Episode
#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
2:54:11
Published: Mon Mar 06 2023
Description
Craig Jones, Nicky Rod and Nicky Ryan, together with Ethan Crelinsten are founders of the B-Team, a legendary jiu jitsu team based in Austin, TX. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off EPISODE LINKS: B-Team's Instagram: https://instagram.com/bteamjj/ B-Team's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bteamjiujitsu B-Team's Website: https://bteamjj.com/ Craig Jones's Instagram: https://instagram.com/craigjonesbjj/ Nicky Rod's Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickyrod247/ Nicky Ryan's Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickyryanbjj/ Craig Jones's Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/craig-jones Nicky Rod's Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_nick-rodriguez Nicky Ryan's Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_nicky-ryan PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:21) - B-Team (11:57) - Winning and losing (19:43) - Danaher Death Squad (DDS) (37:13) - Nicky Rod vs Gordon Ryan (53:47) - Steroids (1:08:31) - White belts (1:16:40) - Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev (1:36:15) - Greatest MMA fighter of all time (1:38:43) - Dagestani fighters (1:40:00) - Conor McGregor (1:42:39) - Strength training and injuries (1:55:03) - Pre-match ritual (2:01:34) - Toughest match (2:05:25) - Positional training (2:11:59) - Perfect training week (2:14:49) - Overtraining (2:17:08) - Advice for beginners (2:25:17) - Takedowns and submissions (2:30:55) - Ego (2:35:24) - Lion vs bear (2:40:15) - Street fights (2:42:17) - Money and friendship
Chapters
The Donahart Death Squad, led by John Donahart, split up into New Wave Jiu-Jitsu and B Team Jiu-Jitsu.
00:00 - 02:42 (02:42)
Summary
The Donahart Death Squad, led by John Donahart, split up into New Wave Jiu-Jitsu and B Team Jiu-Jitsu. The rapid evolution of Jiu-Jitsu has been catalyzed by these athletes and coaches despite the trash talk and accusations of greasing and steroid use.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his habit of packing travel packs that represent home to remind himself of it while traveling.
02:42 - 10:02 (07:19)
Summary
The speaker shares his habit of packing travel packs that represent home to remind himself of it while traveling. He also talks about the ups and downs of training and how to deal with losses.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Ethan Crelinsten talks about how winning in tournaments is like a drug, giving an adrenaline rush that lasts for days, and discusses his early success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
10:02 - 14:06 (04:04)
Summary
Ethan Crelinsten talks about how winning in tournaments is like a drug, giving an adrenaline rush that lasts for days, and discusses his early success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussion of the mental stress leading up to a competition for both professional and recreational athletes.
14:06 - 17:43 (03:36)
Summary
Discussion of the mental stress leading up to a competition for both professional and recreational athletes.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reveals how they handle compliments and crossing the line, and contemplates the patterns of behavior and values in both capitalist and authoritarian societies.
17:43 - 20:40 (02:56)
Summary
The speaker reveals how they handle compliments and crossing the line, and contemplates the patterns of behavior and values in both capitalist and authoritarian societies.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker decides to train in New York due to access to elite training partners and ease of victory.
20:40 - 25:51 (05:11)
Summary
The speaker decides to train in New York due to access to elite training partners and ease of victory. He describes the large number of experienced martial artists present in his classes.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker dropped out at 15 to focus on Jujitsu full-time and training every day in the blue basement helped boost their career.
25:51 - 31:37 (05:45)
Summary
The speaker dropped out at 15 to focus on Jujitsu full-time and training every day in the blue basement helped boost their career.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his experience of being raised in the DDS and the deep connections he had with John, Gary, and Eddie Cummings.
31:37 - 35:56 (04:19)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience of being raised in the DDS and the deep connections he had with John, Gary, and Eddie Cummings.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast episode includes discussions on family values, training injuries and imagining one's future success.
35:56 - 40:57 (05:00)
Summary
The podcast episode includes discussions on family values, training injuries and imagining one's future success.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how people find it entertaining to watch submissions and how they're putting athletes in a position to have the highest percentage of submission in the sport.
40:57 - 47:37 (06:40)
Summary
The speaker talks about how people find it entertaining to watch submissions and how they're putting athletes in a position to have the highest percentage of submission in the sport. They also discuss their weakness in the leg lock department and how they're working to improve that aspect of their game.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss the recent playful rivalry between Gordon Ryan and Felipe Pena in jiu-jitsu and the significance of rivalries in the sport.
47:37 - 53:27 (05:49)
Summary
The hosts discuss the recent playful rivalry between Gordon Ryan and Felipe Pena in jiu-jitsu and the significance of rivalries in the sport. They also talk about the importance of respecting one's opponents and not taking online trash talk too seriously.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the ethical dilemma of steroid use in sports, assuming that everyone is on steroids and questioning the morality of using it to gain an advantage over others.
