B-Team Jiu Jitsu: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod, and Nicky Ryan | Lex Fridman Podcast

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: www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings
- Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil
- BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off
EPISODE LINKS:
B-Team's Instagram: / bteamjj
B-Team's KZbin: / bteamjiujitsu
B-Team's Website: bteamjj.com/
Craig Jones's Instagram: / craigjonesbjj
Nicky Rod's Instagram: / nickyrod247
Nicky Ryan's Instagram: / nickyryanbjj
Craig Jones's Instructionals: bjjfanatics.com/collections/c...
Nicky Rod's Instructionals: bjjfanatics.com/collections/i...
Nicky Ryan's Instructionals: bjjfanatics.com/collections/i...
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
2:21 - B-Team
7:57 - Winning and losing
15:43 - Danaher Death Squad (DDS)
33:13 - Nicky Rod vs Gordon Ryan
49:47 - Steroids
1:04:31 - White belts
1:12:40 - Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev
1:32:15 - Greatest MMA fighter of all time
1:34:43 - Dagestani fighters
1:36:00 - Conor McGregor
1:38:39 - Strength training and injuries
1:51:03 - Pre-match ritual
1:57:34 - Toughest match
2:01:25 - Positional training
2:07:59 - Perfect training week
2:10:49 - Overtraining
2:13:08 - Advice for beginners
2:21:17 - Takedowns and submissions
2:26:55 - Ego
2:31:24 - Lion vs bear
2:36:15 - Street fights
2:38:17 - Money and friendship
SOCIAL:
- Twitter: / lexfridman
- LinkedIn: / lexfridman
- Facebook: / lexfridman
- Instagram: / lexfridman
- Medium: / lexfridman
- Reddit: / lexfridman
- Support on Patreon: / lexfridman

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Eight Sleep: www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex to get 1 month of fish oil - BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off 2:21 - B-Team 7:57 - Winning and losing 15:43 - Danaher Death Squad (DDS) 33:13 - Nicky Rod vs Gordon Ryan 49:47 - Steroids 1:04:31 - White belts 1:12:40 - Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev 1:32:15 - Greatest MMA fighter of all time 1:34:43 - Dagestani fighters 1:36:00 - Conor McGregor 1:38:39 - Strength training and injuries 1:51:03 - Pre-match ritual 1:57:34 - Toughest match 2:01:25 - Positional training 2:07:59 - Perfect training week 2:10:49 - Overtraining 2:13:08 - Advice for beginners 2:21:17 - Takedowns and submissions 2:26:55 - Ego 2:31:24 - Lion vs bear 2:36:15 - Street fights 2:38:17 - Money and friendship

[@NinjaofApathy]

You're killing it Lex. Thanks for all you do! Love ya bro!

[@Mufassahehe]

Lex please don’t let them hurt you😮😢

[@stevildeleon8467]

Lex answer my question please

[@thorrih99]

P

[@Ottee2]

I love the smell of testosterone in the morning.

[@chris_bjj123]

Nicky Ryan : Answers are logical and thought out Nicky Rod: Answers sound like a post fight interview Craig: Answers are complete bullshit. Awesome combination of guys.

[@krisf4969]

Best of all worlds.

[@Calamity8]

Craig is joking

[@chris_bjj123]

@@Calamity8 🧐 Really? Thanks for clarifying.

[@chrisallwhite]

Hilarious, especially Nicky 😂

[@MMA_Jackal]

Nicky Ryan answers are thought out and logical??? Nicky can’t even spell logical the kid is not very bright and it’s clear he has an 8th grade education

[@Jake-nb2en]

The fact that Craig is so carefree and isnt a naturally competitive person makes me realise how good he really is.

[@Arminsaf2]

I always wondered if that attitude is actually held him back from first place. Maybe maybe not

[@ivanrogic4803]

He has to be somewhat competitive, to have achieved what he has

[@Jake-nb2en]

@@Arminsaf2 I wonder the same. Or maybe his carefreeness is actually what makes him a good competitor, who knows.

