Craig Jones, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and coach, has officially joined Marcelo Garcia’s team in New York City, marking a significant shift in his career. The announcement was made in late February 2024, following months of speculation after the original Danaher Death Squad disbanded at Renzo Gracie Academy. Jones confirmed the partnership through social media and statements to BJJ media outlets, including BJJ Fanatics and FloGrappling.

The move was met with excitement within the BJJ community, as Jones had been quietly training with Garcia for some time. Prior to joining Garcia’s team, Jones had been operating independently, offering seminars and coaching, and competing selectively. He recently competed at the Who’s Number One (WNO) event in January, submitting Pedro Marinho with a heel hook and showcasing his continued dominance in submission grappling.

Jones remains a sought-after instructor, offering online instructionals through BJJ Fanatics and conducting seminars globally. His instructional content focuses on leg locks, including the heel hook, ankle lock, and knee bar, and remains highly popular among practitioners. The partnership with Garcia is expected to elevate Jones’s coaching profile, providing a strong base in New York and access to a wider network of students and competitors.

Garcia is known for his dynamic guard work and innovative techniques, and the synergy between his style and Jones’s leg lock expertise is anticipated to be a powerful combination. Jones is scheduled to compete again at WNO 19 on April 6th against Giancarlo Rodriguez, a highly anticipated match that will showcase Jones’s continued development under Garcia’s influence. With this new chapter in his career, Jones solidifies his position as a leading innovator and competitor in BJJ, ensuring his continued impact on the sport.