53:27 - 56:35 (03:08)
Summary
The speaker discusses the ethical dilemma of steroid use in sports, assuming that everyone is on steroids and questioning the morality of using it to gain an advantage over others. They also touch on the issue of drug testing in athletics.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host reflects on the potential regrets of sacrificing everything for the pursuit of Olympic gold and questions the worthiness of taking health risks for success.
56:35 - 59:00 (02:24)
Summary
The host reflects on the potential regrets of sacrificing everything for the pursuit of Olympic gold and questions the worthiness of taking health risks for success.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The usage of steroids in grappling is seen as cheating and can make a huge difference in enhancing one's skills.
59:00 - 1:03:26 (04:26)
Summary
The usage of steroids in grappling is seen as cheating and can make a huge difference in enhancing one's skills. It can greatly benefit those who are already skilled in grappling, but may not make a significant difference in those who are not.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A podcast host discusses the dichotomy of portraying an insane online persona while also experiencing a deep camaraderie with others at the top of their field in the same town.
1:03:26 - 1:08:13 (04:47)
Summary
A podcast host discusses the dichotomy of portraying an insane online persona while also experiencing a deep camaraderie with others at the top of their field in the same town. They also touch on training a B team and sharing stories of drop-ins that led to the making of a memorable video.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The introduction of white belts can change the dynamic of training at a high-level Jiu-Jitsu gym, but they would usually have separate classes for them.
1:08:13 - 1:12:15 (04:01)
Summary
The introduction of white belts can change the dynamic of training at a high-level Jiu-Jitsu gym, but they would usually have separate classes for them. Traditional Jiu-Jitsu gyms may focus more on IBJF heavy techniques but the sport is changing.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion revolves around the bent over posture for jiu-jitsu and why it is still considered better while the posture for high-level jiu-jitsu is usually higher up.
1:12:15 - 1:16:10 (03:55)
Summary
The discussion revolves around the bent over posture for jiu-jitsu and why it is still considered better while the posture for high-level jiu-jitsu is usually higher up. Beginners are challenged to hold side control with no cues and are asked to identify the issues and how to address them one-by-one.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the body triangle position and its use in mixed martial arts, with a focus on a recent fight where one fighter was dominant in the position.
1:16:10 - 1:20:17 (04:06)
Summary
This podcast discusses the body triangle position and its use in mixed martial arts, with a focus on a recent fight where one fighter was dominant in the position.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker highlights the impressive defense skills of Volkanovski and the challenges of strategizing against him on the cage.
1:20:17 - 1:24:02 (03:44)
Summary
The speaker highlights the impressive defense skills of Volkanovski and the challenges of strategizing against him on the cage. They discuss the key ideas that were worked on to help Volkanovski overcome his opponent's wrestling and submission attacks.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares how MMA fighters, like DC's training, impact and influence wrestling conditioning and training techniques.
1:24:02 - 1:27:18 (03:16)
Summary
The speaker shares how MMA fighters, like DC's training, impact and influence wrestling conditioning and training techniques.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speakers discuss the effectiveness of jujitsu in MMA, focusing on both getting back to the feet and controlling in dominant positions.
1:27:18 - 1:31:24 (04:05)
Summary
The speakers discuss the effectiveness of jujitsu in MMA, focusing on both getting back to the feet and controlling in dominant positions. They also note the difficulty of gassing someone out while playing guard and the advantages of upper body control skills for wrestling in the cage.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his experience training with Volkanovski, attempting to replicate his grappling techniques in preparation for fights.
1:31:25 - 1:36:17 (04:52)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experience training with Volkanovski, attempting to replicate his grappling techniques in preparation for fights.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that Khabib's ability to maintain pressure and fatigue his opponents is what sets him apart as the best fighter, despite his jujitsu skills not being top-notch.
1:36:18 - 1:42:26 (06:07)
Summary
The speaker believes that Khabib's ability to maintain pressure and fatigue his opponents is what sets him apart as the best fighter, despite his jujitsu skills not being top-notch.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host and guest discuss whether weightlifting can improve performance in jiu-jitsu by aiding in recovery and building physical resilience.
1:42:28 - 1:45:06 (02:38)
Summary
The host and guest discuss whether weightlifting can improve performance in jiu-jitsu by aiding in recovery and building physical resilience.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A young athlete discusses the challenges of overcoming a serious injury right before a major competition, knowing it may be her only chance to perform in front of a large audience.
1:45:06 - 1:48:09 (03:02)
Summary
A young athlete discusses the challenges of overcoming a serious injury right before a major competition, knowing it may be her only chance to perform in front of a large audience.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to preventing injury in sports competition is training smartly.
1:48:09 - 1:51:26 (03:17)
Summary
The key to preventing injury in sports competition is training smartly. This involves a mixture of exercises including sprints, jogging, and walking to get the heart rate up and down, as well as pushing through discomfort and avoiding backpedaling.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how important it is to differentiate between being injured and being hurt, and how as an athlete, he would still train through a true injury.
1:51:26 - 1:54:57 (03:31)
Summary
The speaker talks about how important it is to differentiate between being injured and being hurt, and how as an athlete, he would still train through a true injury.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of visualization techniques for athletes before competitions, such as focusing on the steps leading up to the event and imagining the atmosphere of the competition.
