News broke recently that the B-Team era everyone has been watching closely is coming to an end. Craig Jones took to Instagram to say he is “out” and handed the reins to a fresh leadership group. The new lineup features Nicky Ryan, Nicky Rodriguez, Ethan Crelinsten, and Damien Anderson at the helm of a rebranded squad that has not yet revealed its name.
Craig’s post was short and direct, but it was enough to send the Jiu Jitsu world into a frenzy. Moments later Nicky Ryan confirmed the pivot with his own message. Teammate Kieran Kichuk chimed in with a heartfelt thank-you, calling this run “one of the most fun and productive eras in Jiu Jitsu history.”
No official statement explains exactly why the change happened, yet the community has theories. Craig is spinning a lot of plates right now. He is coaching and cornering high-level athletes, building his own instructionals, running commitments with the Craig Jones Invitational, and hosting seminars that sell out worldwide. Rumor is he always saw B-Team as a chance to give his friends a launch pad. Mission accomplished. Now he is stepping back so they can steer the ship on their own.
Under Craig’s watch, B-Team became a hub for leg lock specialists, heavy pressure passers, and witty social media banter that kept fans entertained. The crew collected big wins at ADCC, WNO, and other marquee events. They also turned Austin, Texas into a grappling hot spot, drawing visiting athletes from every corner of the globe.
What happens next? Nicky Ryan has hinted at a more competition-driven focus. Nicky Rod is still gunning for the heavyweight throne. Ethan Crelinsten remains one of the trickiest guards around, and Damien Anderson brings relentless back-taking pressure. Expect them to double down on high-level training, frequent superfights, and more YouTube content that breaks down cutting-edge technique.
For Craig this change might finally free up bandwidth. Fans will likely see him coaching corners at major shows, rolling out new instructionals, and continuing his playful rivalries online. Do not be surprised if he pops up at the rebranded team’s training sessions for guest rounds either. The split appears friendly, more a handoff than a breakup.
If you trained or visited during the early days of B-Team, you probably remember the open-door sparring sessions, the playful wrestling matches on social media, and the vibe of athletes who were hungry to prove something after leaving their previous camp. That attitude shaped a unique culture that did more than produce medals. It showed a modern blueprint for how a small core of friends can launch a world-class academy almost overnight.
The B-Team name may retire, but the athletes and ideas behind it are very much alive. Their next chapter starts now, and the whole Jiu Jitsu scene will be watching closely.
