In a candid discussion on “On Borrowed Time with Craig Jones,” the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star highlighted a serious issue affecting the sport today: the struggle to attract and retain female practitioners due to the behavior of some male participants.
During the podcast, Jones reflected on an anecdote involving a female acquaintance who had experienced disrespectful treatment from a male training partner. This led to a broader conversation about the climate women face in BJJ.
“Especially now [in] sport, we have trouble getting women in the sport and then due to the actions of dudes in the sport, we have trouble keeping them,” Jones stated frankly.
Jones emphasized his personal stance on the issue, noting that despite what some might assume from his social media presence, he actively distances himself from men who mistreat women. “I do not want to associate with dudes like that,” he affirmed.
He offered straightforward advice to male practitioners: “Don’t be the dude… don’t send the DM after… don’t make it weird.” This simple guidance underscores how inappropriate behavior outside the mats can negatively impact the sport’s environment for women.
The conversation highlights an important reality in combat sports: technical training alone isn’t enough to build an inclusive community. The social dynamics and treatment of women both on and off the mats play a crucial role in whether female athletes feel welcome and respected in BJJ spaces.
Jones’s comments reflect a growing awareness among high-profile male athletes about their responsibility to help create a more welcoming environment for women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
