The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) was created to offer a fresh and dynamic platform for jiu jitsu athletes, particularly in a landscape often dominated by established tournaments like the ADCC. Craig Jones, a renowned figure in the jiu jitsu community, envisioned CJI as an event that could provide athletes with new opportunities to compete, showcase their skills, and gain exposure and significant financial rewards. The tournament was heavily promoted through social media and other digital channels, leveraging Jones' popularity and connections in the sport to generate buzz and attract top talent. They used a series of trolling and gimmicky, yet incredibly funny tactics to draw attention to the event.

CJI was designed with the athletes in mind, offering not only a competitive platform but also financial incentives such as prize money and sponsorship opportunities (10k cash to all competitors and a million dollar prize for both weight class winners (+/- 80 kg )). The event focused on providing a professional atmosphere, with high production values, live (free) streaming, and comprehensive media coverage, ensuring that athletes received the recognition they deserved. The invitational nature of the event also meant that competitors were handpicked, ensuring a high level of skill and excitement for viewers.

It truly was a battle of promoters, yet the event itself did not disappoint.

Was Hosting the CJI Was a Good Decision for the Sport of Jiu Jitsu?

While it might seem counterintuitive to hold an event like CJI during the same weekend as ADCC, the decision to do so was, in many ways, beneficial for the sport of jiu jitsu (we think). ADCC is undoubtedly the pinnacle of jiu jitsu competition, often referred to as the "Olympics of Jiu Jitsu." However, the emergence of alternative events like CJI during the same timeframe adds depth and diversity to the sport. Here's why the CJI was a good decision for the jiu jitsu community:

1. Providing More Opportunities for Athletes

One of the key benefits of hosting CJI during the ADCC weekend was that it provided additional opportunities for athletes who were not competing in ADCC. The ADCC tournament is incredibly selective, with only a small number of athletes qualifying to participate. This leaves many skilled practitioners without a platform to showcase their abilities. By creating CJI, Craig Jones offered these athletes an alternative venue to compete and gain recognition (though they sourced many of their athletes directly from ADCC and got them to forfeit their spots for a chance to win $1 million dollars). This not only benefits the athletes but also enriches the jiu jitsu community by highlighting a broader range of talent. Ultimately boosting the hype for both events to occur with a now historical rivalry.

2. Promoting Innovation and Competition in Event Hosting

The existence of CJI alongside ADCC fosters a competitive environment in event hosting. When multiple high-profile events take place, it encourages organizers to innovate and improve the experience for both athletes and spectators. This competition can lead to better production values, more engaging content, and overall growth in the sport. By holding CJI, Craig Jones set a precedent that top-tier events can coexist, each offering unique experiences and contributing to the sport's evolution. This ‘drama’ even brought in non-jiu jitsu practitioners to the conversation.

3. Showcasing Different Styles and Approaches

CJI also serves to showcase different styles and approaches to jiu jitsu. While ADCC is known for its particular rule set and emphasis on certain techniques (wrestling focused), CJI may offer a different set of rules or focus areas that highlight other aspects of the art. This diversity is crucial for the growth of jiu jitsu, as it exposes practitioners and fans to a wider range of techniques, strategies, and philosophies. By providing an alternative platform, CJI helps to keep the sport dynamic and inclusive of various approaches: specifically their MMA 10-9 three-round scoring system.

4. Expanding the Audience and Growing the Community

Hosting multiple events like CJI and ADCC on the same weekend can actually expand the audience for jiu jitsu. Not everyone in the community has the same preferences, and by offering different events, the sport can cater to a broader range of fans. Some may prefer the established prestige of ADCC, while others might be more drawn to the fresh and innovative nature of CJI. This diversity in events can help grow the community by attracting new fans and participants who might resonate more with one event over another. H

5. Empowering Athletes and Encouraging Independence

CJI's existence also empowers athletes by offering them more choices and control over their careers. In a sport where opportunities can be limited, having multiple events allows athletes to be more selective about where they compete, potentially leading to better matchups and more meaningful performances. Additionally, the success of CJI can inspire other practitioners or organizations to create their own events, fostering a more independent and entrepreneurial spirit within the jiu jitsu community.

Conclusion

The decision to host the Craig Jones Invitational during the same weekend as ADCC was a bold and ultimately beneficial move for the sport of jiu jitsu (we think). While ADCC remains the most prestigious event in the sport due to its selection process and tenure, CJI offers a valuable alternative that broadens the opportunities for athletes, fosters innovation in event hosting, and contributes to the growth of the jiu jitsu community. By providing a platform that showcases diverse talents and approaches, CJI helps ensure that jiu jitsu continues to evolve and thrive on a global scale focusing on both athletes and spectators.