[@Jake-nb2en]

@@ivanrogic4803 True

[@drspicy9789]

​@@Arminsaf2 It's what held him back in the second place.

[@nickbuendo]

The way Craig described a street fight gave me chills! "Whoever takes it the furthest the fastest will win"

[@Jdecook2008]

It’s so true.

[@Max-zr7hr]

Hard to win without eyes yanno

[@cuzza4321]

He makes it sound like he got his ass beat in a street fight once probably before his BJJ days haha

[@Tarik-if9zc]

@@cuzza4321 you missed the point, i doubt he be alive if he lost that fight

[@LeelosAdventure]

Fr I’m realizing that fighting world champion grapplers is a bad idea

[@JIUJITSUDAREN]

Hearing Nicky talk about hating losing so much that it holds him back from competing was so real to hear.

[@bc5208]

Weak minded at its peak. Imagine the type of ego a person has to have to even say those words. I just coached a FRESHMAN to the 195lb finals in 4A state of Iowa legit competition. Dude he lost 9 matches this year NINEEEE matches bro.. he kept coming hard and showing up and made it to the state finals. You weak men make me sick.

[@fives.]

Craig Jones’ charisma is actually insane lol

[@samholden1339]

seriously I can't get enough of the guy 😂

[@dgp187]

It's all fake, guy is a scumbag IRL

[@robk5745]

Yea he’s a beauty! Internet stand up technician 😂

[@abdulkweider4685]

He's definitely crazy charismatic. But to be fair hes in a room with 3 pretty awkward dudes 😂

[@richardanderson3476]

tbh he’s just a pretty regular australian dude. it’s natural for us to not care about status also deflating pretty much everything of seriousness hahaha.

[@deanboman]

Craig Jones needs to have a podcast, please!

[@craigjones8662]

Coming very soon

[@peekaboojujitsoo525]

I "2nd" this.

[@deanboman]

@@craigjones8662 good I will be waiting to be onboarded as a guest of course.

[@picklez1532]

I'm pretty sure he takes part in Dan hookers pod but I don't know if he is a host or just a consistent guest.

[@Az-jt2zp]

💯

[@abil3362]

The B-team needs to go and do wayyy more podcasts. They have a sick dynamic and are winning over fans. They can build their brand soooo much bigger.

[@HolyRoboticCop]

😮

[@thatguitarguyguy]

Your wish has been granted

[@abil3362]

@@thatguitarguyguy who else did they do? I wanna watch it bro

[@thatguitarguyguy]

@@abil3362 I think they are doing episodes bi weekly. Regardless, they at least officially have a podcast now that they will be doing.

[@abil3362]

@thatguitarguyguy kk thanks bro. Will check it is

[@calebhonea6048]

Wow. Nicky is like everything Gordon could be. Humble, honest, respectable, and genuine. I hope he has as much success in competition as he does in character.

[@alfiesolomon3531]

100% agree + he beat some genuinely good people when he was younger. Hope he really fixes his knee issue and gets back on the comp scene

[@spyros4902]

You forgot to write broke 🤣🤣

[@Codie__]

And seems to be happier

[@Grimreaper240sx]

Their brothers and Gordon is best of all time no gi. His brother is smaller less technical. But they are family so let them he

[@2ndSonofGod]

10:15 went clear over your head.

[@MrJesseFisher]

Craig is hilarious. In another life i think he could’ve been a comedian.

[@jdmarsh536]

I think he checked the box in this life haha

[@burry218]

Or First Place...

[@Mr850man]

I think that life is this one lol

[@fellowstranger7549]

Do you think he’s cute? (I’m a guy)

[@craigjones8662]

Podcast coming soon. Then comedy. Then food truck diaries

[@loyreyenas7478]

Their dynamic is so great to watch, brings entertainment to BJJ it's so good. Craig is actually so funny

[@HolyRoboticCop]

BJJ?

[@loyreyenas7478]

​@@HolyRoboticCophave a guess

[@SolarJakee]

Forget national treasure. Craig Jones is an international treasure. Protect this man at all costs.

