The landscape of professional no-gi jiu-jitsu has been rocked by the recent announcement that Craig Jones, one of the sport’s most influential and charismatic figures, is officially parting ways with B-Team Jiu-Jitsu. This seismic shift marks the end of a highly successful, if often unconventional, chapter for the Austin-based gym and signals a new direction for all parties involved.
Jones, who helped establish B-Team as a powerhouse following the dissolution of the legendary Danaher Death Squad, confirmed his departure via social media, stating simply, “I’m out.” While the full reasons behind the split have not been extensively detailed by Jones himself, sources close to the team and subsequent statements from B-Team members suggest a mutual decision driven by Jones’s increasingly diverse commitments and B-Team’s desire to re-center its focus.
For B-Team, this means a complete rebrand and a new leadership structure. Nicky Ryan, widely recognized as one of the most technically gifted grapplers of his generation, will step into the role of head coach. He will be joined by fellow standout competitors Nicky Rodriguez, Ethan Crelinsten, and Damien Anderson, who will collectively steer the team into its next phase. This rebrand, scheduled for early August 2025, aims to shift away from what some have described as an “influencer-party culture” and back towards a more traditional emphasis on high-level instruction and an elite competition team.
The departure of Craig Jones leaves a significant void. His unique blend of world-class grappling skill, sharp wit, and willingness to challenge the status quo made B-Team a magnetic force in the jiu-jitsu world. He was instrumental in drawing massive attention to the team and its athletes, creating a distinctive brand that resonated with a broad audience. His presence will undoubtedly be missed by fans who enjoyed the candid and often humorous content emanating from the B-Team headquarters.
As for Craig Jones, his future appears to be focused on his burgeoning ventures, most notably the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). This groundbreaking promotion has already made waves by offering unprecedented prize money and attracting top-tier talent, aiming to elevate the financial landscape for professional grapplers. Jones has also hinted at a “farewell tour” that will culminate in a final competitive match against Gable Steveson at CJI 2. Speculation abounds that this might signal a larger transition away from active competition and gym leadership, with a potential focus on coaching international teams or further developing his entrepreneurial endeavors. Some sources even suggest a move back to Australia.
The BJJ community is already buzzing with reactions, ranging from disappointment at the end of an era to excitement for the new directions both Jones and B-Team are pursuing. Gordon Ryan, a long-time rival and former teammate of Jones, also weighed in with strong opinions, further fueling the discussion around this significant development.
The impact of this split on the competitive jiujitsu landscape remains to be seen. B-Team, under its new leadership, will aim to solidify its position as a premier training facility and competition squad. Meanwhile, Craig Jones’s continued influence through CJI and other projects promises to keep him at the forefront of the sport’s evolution, albeit in a different capacity. One thing is certain: 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for nogi grappling, with this latest news adding another compelling layer to its ever-unfolding narrative.
