Craig Jones: Jiu Jitsu, $2 Million Prize, CJI, ADCC, Ukraine & Trolling | Lex Fridman Podcast #439

Introduction (0s)

• The text introduces Craig Jones, a martial artist and submission grappler known for his humor and online trolling.
• Despite his comedic persona, Jones is a highly skilled grappler and a kind-hearted individual who aims to make a positive impact on the world.
• Jones is involved in a new grappling tournament called CJI, which offers over $2 million in prize money and aims to grow the sport.
• The CJI tournament is free to watch online and all ticket profits go to charity, primarily cancer research.
• The text encourages viewers to support the CJI tournament by purchasing tickets and attending the event in person.
• The text also highlights the upcoming ADCC tournament, which is taking place on the same weekend as the CJI tournament.
• The text encourages viewers to watch both tournaments and celebrate the athletes competing in both.
• The text mentions that the speaker has trained with many of the athletes and considers them friends, including Craig Jones, Gordon Ryan, and John Danaher.
• The text concludes by inviting viewers to join the speaker and Craig Jones for a discussion.

1 million in cash (3m4s)

• The speaker was invited to Joe Rogan's podcast with a million dollars in cash.
• The speaker was advised not to tell anyone about the cash, but they sent pictures of it to their friends.
• The speaker was accompanied by a security guard provided by Joe Rogan.
• The speaker stated that they are risk-averse, but enjoy adventure and are willing to take risks if it is part of the local culture.
• The speaker mentioned going to Ukraine twice recently, including to the front lines.
• The speaker was in Kazakhstan when they decided to go to Ukraine.

Kazakhstan (5m8s)

• The speaker filmed a segment in Kazakhstan, a country that still carries the memory of the film "Borat" which was perceived as offensive.
• The speaker participated in a traditional Kazakh game called "Buzkashi" where a goat or sheep carcass is used as a ball and riders on horseback compete to score.
• The speaker was initially meant to film the game from the sidelines but a drunk stuntman took him into the game, placing him in a dangerous situation among the riders.
• The speaker was wearing a distinctive sweater that made him stand out, and the riders were angry at his presence in the game, which they take very seriously.
• The speaker was mistaken for making "Borat" jokes, which further angered the riders.
• The speaker's presence in Kazakhstan was met with a mixed reaction, with some people initially liking him and then disliking him again.

Ukraine (7m33s)

• The speaker traveled to Ukraine to film a documentary about the war. He organized a Jiu-Jitsu seminar in Kyiv, which turned out to be the largest in Ukrainian history.
• The speaker visited the front lines near Kyiv and spent two nights there. He experienced firsthand the constant threat of air strikes and the fear that comes with living under such conditions.
• The speaker also visited Chernobyl, which was heavily guarded by Ukrainian troops. He was able to gain access through a connection he made and witnessed the abandoned and desolate state of the area.
• The speaker traveled to Odessa, which had been heavily bombed. He witnessed the resilience of the people, including an elderly man exercising in his underwear.
• The speaker traveled to Kherson, which was under heavy Russian bombardment. He was escorted by a police chief and witnessed the destruction caused by the war. He was also close to an artillery strike that killed one person and injured others.
• The speaker observed the use of drones in the war, both by Ukrainian and Russian forces. He learned about the effectiveness of cheap, consumer-grade drones in warfare and the potential for autonomous drones to become a major factor in future conflicts.
• The speaker discussed the morale of Ukrainian soldiers, noting that they are facing a prolonged war and are often forced to pay for their own equipment. He also observed the psychological warfare being waged on both sides of the conflict.
• The speaker reflected on the impact of the war on his own perspective, noting that he had come to realize that Ukrainian soldiers are ordinary people who are fighting to protect their homeland and families.
• The speaker expressed concern about the potential for the war to escalate and the possibility of civilian casualties. He also discussed the potential for drone technology to be used in attacks on public figures.
• The speaker concluded by saying that the war in Ukraine is a complex and multifaceted conflict with no easy solutions. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution but acknowledged that the situation remains uncertain.