[@alejandro_grande13]

He's our Ambassador to the rest of the world haha

[@herbylegall9]

I've been watching so much Craig content recently, this podcast is crazy timing.

[@Axiom5777]

Bro same ☠️

[@timforti]

retweet

[@crd88918]

same!!

[@BungHoleStuffer]

Yooooo same

[@samholden1339]

Me too dawg I have been SPAMMING Craig content 😂 even the podcast from yeaaars ago w Whittaker

[@froggy3496]

Nicky Rod's response to the AI thing was absolutely hilarious. Such a nicky thing to say

[@AbsoluteADCC]

Valid point thought lol. I got stuck in the mountains full of snow without any source of power and connection to the world, I realized that all my knowledge of tech, cybersecurity and finance is worthless in the world of pure physical survival.

[@thetvp2008]

This made me a HUGE Craig Jones fan. He's actually a thoughtful, intelligent, and self-aware guy. He comes across as a bit of a silly Aussie, but he's actually an great athlete and a good representative of Martial Arts. Much respect Lex and the B-Team!

[@tristanmacgillvray]

Has a psychology degree

[@grumpyae86]

I think Lex had the most fun in this episode. Haven’t seen him laugh and crack that many jokes this much 😂😂😂

[@chefjonsf]

Yes, seems a bit flirty😂. But all in good spirit.

[@michaelwozniak2337]

I think lex is an absolute dud

[@shawnfaison5118]

Unexpectedly , I think this was my favorite episode so far. That comment from Nicky Rod about AI was hilarious. He's like a character out of Dungeons & Dragons come to life :D

[@SKRATCH1988]

"I'm not where I will be in a few years from now, but I'm striving to get there." Me too Nicky Rod... Me too.

[@Maxilith]

The reference of Danaher as Colonel Kurtz and it getting weird in the jungle had me dying 😂😂

[@LarsAndersenFrihed]

Yeah. Because it's so easy to imagine. 😅

[@tobygoodman9134]

Solid podcast. B-Team are the real dudes, and Craig is 100% the funniest guy in jiu-jitsu. Really solid insights into a lot of things.

[@Phiziology]

Lmao guys like Craig are unbreakable. I love that he doesn't take him self too seriously.

[@HunchoClouse]

2nd best Podcast with the second best grapplers

[@tobygoodman9134]

😂

[@johnhernandez4734]

God Damnnnnnnnnnn. Not even a full day! Good man, great comment!

[@bjjpenguin]

Was just thinking .... B-Team is the perfect name for this crew 😂

[@GTL5427]

Joe Rogan and Gordon Ryan? ❌️❌️❌️ Lex Fridman and The B Team? ✅️✅️✅️

[@mohamedyousri8237]

I’m so excited about this interview. I can’t get enough of the Aussie style banter from Craig and his boyz.

[@masonharris9918]

The balance lex keeps between three interviewees is brilliant

[@supern0is349]

i dont think i've ever seen lex having so much fun lol craig is amazing

[@callumrock6797]

feels like a bunch of buds having a good time

[@georgemartyn5268]

read it in an australian accent

[@georgemartyn5268]

btw australia is not a real country, you are an englishman in a box

[@chocolatitomaravilla3899]

​@@georgemartyn5268 just abuncha blokes hangin eht widdabuncha mates

[@bolenarrow9286]

I got lucky enough to train with Nicky Rod when he came down to Charleston SC. Had a blast rolling with the guy and he was nice enough to answer questions I had afterwards. Surprised at how nice this dude was, big fan :D

[@urbansamurai261]

Oss that sounds amazing thanks for sharing, btw did he play guard 👀

[@WuntaykTimmy1]

Nice to hear stories of nice people. Thx for sharing friend 🚶🏿

[@urbansamurai261]

@@blumpkinspicelatte4580 I train and own a school in London brother if you're ever down you're more than welcome

[@Qruwe83]

I think Nicky Ryan would be cool to have on as a solo guest. He dropped some gems in here but was not really involved otherwise. Awesome podcast as always Lex! Hope to have coffee soon!

