's own events might receive preferential treatment over others.
- While Jones's reliance on leg-lock techniques against an Olympic wrestler like Gable Steveson is a strategic choice, it could be argued that a more well-rounded approach might be necessary to handle the caliber of an Olympic-level athlete.
- The truce with the Danaher Death Squad, while beneficial for the sport, might not address underlying issues that could resurface and affect the community negatively in the future.
- While charitable work is commendable, establishing Jiu-jitsu schools in underprivileged areas might not address the root causes of poverty and could be seen as a temporary solution or as imposing an external cultural activity.
- The praise for Greg Souders' coaching methods may overlook the benefits of repetitive drilling, which can be essential for muscle memory and perfecting techniques.
- Advocating for a coaching approach that allows athletes to find their own solutions might not be suitable for all learners, as some may require more structured guidance and direct instruction to progress.
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Craig Jones's Role and Relationships in Jiu-jitsu
Craig Jones reflects on his growing influence in the world of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, the success of his Cji event, and his relationships and rivalries within the sport.
Craig's Jiu-jitsu Event: Cji for Exciting Team Competitions, Last-Man-standing Formats, and Dramatic Storylines
Craig Jones is making strategic moves that bolster his influence and challenge the status quo in Jiu-jitsu, such as hosting an event on the same day as ADCC and signing a lucrative contract in grappling history.
Cji Boosts Craig's Influence in Jiu-jitsu, Challenging Adcc's Dominance and Overtaking Flow Grappling
Jones expresses his ambition to grow Jiu-jitsu not just as a sport but as a spectacle. He reveals plans to make Cji events even more engaging by manipulating event duration and drawing attention with dramatic storylines like CJI versus ADCC. His corporate takeover allows him to overtake Flow Grappling, aiming at preventing a monopoly in the sport, innovating it, and improving athlete pay.
Craig's Event Features His Jiu-jitsu Skills and Rivalries, Including a Planned Match Against Olympic Wrestler Gable Steveson
Craig Jones speaks about his event's innovative features, like "the pit," and using strategic storylines to captivate the audience. He mentions a planned matchup against Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson, humorously suggesting Steveson will be perplexed by his tactics. Jones jokes about not training for this match, indicating that he'll rely on his skill to leg-lock Steveson quickly.
Craig Has Clashed With Jiu-jitsu Figures, Including the Danaher Death Squad, Which He Claims to Have Disrupted
Jones acknowledges past conflicts with the Danaher Death Squad, indicating a recent truce for the "greater good." He reflects on rivalries in the sport, highlighting significant incidents like Nicholas Marigale's injury that influence the dynamics of the sport.
Craig's Rivalry With Gordon Ryan Continues Amid Uncertainty About Ryan's Participation in the Next Cji Event
Despite the tension with ...
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Craig Jones's Role and Relationships in Jiu-jitsu
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Cji event is a strategic move by Craig Jones to increase his influence in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by hosting team competitions and unique formats. It challenges established events like ADCC and aims to innovate the sport while enhancing athlete pay. Jones uses dramatic storylines and innovative features to engage audiences and prevent monopolies in the sport.
- ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is one of the most prestigious submission grappling tournaments in the world, known for attracting top Jiu-jitsu practitioners. Flow Grappling is a popular platform for streaming live Jiu-jitsu events and providing coverage of the sport. Both ADCC and Flow Grappling play significant roles in promoting and showcasing high-level Jiu-jitsu competitions and athletes.
- The Danaher Death Squad is a group of elite grapplers known for their exceptional skills in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, particularly in leg locks. Coached by John Danaher, they gained prominence in the competitive grappling scene for their innovative techniques and strategic approach to the sport. Members like Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon have been key figures in the squad, competing at the highest levels and influencing the evolution of Jiu-jitsu with their unique style. Their rivalry with other prominent figures, like Cra ...
Counterarguments
- While Craig Jones is increasing his influence, it's important to recognize that the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community is diverse, and influence can be subjective and vary across different regions and demographics.
- Hosting an event like Cji is commendable, but it may not necessarily lead to long-term changes in the sport without consistent and widespread support from the community.
- Challenging ADCC's dominance is a significant undertaking, and it's uncertain whether Cji can sustain the momentum and support required to truly rival such an established organization.
- Overhauling Flow Grappling's position in the market is a complex task, and it's possible that there's room for multiple organizations to coexist and contribute to the sport in different ways.
- Making events more engaging is a positive goal, but it's important to balance entertainment with maintaining the integrity and core values of Jiu-jitsu as a martial art.
- Featuring personal skills and rivalries can enhance the appeal of events, but it's also crucial to ensure that all athletes have fair opportunities to showcase their talents.
- While a truce with the Danaher Death Squad is mentioned, the dynamics within the sport are ever-changing, and past conflicts may still influence current and future relationships.
- ...
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Craig's Travels: Partying, Drugs, Charity
Craig Jones' travels around the world come with a mix of partying, substance use, startling cultural encounters, and charitable work. His experiences span the vibrant favelas of Brazil, the bustling streets of Colombia, and the tribal lands of Ethiopia.
Craig Has Traveled Widely, Visiting Colombia, Venezuela, and Ethiopia, Often Engaging In Heavy Partying and Substance Use
In Colombia, Craig Was Unknowingly Drugged With [restricted term], Requiring His Assistant's Care
While in Colombia with the intention to party, Craig Jones fell victim to being unknowingly drugged with [restricted term], a substance used to incapacitate victims. During a bar visit for casual drinks, due to his assistant Seth's recent stem cell treatment, shots meant for both Craig and Seth ended up being taken by Craig alone, leading to his immediate impairment.