Bali (39m42s)

• Jiu-Jitsu provides access to a diverse group of people, including oligarchs, royalty, and tech wizards. The speaker believes that martial arts, particularly Jiu-Jitsu, fosters a sense of community and mutual respect regardless of background or social status.
• The speaker is working on a documentary project that focuses on the global Jiu-Jitsu community, highlighting the diverse and interesting individuals involved in the sport. The project aims to showcase the positive aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, including its health and psychological benefits, and to promote the sport beyond competition.
• The speaker draws inspiration from Anthony Bourdain's approach to food culture, aiming to present an honest and authentic portrayal of the Jiu-Jitsu world, including its positive and negative aspects. The speaker believes that the project can contribute to the growth of Jiu-Jitsu by appealing to a wider audience and promoting community engagement.
• The speaker plans to incorporate charitable work into the project, supporting local communities and individuals involved in Jiu-Jitsu. The speaker highlights the work of Christos, a Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Bali who provides training and skills development to disadvantaged children.
• The speaker acknowledges the "trolling" aspect of their personality and believes that it stems from a deep love and respect for the sport. The speaker aims to present a balanced and respectful portrayal of the Jiu-Jitsu community, even when highlighting its quirks and idiosyncrasies.

CJI (47m1s)

• The CJI tournament is a grappling event with a $3 million budget, two divisions, and two super fights. The winner of each division receives $1 million, and all participants receive $110,000. The event is scheduled for August 16th and 17th, the same weekend as ADCC.
• The primary goal of CJI is to increase athlete pay. The speaker argues that ADCC has not increased its prize money despite the growth of the sport and its audience.
• The speaker initiated CJI after receiving criticism for not competing in ADCC due to the low payout. He received a $3 million donation from an anonymous source to fund the event.
• CJI offers a higher payout than ADCC, with a $110,000 appearance fee and a $1 million prize for each division winner. The event is also broadcast for free on Meta X and YouTube.
• The speaker claims that ADCC has been forced to increase its prize money and offer show money to athletes to keep them from competing in CJI. He provides evidence of this through documents and conversations with athletes.
• The speaker believes that CJI has benefited the sport of grappling by increasing athlete pay and providing opportunities for competitors who might not have otherwise been able to compete in ADCC.
• The speaker acknowledges that the scheduling of CJI on the same weekend as ADCC was a marketing ploy, but he believes that fans will be able to enjoy both events.

Gabi Garcia (58m4s)

The Alley (1h0m58s)

• The speaker discusses the "Alley," a new grappling competition format featuring angled walls. The angled walls are designed to eliminate the need for referees to constantly reset matches, which can be time-consuming and potentially biased.
• The speaker argues that the angled walls are a better alternative to cages, which can slow down the action and make it difficult for spectators to see the match.
• The speaker explains that the "Alley" format is designed to incentivize action and finishes by using rounds and a scoring system similar to MMA. The speaker also emphasizes that the event is non-profit and will donate proceeds to charity.
• The speaker discusses the challenges of organizing the event, including securing athletes, dealing with their managers, and competing with established events like ADCC.
• The speaker mentions that some high-profile athletes, such as Mikey Musumeci and Kade Ruotolo, declined to participate in the event, citing various reasons. The speaker expresses disappointment but also acknowledges that the athletes have the right to choose their own paths.
• The speaker highlights the potential impact of the event, arguing that it could help grow the sport of Jiu-Jitsu by providing a platform for athletes to earn significant prize money and by making the event accessible to a wider audience.

