Podcast Summary
Martial Arts Disruption: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete Craig Jones challenges the status quo in martial arts by focusing on unique characters and addressing athlete poverty through innovative funding methods.
Craig Jones, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete and combat tournament promoter, is shaking up the world of martial arts with his unconventional approach. He's not interested in the sport itself but rather the unique characters he can provoke within it. Jones has also taken it upon himself to address the issue of athlete poverty in the sport by organizing a million-dollar tournament, aiming to prove that the athletes deserve a larger share of the profits. Jones's willingness to challenge the status quo and disrupt the industry, from his provocative trolling to his innovative funding methods, makes him a fascinating figure in the world of martial arts. Whether you're a fan or not, his actions are shedding light on the financial struggles faced by athletes and potentially paving the way for change.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dynamics: Celebrities and business executives are attracted to BJJ due to its low risk of brain damage and singular focus, but poor social skills and steroid use can negatively impact the sport. The speaker's nonprofit competition aims to promote the sport positively while giving back to charity.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, while sometimes seen as "lame," has gained popularity due to its low risk of brain damage and appeal to those with a singular focus. Celebrities and business executives are drawn to the sport for these reasons. However, those with poor social skills and the use of steroids can significantly impact the sport's dynamics. The speaker's experience in Japan led him to discover used underwear in a vending machine, which could potentially serve as a social barrier for athletes. The speaker's nonprofit competition, which donates a portion of the ticket sales to charity, is an attempt to give back and promote the sport in a positive way. Despite the financial success of the sport, past competitions like ADCC have struggled to adapt to its growth and changing financial landscape.
Financial pressures in niche sports: Athletes in niche sports face significant financial pressures, leading them to make difficult choices between prestigious events and lesser-known competitions with substantial prize money.
Money plays a significant role in the decisions of professional athletes, even those in niche sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Taka brothers, who have dreamed of competing in the ADCC championship since they were young, chose to participate in a lesser-known event instead due to the substantial prize money offered. This event, organized by Craig Jones, promises a million-dollar purse, which is far greater than the prize money at ADCC. The brothers' decision to leave ADCC to compete in this event highlights the financial pressures faced by athletes, who often have a limited earning window due to their age and physical condition. The potential for higher earnings can lead athletes to make difficult choices, even if it means forfeiting the prestige and recognition associated with participating in more established events. The situation also raises questions about the potential consequences of such decisions, including possible repercussions from the organizers of the overlooked event and the potential impact on the athletes' careers.
MMA with unique rules and large rectangular alley: The upcoming MMA event featuring Elijah Tackett and Gabi Garcia, with unique rules and a large rectangular alley instead of a platform or mats, is generating excitement and controversy in the BJJ community, with fans comparing it to reality TV and the Kardashians.
The upcoming mixed martial arts (MMA) event featuring a high-profile match between Elijah Tackett and Gabi Garcia is generating significant interest and intrigue in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. The event, which will have unique rules and a large, rectangular "alley" instead of an elevated platform or mats on the ground, is being seen as a new and exciting development in the sport. Garcia, a strong and muscular woman outside of Tackett's weight category, is a formidable opponent, and the close rounds and potential for MMA scoring are adding to the excitement. The event is also being compared to the drama of reality TV and the Kardashians, as it creates a narrative of rivalry and a value judgment for fans. Despite some controversy surrounding one of the event organizers, the event is attracting a large number of grapplers and generating buzz in the community.
Jiu-Jitsu Community: The jiu-jitsu community is characterized by intense rivalries, marketing strategies, and the pursuit of prestige and financial success. Athletes must navigate this complex ecosystem to achieve success, with factors like personal relationships, tournament choices, and marketability playing key roles.
The jiu-jitsu community, particularly around the ADCC tournament, is characterized by intense rivalries, marketing strategies, and the pursuit of prestige and financial success. Gordon Ryan and John Danaher, two influential figures in the sport, have created a significant impact with their unique teaching styles and marketing tactics. Their personal and professional relationship involves roasting each other and creating a sense of competition that fuels the sport's growth. The ultimate bait for this competition is the free market, where athletes must choose between staying with the old tournament or joining newer ones. While some, like Gordon, may criticize those who leave, the reality is that financial stability and marketability play a crucial role in an athlete's success. The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by athletes from different backgrounds, such as language barriers and access to business skills, which can limit their earning potential. Ultimately, the jiu-jitsu world is a complex ecosystem of competition, marketing, and personal dynamics that shape the sport's landscape.