[@MCSizzle1116]

Craig: “do you think if you were on steroids you would have gotten the submission?” Nicky Rod: “oh for sure” Craig: *thats what I thought too.* 😂

[@Lohanujuan]

Craig is hilarious in this cast. I’ve Lol’d half a dozen times

[@sebastianbarahonavelasquez]

I didn't get it, would you care to explain?

[@jonathanbrooks9768]

​@@sebastianbarahonavelasquez theyre all on roids lol

[@jonathanbrooks9768]

​@@sebastianbarahonavelasquez wait maybe not ig nicky rod has taken tests and proved he really is natty so idk

[@azamonable]

@@jonathanbrooks9768none of them are on roids lol

[@willswinburn7343]

You legend Lex! I’ve been secretly wanting this and that stars have aligned. Havent even started watching it yet, just know it’ll be a banger! Thank you

[@Fanofjambi]

Unbelievable, Craig is always hilarious, a national hero

[@danielradd111]

🇦🇺 🪃

[@lukerodriguez7908]

he's australian, mate.

[@jackfavier905]

@@lukerodriguez7908 yeah I think they probs know that

[@lukerodriguez7908]

@@tommythewho6073 why?

[@Fanofjambi]

@@lukerodriguez7908 as am I, buddy 😂

[@shrimuyopa8117]

Lex is a very serious guy. Craig is not and I love it lol.

[@lukerodriguez7908]

craig is funny, and nicky rod showed us that he is a nice person.

[@anthonyp3113]

​@@blumpkinspicelatte4580 lex is fake deep

[@TopFearless]

@@anthonyp3113 If a MIT AI phd accredited researcher that is a full time nerd is fake deep, then who is real deep?

[@anthonyp3113]

@@TopFearless certainly not the people in his circle 😂 lex, jbp, and huberman are all widely disregarded in their fields besides jbp until he got famous. PhDs don't make you special.

[@TopFearless]

@@anthonyp3113 having a research position at the no.1 university in the world makes you special tho. Lex is incredibly smart, I think you know that urself

[@froggy3496]

the introduction was amazing. Can't wait to see the whole thing

[@10pjesus]

I really love the nonchalant world tournament goku-isk vibe Craig puts out while competing

[@zeNUKEify]

I like how Nick Rodriguez and Craig are literally polar opposites

[@Cada.]

Would love to have Nicky Ryan do more podcasts. He seems very humble and intelligent.

[@LOLLYPOPPE]

Boring

[@donovanb9020]

Iirc in one the more recent B-Team videos, Jay says that Nicky would be great at streaming on something like Twitch. Iirc in his words, all Nicky has to do is hit record and be himself while playing.

[@dylanhayes8630]

1:01:42 best description of Gordon Ryan I’ve ever heard and they cut everyone’s reaction, never change Craig

[@fives.]

Couldn’t snip out that quick Nicky Ryan grin at Rod though, just terrific

[@alfiesolomon3531]

The most subtle one is Craig saying about himself "Loved by the fans, hated by the friends"...or the people close to you, if you will. That smile felt like he wasn't speaking only about himself :)))))

[@bjjpenguin]

You sound salty, like Craig and and Nicky Rod do. 🤣

[@alfiesolomon3531]

@@bjjpenguin But would you say you are as clever as Nicky Rod or less? i can't find a third option for you

[@samholden1339]

@@bjjpenguin Either way why you in the comments shitting on B-Team and defending Gordon like you're his girlfriend 😂 You strike me as one of those guys that puts 'bjj' in ALL of his bios but only took a free trial class

[@davejorgen7688]

B Team has such a cool chemistry, bringing great perspectives to Jiujitsu!

[@newbritainpauly4841]

thank you lex, you ask a lot of great questions even tuff ones, Great interview.

[@train__dt]

Craig is gonna be a world class BJJ coach one day. He's very good at explaing/talking through techniques and positioning

[@JamesBoz]

Definitely! If he sticks at it he might even get a chance to coach some top MMA guys…

[@chrispoggi1726]

One of the best yt channels out there! Love the BTeam

[@romanmayer13]

Craig is hilarious. And based on the preview all you guys have great chemistry. Can't wait to watch this.