Gordon Ryan and Nicholas Meregali (1h16m8s)

• Craig Jones and Nicholas Meregali have a history of competition, dating back to the Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship where Meregali defeated Jones in the semifinals.
• Jones and Meregali faced off again at ADCC, with Jones winning a close decision.
• A rematch was planned after ADCC, but Meregali opted for a vacation instead.
• The rematch was rescheduled for February, but Jones pulled out due to his commitment to helping Vulkanos.
• Jones has been approached about a rematch on multiple occasions, but he is only interested if the price is right, citing a figure of half a million dollars.
• Jones believes he could defeat Meregali in a rematch, but he is not interested in a one-and-done match, suggesting multiple rematches.
• Jones and Gordon Ryan have a strained relationship, but Jones believes they could reconcile through couples therapy.
• Jones is open to an intellectual debate with Ryan, comparing it to a political debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Trolling (1h23m1s)

• The speaker discusses the concept of "trolling" in martial arts, suggesting that it requires a worthy adversary with a large enough profile to make the trolling impactful.
• The speaker mentions that Hanada Lano is a "different class of human being" when it comes to trolling, while CH Sonnen is also a skilled troll.
• The speaker believes that CH Sonnen is a better talker than him, considering the higher stakes and potential consequences of trolling in MMA.
• The speaker's journey to becoming a "coral belt" level troll began after moving to America, where he found that people took themselves too seriously, making them easy targets for his Australian-style banter.
• The speaker views his trolling as a form of "justice" and believes that it ultimately brings balance to the martial arts community.
• The speaker does not regret his trolling and believes that it is ultimately a fun and entertaining aspect of the sport.

ADCC (1h25m49s)

• The speaker discusses his relationship with Mo, the organizer of ADCC, which has become strained due to disagreements over athlete compensation.
• The speaker believes that athletes should be paid more, and he feels that ADCC's current business model is not allocating funds effectively.
• The speaker has publicly criticized ADCC's compensation practices and has launched his own grappling organization, CJI, which aims to be more transparent and athlete-centric.
• The speaker believes that ADCC should be more transparent about its finances and that events should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to pay for a subscription.
• The speaker's CJI organization will be transparent about its finances and will provide athletes with data on their viewership, empowering them to negotiate better sponsorship deals.
• The speaker believes that his approach to promoting grappling, which includes making events free to watch, will ultimately grow the sport.
• The speaker believes that he could potentially take over ADCC in the future, but he acknowledges that his organization needs to prove itself first.

Training camp (1h36m2s)

• The speaker discusses the psychological and physical demands of preparing for major Jiu-Jitsu competitions like the CJI and ADCC. They emphasize the constant pressure of feeling like you're not training enough, the heightened stress levels, and the impact on sleep quality.
• The speaker believes that the optimal training approach varies greatly from person to person, citing examples like Nicky Rod who thrives on high-volume training and Nicky Ryan who prefers shorter, more intense sessions.
• The speaker shares their personal preference for a more relaxed approach to training, often performing well even after missing significant training time due to injury or travel. They believe that a strong technical foundation and good physical condition can compensate for a lack of high-volume training.
• The speaker acknowledges the importance of hard rounds leading up to competitions, but emphasizes that the intensity and frequency should be tailored to the individual athlete's needs and stage in their career.
• The speaker discusses the strategic aspect of training, considering the opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the best rule set to exploit those weaknesses.
• The speaker prefers short, high-intensity training sessions, finding long, drawn-out training sessions to be too taxing on the body.
• The speaker discusses the challenges of rolling with seminar participants, acknowledging the desire of many to test themselves against a world-class athlete. They balance the need to provide good technique instruction and rolling opportunities with the risk of injury.
• The speaker describes their approach to rolling at seminars, typically opting for short, intense rounds with multiple partners. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and being prepared to defend themselves if necessary.
• The speaker acknowledges the increased risk of injury when rolling with unfamiliar partners, especially those who are eager to prove themselves. They believe that the days of being able to freely roll at any gym are over, and that it's safer to train privately with trusted partners.
• The speaker shares their observations about the intensity of training partners from different regions, particularly noting the reputation of Polish Jiu-Jitsu practitioners for their aggressive style.

Breaking legs (1h47m45s)

• The speaker discusses breaking legs in Eastern Europe, stating that they did so three or four times to send a message.
• The speaker clarifies that they do not enjoy the violence itself, but find it humorous in retrospect.
• The speaker explains that they were tired and jet-lagged when they were confronted, and questioned why the individuals were trying to hurt them.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of tapping quickly when in a submission hold, as it is dangerous to resist.
• The speaker describes the situation as "wild" and notes that the individuals involved believed they were being invited to compete in the CJI.

