Australian grappling star Craig Jones has made an announcement that will send ripples through the jiu-jitsu community: B Team as we know it will cease to exist following the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) tournament on August 30-31 in Las Vegas.
In a revelation during what he calls his “farewell tour to America,” Jones declared that CJI will mark his final professional match before retiring from competitive jiu-jitsu.
“B Team as we know it will also cease to exist,” Jones stated. “B Team is going to be taken over and rebranded. It’s going to be ran by Nicky Ryan, head coach. Nick Rod will be there. Ethan will be there. Damien will be there. Me, I’m out of here.”
The announcement represents a shift for one of jiu-jitsu’s most recognizable teams. B Team, known for their unconventional approach and social media presence, has been a fixture in the grappling world under Jones‘ leadership. The team’s rebranding under Nicky Ryan‘s guidance signals a new era though Jones made it clear his departure is final.
Jones is currently on a road trip across America, visiting cities for open mat sessions rather than traditional seminars.
“We’re heading down the entire East Coast. Any of the cities we visit, we’re just popping in for open mats. That’ll be my training camp for the Gable Stevenson matc,”
he explained. The tour will continue to the West Coast, culminating in Las Vegas for CJI.
The Australian’s decision to step away from competitive jiu-jitsu comes at the height of his career. Through CJI, Jones has positioned himself as an advocate for fair athlete compensation in the sport, pushing for equality and ensuring competitors receive proper pay rather than having to “hustle for seminars.”
“After August 31, I don’t know what I’m doing, but you will not see me again.”
He encouraged fans to either catch him during his farewell tour or attend CJI for a final goodbye.
The announcement has left the jiu-jitsu community processing the end of an era. Jones‘ influence extended beyond competition as he championed athlete rights and fair compensation while building B Team into a recognizable brand. His departure marks not just the end of his competitive career but the conclusion of B Team’s current identity.
For fans wanting to bid farewell to one of jiu-jitsu’s most polarizing figures, CJI represents their last opportunity to see Jones compete professionally before he leaves both America and the sport behind.