[@TheTarotDJ333]

You guys are hilarious! I busted out laughing a couple of times. You can feel the brotherhood between you all that comes with mutual respect and the martial artists' minds. 💪🧠 Good luck, fellas! I hope to see a match in person one day! 🤓

[@thorschou9429]

Hey Lex! All my favourite people do grappling and I have been practicing for a year. I'm happy to finally relate to a grappling podcast!

[@mcamp467]

Love the highlights at the start of the video. Can't wait to watch/listen the rest.

[@JP-uv5tt]

Nicky Rod was the highlight. Great episode. Thank you Lex.

[@chrisp6829]

This is amazing. Loved all these dudes before but even more now. Craig Jones is the 9th wonder of the world lol

[@MartinHaumann1]

“Nobody beats me Four times” haha! What a legend.

[@stellarmella9557]

best quote so far "there's no warm ups in the street", - Craig Jones

[@benwilliams5317]

Need you to have them back!! Maybe with Ethan. One of the best pods I’ve seen on your channel keep ‘em coming!

[@zzezzat9]

I love how involved Lex is in the BJJ sub-community. He is truly a f***king cool guy!

[@chrisnam1603]

The smiles of Lex in this talk are wonderfulness! ☺✊🤭😅

[@jcs192]

I’m glad Lex got the B-Team on here. Great showing for all 3. I’d like to see each of them on again, solo.

[@dylanridle6409]

Lex what a beast.. I needed this thanks

[@crd88918]

I love these guys, anyone who is a fan should definitely follow them on KZbin and social media

[@BenWaldeck]

Nicky Rod, matter-of-factly: "My second week of jiu jitsu I started competing and had pretty good success... I was subbing a few black belts and beating everbody..." wow!

[@josiewales8475]

Really fun listen. Had such a laugh listening.

[@home0421]

love the B team I watch everything they put out. I love their attitude

[@weetabicks1]

This is like watching Real Housewives for grapplers and I’m all for it.

[@natinhodagoat]

Another awesome episode. Thank you Sir!

[@SydWest74]

Funny to watch these 3 being interviewed by Lex... They look like they're in trouble and being interviewed by the Principal!😂

[@JoseJose-ih4zi]

Craig is incredibly funny but the tips he gave here when he got serious are priceless. Constraint based learning, perfect!

[@omardiangeloarteaga4875]

Timestamp?.

[@alexkirwan92]

Man I love Ricky Rods mentality. Just go fucking hard all the time.

[@emibjj6275]

The best and funniest podcast! Thank you Lex!

[@fkmygodgtfuo]

Craig Jones is a national treasure and should be protected at any cost

[@mazerunner7640]

What nation

[@samholden1339]

@@mazerunner7640 *international treasure

[@axeltorbenson8533]

That intro was awesome hahaha

[@msanders777]

Craig's instructionals "make z guard great again" "get off my legs gringo" and "power bottom" 😂😂😂

[@lucasgantz]

False Reap Accusations is top tier

[@SMT_2024]

You guys were so funny :)))) thank you Lex for a nice piece of laugh :))) I guess this is the side effect of practicing sports, a relaxed view of life❤

[@KeshabChapagain]

I love how this podcast covers such a wide range of topics and how Lex approaches each conversation with respect and curiosity. Keep up the great work!

[@sasdf2215]

This podcast was excellent. Lex has been killing it with the podcasts.

[@andrew-11]

fantastic. the juxtaposition between lex's demeanor and the goofiness of these guys it's just so great. I relate to the b team and find lex very confusing because I am also a huge goofball. Anyone have any other episodes similar to this? I am not a well versed lex-listener, for what it's worth.

[@walk2liv]

Tim Dillon, Mark Normand are a couple good ones where Lex is up against some funny goofy guys.