Advice for beginners (1h48m27s)

• Minimizing Injury: Beginners should focus on minimizing injury by relaxing, avoiding panic, and training at a pace that allows them to understand what is happening. Panicking leads to fatigue and potential injury.
• Training Partners: It is important to choose safe training partners who will not inflict excessive pain. Trusting your training partners is crucial for avoiding injury.
• Developing a Game: Innovation in Jiu-Jitsu can be achieved by studying tape, reverse engineering techniques, and finding creative ways to beat opponents. This can involve developing unexpected moves that make opponents panic.
• Humorous Approach: Adding humor to Jiu-Jitsu can make the sport more enjoyable and help popularize techniques.
• Zuckerberg's Jiu-Jitsu: Mark Zuckerberg is a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast who is committed to training and competing. He is a humble beginner who is eager to learn.

Volk (1h55m7s)

• The speaker discusses his training experience with UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski, highlighting Volkanovski's humble beginnings and his dedication to training despite being from a small gym in a remote location.
• The speaker emphasizes Volkanovski's exceptional cardio and mental toughness, particularly during weight cuts, and his ability to transform into a fierce competitor before fights.
• The speaker acknowledges the challenges Volkanovski faces in dealing with losses and expresses interest in seeing him compete in grappling matches, particularly against other UFC stars.
• The speaker discusses the strengths of Dagestani wrestlers and fighters, attributing their success to their relentless training style and their willingness to push themselves to the limit.
• The speaker believes that Dagestani wrestlers' aggressive approach can be effective in MMA and wrestling but may not translate as well to grappling competitions, where techniques like pulling guard and submitting from the back can negate their grinding pressure.
• The speaker expresses confidence in his ability to submit opponents with the "buggy choke," a submission hold that he believes can be effective even at the highest levels of competition.
• The speaker shares his experience training with Dagestani grapplers in Odessa, noting their intense training style and their willingness to push themselves to the point of exhaustion.

Future of jiu jitsu (2h4m9s)

• The future of jiu-jitsu is likely to involve continued innovation and refinement of techniques, with new submissions and strategies emerging.
• The integration of wrestling into jiu-jitsu is seen as a potential exciting development, encouraging more dynamic and offensive exchanges from a standing position.
• The emphasis on exciting and aggressive gameplay is expected to be rewarded, with social media playing a significant role in promoting and celebrating fighters who take risks and engage in dynamic matches.
• The potential for injuries is a concern, with the possibility of fighters pushing themselves beyond their limits and risking serious harm.
• The use of penalties and referee intervention is anticipated to discourage stalling and promote more active and engaging matches.

Steroids (2h7m16s)

• The speaker discusses the prevalence of steroid use in athletes, stating that it is difficult to determine the exact percentage. They acknowledge that some athletes may be genetically gifted, while others may use steroids to enhance their performance.
• The speaker expresses their dislike for accusations of steroid use without concrete evidence, emphasizing that some athletes may be naturally talented and not using performance-enhancing drugs.
• The speaker mentions Gabby Garcia, a female jiu-jitsu competitor, and expresses admiration for her strength and beauty. They also mention placing a bet on her success in a competition.
• The speaker discusses their experience with Alex Jones, a controversial media personality, and describes a situation where Jones was rendered unconscious during a jiu-jitsu match. The speaker expresses concern for Jones' well-being and finds the situation humorous.
• The speaker shares their personal experience with being put to sleep during a jiu-jitsu demonstration, describing the feeling of confusion and disorientation. They compare this experience to waking up in a hotel room and feeling disoriented about their location.
• The speaker mentions David Kinei and a joke about autoerotic asphyxiation, which they initially did not understand.

Hope (2h10m44s)

• The speaker expresses a belief that humor is a powerful force that can be used to challenge societal norms and address difficult issues.
• The speaker advocates for the freedom to make jokes, even if they are controversial, as long as they are funny.
• The speaker believes that humor can be a tool for social change and that it is important to fight against "cancel culture" by ensuring that jokes are not censored simply because they are not well-received.