BJJ and Money: Adding more money to BJJ can lead to better matches, more preparation, and higher level competition, with proceeds going to charities, creating a win-win situation for fans and athletes. Testing for performance-enhancing substances is important for fairness and legitimacy. Leverage and strategy, not just hard work, are keys to success.
The speaker, who is a professional athlete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, believes that adding more money to the sport can lead to better matches, more preparation, and a higher level of competition for athletes. He also emphasizes that the money from ticket sales will primarily go to charities, making it a win-win situation for fans and athletes alike. The speaker also mentions the importance of testing athletes for performance-enhancing substances to ensure fairness and legitimacy in the sport. He also touches upon the idea of using strategy and leverage to succeed in the sport, rather than just working harder. The speaker encourages other athletes to market themselves and build a following to increase their leverage and opportunities in the sport.
BJJ Events, Drug Testing: The Creator of Champion's Invitational plans to make the event a regular occurrence, offer free access on YouTube, and advocate for anonymous drug testing to gather data and promote harm reduction in BJJ.
The Creator is planning to make his annual grappling event, the "Champion's Invitational," a regular occurrence in the BJJ community, potentially happening more frequently than ADCC. He aims to make the event free on YouTube for transparency, allowing access to viewership metrics, which he believes will benefit both athletes and the sport as a whole. The Creator also discussed the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs in BJJ, expressing a desire for anonymous drug testing to gather data on average testosterone levels and promote harm reduction. The conversation touched on various substances used by fighters, including cocaine and ketamine, and the potential influence on younger generations.
MMA event organization: MMA event organization requires professionalism, investment, and understanding of athletes' wellbeing beyond just winning or losing, as fighters are friends whose health is at stake.
Being involved in the world of martial arts and event organization, especially at a high level like the UFC, comes with great responsibility and a deeper understanding of the athletes' wellbeing beyond just winning or losing. The level of professionalism and investment required is significant, and even small decisions like instructional titles can have implications. The brutality and trauma of MMA fights are also realities that cannot be ignored. It's essential to remember that these fighters are not just athletes but friends whose health and wellbeing are at stake. The experience has taught the importance of authenticity, investment, and understanding the gravity of the situation.
Corner man responsibilities: Corner men play a crucial role in a fighter's success by providing accurate advice, support, motivation, and effective communication while dealing with public scrutiny and potential consequences of mistakes.
Being a corner man in a high-pressure environment like professional wrestling or MMA comes with immense responsibility and potential consequences. Cornermen need to provide accurate advice, support, and motivation to their fighters while dealing with the pressure of public scrutiny. They require emotional reflection and preparation, as even a small mistake can have significant consequences. The role of a corner man is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial part in a fighter's success. Additionally, the importance of effective communication and trust between the corner team and the fighter is essential.
Ukrainian resilience: Despite ongoing war and threat of missile attacks, Ukrainians continue to live normal lives, refusing to let Putin disrupt their routines. Their bravery and resilience is inspiring.
Despite the ongoing war and constant threat of missile attacks in Ukraine, the people continue to live their lives unchanged, refusing to let Putin's actions disrupt their daily routines. This was evident in the stories of men staying to defend their country, women continuing to run businesses, and the normalcy of gym-going and gardening in the face of danger. Even a visit to Chernobyl, a dangerous and irresponsibly invaded area, showed the determination of individuals to explore and learn, despite the risks. The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
Chernobyl mysteries: Encountered mysterious structures, witnessed creativity and innovation among soldiers, and observed the impact of social media in the propaganda campaign during a visit to Chernobyl
During a visit to Chernobyl, the speaker encountered various mysterious structures, including a massive radio signal blocker, and experienced a surreal blend of danger, curiosity, and even fun. Despite the risks, creativity and innovation were evident among the soldiers in the conflict zone, particularly in their use of drone technology. The speaker also noted the significant role of social media in the propaganda campaign and the positive perception of the US during his visit, despite funding uncertainty. Overall, the trip to Chernobyl offered a unique perspective on the intersection of history, technology, and conflict.