[@Drewisnotmyname]

On my way! Of your best episodes yet! 🙌🏽💪🏽

[@huehue6948]

I love this episode of the podcast so much

[@BGvideo]

loved that part where Craig says that you roll hard with only a small bunch of people you trust. When you are 40+ yo that's the only way you could keep rolling. Totally agree! oh, and to my fellow Lex - самбо рулит, брат. Кто родился в СССР и не занимался самбо - непонятно вообще чем они тогда занимались ))

[@Nadatingbeybey]

Lex is the champion of men of culture. Keep up the great work lex! Stoked for this episode!

[@nottodaybucko]

Lmao

[@michaelmusengo9038]

Craig! CLA Approach to coaching and learning!! Yes 👍 Thank you. So refreshing to hear this.

[@markdib7394]

definitely one of lex’s most entertaining episodes thus far. wish it could’ve been longer

[@kcwliew]

Nicky seems like such a sweet kid - Looking out for that book when it comes out - can't think of what caused him and his brother to fall out but I hope they reconcile.

[@zerrrep]

LOL! I stopped a hilarious podcast for this! AND IM SURE IT WILL BE WORTH IT!! CJ IS COMEDY!

[@michaelkartsonis6332]

Such a treat thank you lex

[@christopher2215]

Love this content, thank you Lex!

[@mkmkk]

Wtf? 😂 Lex's existential reflections haha 13:40

[@alfiesolomon3531]

Lex looking at Nicky Rod like "What does the Chad say?"

[@joejones4181]

Lex, you have gained a new listener, big deal right? I am half way through watching this and your intellect is astounding. I did my 15 mins of research on you and can see why. It is incredibly entertaining watching you tutor three huge egos in the fashion you did. Well done Sir, from a new listener.

[@joes5949]

Been waiting so long for this!!!

[@bissol1]

This 4 man stuff seems not bad ngl!

[@TheXentox]

great episode wish we had more of those

[@USFighter]

Lex this is amazing, I feel like your podcast just lifted Jujitsu to another level. Thank you for getting into the mindset of these assassins.

[@fredrikandersson3885]

Craig is getting alot of shine but damn nick rod and nicky ryan seems like super chill and awsome aswell :D

[@jamesn3122]

Craig Jones is inspirational. No warm-ups, no preparation for competition, not sure he actually goes to the gym, stops training when he gets a bit tired

[@kallepikku4991]

And obviously no steroids.

[@kazlepek6552]

Craig’s banter is world class. This is one of my favorite Lex podcast’s to date 🏆

[@xNenshu]

any video/podcast with Craig is gonna be hilarious

[@matiasorfen]

thank you Lex! We were waiting for it!

[@dannyhb7]

This is the first time I’ve ever finished an entire episode. I was hooked from the beginning! I would like to point out that Nicky Rod definitely is more than meets the eye. I think when he got into jiu jitsu, we all thought he was just brute strength and kind of a meat head lol. But listening to him talk about mental reps and his pre-game ritual and how important it is to be consistent in your routine really made me realize that the dude is just a straight up, elite athlete. It’s gonna be awesome to see how good he gets as his training career goes on! Dude, Nicky Ryan. He’s giving a John Danaher-esque vibe. I’m putting my money on his fate being a full time assassin trainer and eventually even surpassing Danaher and the amount of killers he’s produced. And, of course, fuck Craig Jones 😂

[@lugnut705]

Thank you for asking about NRod being a brown belt. I'd say he probably has black belt knowledge by now. It's an ongoing debate with a few guys in my gym.

[@Morgan-ws1ng]

I want to see Nicky rod do a bow and arrow choke

[@TA-hf6si]

1:06:20 The covers on Craig Jones' instructionals are fantastic! 🤣

[@lindahurley5642]

Very entertaining. Funny guys!

[@absolutebs]

Nicky Rod is the Theo von of grappling.

[@dikbashl1]

that podcast was so cool, i enjoyed it! You have definitely improved yourself Lex!

[@xbroly2k41]

1:19:55 I like how Craig described Volk as unbreakable and you can tell by the way he talks about him Volks drive and work ethic and will power is what earns him #1 P4p. True inspiration that man

[@AwestruckChemicals]

Should have asked Nicky Ryan more questions

[@oakuvalentine7734]

Nicky Mid