Later, Seth found Craig vulnerable and unconscious in a "family-friendly location" in Medellin. Notwithstanding the stem cell treatment's debilitating effects, Seth managed to carry Craig out of the establishment. Despite being heavily drugged, Craig astonishingly remembered his banking details, which they later pieced together from security camera footage that showed Seth dragging Craig to their Airbnb.
Craig Witnessed Disturbing Practices Like Whipping and Genital Mutilation In Ethiopia, Affecting Him Despite His Resilience
Craig's visit to Ethiopia exposed him to disturbing cultural practices, which had a profound impact on him. He witnessed a ritualistic whipping ceremony, a coming-of-age ritual for males, and a ritual wherein teenagers ran naked across bulls. Moreover, Craig discussed the whipping ritual for women, whom they whip with branches to show they can handle pain in preparation for sex. Shockingly, some women as young as 12 experienced this ritual, receiving whippings that led to welts and bleeding.
Additionally, Craig was exposed to the after-effects of genital mutilation ceremonies aimed at inducing chastity by removing parts of female genitalia with crude instruments. These deeply affecting experiences highlighted the resilience needed to process such occurrences.
Craig's Charitable Work: Jiu-jitsu Programs for Underprivileged Youth
Craig has coupled his ...
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Craig's Travels: Partying, Drugs, Charity
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Actionables
- You can enhance your travel safety by researching common risks associated with destinations you plan to visit, such as prevalent scams or health advisories, and taking preventive measures like carrying emergency contact information and avoiding risky behaviors. For example, before traveling to a new country, look up travel forums or government websites for any warnings about substances or crimes tourists might encounter, and plan ways to stay safe, like never leaving your drink unattended.
- Reflect on the impact of witnessing difficult situations by journaling your thoughts and feelings after exposure to challenging events or cultures, which can help process emotions and develop empathy. If you come across practices or events that are hard to witness, write down what you saw, how it made you feel, and what you can learn from it to better understand different perspectives and cope with any distress.
- Combine personal interests with community service by identifyin ...
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Craig's Relationships and Interactions With Other Jiu-jitsu Personalities
Craig Jones's connections and interactions with different figures in the jiu-jitsu world reveal the dynamics within the sport, including reconciliations, rivalries, and coaching philosophies.
Craig's Past With Danaher's Team: Reconciliation Leads to Cji Event Participation
Craig Jones speaks about reconnecting with John Danaher, the head of the Danaher Death Squad, stating that they are friends again. Notwithstanding a history of tension, such as the harassment of squad members like Nicholas Meregali, Craig indicates that some former enemies have become friends. This shift in relationships may play a role in his participation in Cji events.
Craig's Rivalry With Gordon Ryan Continues; Ryan's Cji Participation Uncertain
The ongoing rivalry between Craig Jones and Gordon Ryan is acknowledged by Craig, who considers Ryan's involvement in future Cji events doubtful. Although Ryan's status is uncertain, Craig believes Ryan may still be present in a supportive capacity, showing his qualities as a teammate and coach. Despite their competitive rivalry, Craig respects Ryan's contributions to jiu-jitsu and notes that Ryan not competing would be a loss for the sport.
Craig remains skeptical about Gordon Ryan competing at forthcoming Cji events, despite recognizing his stature as a formidable athlete and a driving force in the sport.
Craig Comments on Influential Jiu-jitsu Figures Like Greg Souders, Whose Unorthodox Coaching Methods Positively Impact the Sport
Craig Jones discusses the impact of Greg Souders, coach of the Misfits team, identifying Souders' unique training approach that embraces positional sparring and the athlete's ability to solve problems during training. This method marks a departure from repetitive drilling and is seen by Craig as an influential shift that makes others reevaluate their coaching techniques.
Craig Advocates for a Focus on Coaching and Problem-Solving in Jiu-jitsu, Seeing Souders' Approach As a Positive Step
Craig distinguishes true c ...
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Craig's Relationships and Interactions With Other Jiu-jitsu Personalities
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Clarifications
- Danaher Death Squad (DDS) is an American submission grappling team founded by John Danaher known for their expertise in leglocks and success in major grappling competitions like the ADCC. Established in 2011 at the Renzo Gracie Academy, the team's unique approach to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, particularly focusing on leglocks, has garnered attention in the BJJ community. The name "Danaher Death Squad" was coined by a former member, Ryan Quinn, although John Danaher himself does not favor this moniker.
- Nicholas Mere ...
Counterarguments
- Reconciliation with John Danaher and participation in Cji events may not necessarily indicate a significant change in the dynamics of the sport or Craig's approach to competition.
- Rivalries, such as the one between Craig Jones and Gordon Ryan, can sometimes overshadow other important aspects of the sport, such as technical development or community building.
- The absence of a competitor like Gordon Ryan could also provide opportunities for other athletes to emerge and for the sport to evolve in new directions.
- Greg Souders' unorthodox coaching methods, while innovative, may not be universally applicable or effective for all athletes or other coaching environments.
- The emphasis on problem-solving in training could potentially overlook the benefits of other training methods, such as repetitive drilling, which can also be crucial for skill acquisition and muscle memory.
- The idea that the best competitors do not necessarily make the best coaches might underval ...
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