US protection for Ukraine: The removal of nuclear weapons from Ukraine led to US protection, preventing full-scale conflict with Russia, but continued US support is crucial to prevent devastating consequences
The removal of nuclear weapons from Ukraine led to a sense of obligation and protection from the US, which Ukraine relied on to defend its border against Russian invasion. This agreement, reinforced by the provision of defensive weapons like the Patriot air defense system, prevented a full-scale conflict between Russia and the US. However, the potential consequences of the US not continuing to supply these weapons were dire, as cities like Kyiv and Mariupol could have been destroyed. The emotional impact of witnessing this situation firsthand and forming connections with Ukrainian people has left a lasting impression on the speaker, who remains concerned about the ongoing conflict and its potential human toll. Despite the complexity and long-lasting nature of the Russia-Ukraine tension, the speaker believes that every life and piece of land is valuable and deserves protection.
Horse fighting in Kazakhstan, societal issues: Witnessing a high-risk horse fighting event in Kazakhstan revealed societal issues like women's rights and presented unexpected challenges, including a drunk stuntman. Despite the dangers, the team managed to capture compelling footage and explore sensitive issues.
The documentary filming experience in Kazakhstan involved witnessing a traditional horse fighting event, which was a high-risk scenario with severe injuries and even death, but also revealed societal issues like women's rights. The team faced unexpected challenges, including a drunk stuntman who endangered their safety. Despite the dangers, the team managed to survive and capture compelling footage. Kazakhstan, while offering beautiful scenery and unique experiences, also presented sensitive issues that were difficult for foreigners to cover. The underlying motivation for these trips was the ability to explore the world, do charity work, and create content. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provided access to various communities and experiences, making it a "rich people's sport" in some circles. The team received gifts from locals, including historical items like helmets and knives, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Unexpected challenges in travel: Traveling can bring unexpected challenges, such as carrying a potentially dangerous item leading to legal issues. Perspective is important, as not everyone has the opportunity or desire to travel internationally.
Traveling and experiencing new cultures can lead to unexpected challenges and adventures. The speaker shared a story about carrying a bayonet across Europe, which led to a potential prison sentence due to it being considered a Cold War weapon. He also discussed the importance of perspective and how some people may not have the opportunity or desire to travel internationally due to various reasons. The speaker emphasized the prevalence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu around the world and his love for immersing himself in new and sometimes dangerous experiences. Despite the risks, he finds value in the stories and memories created along the way.
BJJ Community Support: The BJJ community functions as a global network of support, with members using social media and personal connections to help each other out, even in unexpected situations. Young talent is emerging, and promoting and funding events while maintaining transparency and fairness is crucial for the sport's growth.
The BJJ community functions as a global network of support for its members, acting like a secret society that cares for those who dedicate years to the sport. This was exemplified by a traveler who was stranded and managed to gain access to an Airbnb by using Instagram and the connections within the BJJ community. The next generation of BJJ competitors is also making waves, with young fighters like the Ritalo brothers and Dorian showing exceptional talent and potential for dominance in the coming years. The discussion also touched on the challenges of promoting and funding events, with the goal being to create the best athlete and fan experience possible while staying within a budget. Transparency and fairness were emphasized as important values in growing the sport and giving back to communities where access to high-level training may be limited.
Jiu Jitsu community growth: Renowned Jiu Jitsu practitioner Craig Jones is transitioning to merchandising and ideas, allowing the next generation of instructors to lead and collaborate on content, aiming to expand the Jiu Jitsu community's reach through upcoming events and social media.
Craig Jones, a renowned Jiu Jitsu practitioner, has transitioned from actively teaching and managing his academy to focusing on merchandising and ideas, allowing the next generation of instructors to take the reins. Jones plans to release content from upcoming events in collaboration with them, aiming to grow the Jiu Jitsu community's reach. The Fair Fight Foundation event tickets will be available on UNLV's Thomas and Mac events page starting around the 31st. Follow Craig Jones, Peter Jay, and CJA official on Instagram for updates. Jones expressed excitement about the upcoming months and the potential growth of Jiu Jitsu.