Craig Jones - Power Ride
Recommended for intermediate and advanced practitioners who want to up their game—especially in pinning and control.
1. Introduction
Many techniques from wrestling have long been overlooked by the BJJ community. Yet wrestling’s emphasis on pressure and control, as seen in other grappling arts, can greatly contribute to the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In his Power Ride instructional, Craig Jones set out to address these gaps, inspired by grappling styles found in MMA athletes like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
By combining lessons from wrestling and MMA with his own world-class experience, Craig Jones has produced a BJJ instructional filled with fresh perspectives on pinning, control, and dominance.
Power Ride: A New Philosophy on Pinning is targeted at intermediate and advanced BJJ practitioners. Beginners will get more value from fundamentals-focused content, since this assumes you already understand positional goals and are now looking to refine how you hold, pressure, and dominate opponents.
2. Content Overview
The instructional is divided into the following sections:
- Intro to new thinking
- Leg control
- Upper body control
- Turtle control & diagonal rides
- Entries from common positions
- Submissions
Each chapter develops a control system, not just isolated techniques.
P1. Rethinking the Point System
Jones opens with a critique of the IBJJF point system. His key idea: controlling someone until they tap is a better long-term goal than just holding positions for points. The focus is on wearing down opponents with relentless control so that submissions emerge naturally.
P2. Leg Control
Here Craig introduces “splitting the legs” as a reliable method of domination. His explanations are clear, and the multi-angle demonstrations make this system highly practical for no-gi grappling and MMA.
P3. Upper Body Control
Influenced by Khabib Nurmagomedov and BJ Penn, this section emphasizes pressure-heavy, wrestling-inspired control. The concepts adapt well to submission grappling, and Jones shows how to refine proven methods rather than reinvent them.
P4. Turtle Control & Diagonal Rides
Instead of rushing to hooks, Craig shows how to use diagonal control to maintain dominance while progressing safely. This less conventional approach adds valuable tools to the BJJ pinning arsenal.
P5. Entries from Common Positions
He challenges the idea that side control is just a “placeholder” position. Instead, Craig demonstrates transitions into stronger pinning structures, often bypassing the predictable chase for the back.
P6. Submissions
Submissions appear last—and for good reason. If you follow the control concepts, the submissions arise naturally. This isn’t a submission-heavy instructional; it’s about earning them through dominance and pressure.
3. Production Quality & Style
Craig Jones explains his concepts clearly and with confidence. Known as the “favorite second-best grappler in the world,” he delivers exactly what fans expect: sharp insights, relaxed delivery, and plenty of humor.
The casual vibe works well—moments where training partner Tyler squirms in pain or on sunglasses add personality and keep it fun. That said, one "technique" consisted just of prolonged laughing and it felt a bit excessive for a premium product (~€200). It slightly broke the flow, but it was a one-off moment.
Production is simple: mats, camera, and technique. No frills, but the content shines through.
4. How Power Ride Concepts Work in Sparring
I tested a few concepts immediately—especially the leg-splitting control—and they worked surprisingly well. Even against lower belts, the reactions were telling. Most people are unprepared for this style of wrestling-inspired pressure. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and often drives opponents into worse positions like mount or back control.
5. Final Thoughts: Is Craig Jones’ Power Ride Worth It?
This instructional is a valuable addition for experienced grapplers. It challenges traditional BJJ scoring and positional philosophies, replacing them with wrestling-style pressure and control.
It’s not the best choice for beginners who haven’t mastered the fundamentals. But for intermediate and advanced BJJ practitioners, it’s a goldmine of strategy, pressure systems, and tactical dominance.