1:54:57 - 1:58:41 (03:43)
Summary
The importance of visualization techniques for athletes before competitions, such as focusing on the steps leading up to the event and imagining the atmosphere of the competition.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares how they visualize and mentally prepare for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions by treating everyday practice sessions as if they were real competitions.
1:58:41 - 2:01:28 (02:46)
Summary
The speaker shares how they visualize and mentally prepare for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions by treating everyday practice sessions as if they were real competitions.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes their experience training MMA during the COVID-19 pandemic, including wrestling and jujitsu techniques.
2:01:28 - 2:07:10 (05:41)
Summary
The speaker describes their experience training MMA during the COVID-19 pandemic, including wrestling and jujitsu techniques.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learning how to work out of bad situations can boost confidence on the competition mats in Jiu-Jitsu.
2:07:10 - 2:13:03 (05:52)
Summary
Learning how to work out of bad situations can boost confidence on the competition mats in Jiu-Jitsu. Small techniques, like walking your hand on a mat, can help with these skills.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this transcript, the speaker discusses training sessions and routines such as positional stuff, lifting regularly for seven years, and working out arms almost every day.
2:13:03 - 2:18:07 (05:03)
Summary
In this transcript, the speaker discusses training sessions and routines such as positional stuff, lifting regularly for seven years, and working out arms almost every day.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the challenges of being a blue belt in jiu-jitsu and highlights the importance of hard work and correct training.
2:18:07 - 2:20:22 (02:15)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the challenges of being a blue belt in jiu-jitsu and highlights the importance of hard work and correct training.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Despite Jiu-Jitsu competitors looking up to those who won Black Belt Championships in the Gee World Finals, the viewership for these finals don't compare to the undercard of Who's Number One events.
2:20:22 - 2:25:03 (04:41)
Summary
Despite Jiu-Jitsu competitors looking up to those who won Black Belt Championships in the Gee World Finals, the viewership for these finals don't compare to the undercard of Who's Number One events. Judo is seen as the most dangerous form of Jiu-Jitsu as even practice partners are constantly getting slammed flat.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the trends in competition training, specifically the use of foot sweeps and arm drags for takedowns.
2:25:03 - 2:27:23 (02:19)
Summary
This podcast discusses the trends in competition training, specifically the use of foot sweeps and arm drags for takedowns.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his experience with competing in grappling, including his favorite technique - the Yoko Senkaku side triangle.
2:27:23 - 2:30:37 (03:13)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experience with competing in grappling, including his favorite technique - the Yoko Senkaku side triangle. He encourages others in the community to learn and try out new techniques.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In MMA, having an ego can be beneficial for perseverance, but it can also hinder skill development.
2:30:37 - 2:35:27 (04:50)
Summary
In MMA, having an ego can be beneficial for perseverance, but it can also hinder skill development. Gilbert Burns is an example of someone who showcases controlled ego while grappling.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the fighting abilities of bears and lions stating that while Grizzlies have the size, they tire out within 20 seconds and if he had to attack a lion, he would approach it differently than a bear.
2:35:30 - 2:38:13 (02:43)
Summary
The speaker discusses the fighting abilities of bears and lions stating that while Grizzlies have the size, they tire out within 20 seconds and if he had to attack a lion, he would approach it differently than a bear.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker contemplates pulling the eyes out of a bear or gripping it tightly if it attacks, while acknowledging the loud and terrifying nature of bears.
2:38:13 - 2:39:59 (01:45)
Summary
The speaker contemplates pulling the eyes out of a bear or gripping it tightly if it attacks, while acknowledging the loud and terrifying nature of bears.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The legality of fighting on the streets is complex and varies depending on the location, the circumstances, and the parties involved.
2:39:59 - 2:44:12 (04:13)
Summary
The legality of fighting on the streets is complex and varies depending on the location, the circumstances, and the parties involved. While some individuals may rely on notions such as "mutual combat," they should be aware of the potential legal consequences of engaging in physical altercations in public spaces.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Misunderstandings can lead to broken friendships and relationships, particularly in hierarchies like grapping schools.
2:44:16 - 2:48:41 (04:24)
Summary
Misunderstandings can lead to broken friendships and relationships, particularly in hierarchies like grapping schools. Proper communication is crucial in resolving conflicts and maintaining strong connections.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker is trying to create a fundamentals course implementing constraint-based learning to make the process more fun and approachable for beginners.
2:48:41 - 2:52:05 (03:23)
Summary
The speaker is trying to create a fundamentals course implementing constraint-based learning to make the process more fun and approachable for beginners. The goal is to have a positive impact on how people play the game and not just rip off techniques from other players.
Episode#363 – B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker questions whether there will ever be a time without war due to the constant presence of personality conflicts.
2:52:05 - 2:53:50 (01:45)
Summary
The speaker questions whether there will ever be a time without war due to the constant presence of personality conflicts. They acknowledge supporting their team in a recent conflict but express skepticism about a future without conflict.