Craig Jones has offered a brutally satirical take on gym culture in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Though delivered as humor, his commentary focused on power dynamics, manipulation, and the lack of accountability that can exist inside certain academies.

A major theme of his critique was instructor worship.
According to Jones, problematic gyms often elevate the coach beyond the role of teacher:

You’re not a coach. You’re not an instructor. You are a humble warrior, monk, philosopher, misunderstood genius.

You constantly talk about ego, respect and discipline…
But never for a minute display any of it.

If people think you’re spiritual, they won’t notice you’re unethical.

Uniform policies were another target.
Jones suggested mandatory team gear functions less as team identity and more as control and monetization:

Our rashguards, our gear, double the price, no alternatives…
And well, if someone asks why – well, who do you think you are? You don’t support the gear. You don’t support the team.

Congratulations. You just monetized identity.

Jones saved some of his sharpest criticism for belt promotions:

What is a belt? It’s not a ranking system.
It is not a measure of skill. A belt is a subscription retention device.

People don’t keep training because they love Jiu-Jitsu. They keep training because they want to be noticed.
A belt is colored validation proof you matter, proof you’re improving, proof you belong.

Once someone invests years, money, injuries, friendships, identity, they don’t leave.
Not because they love the gym, because leaving means admitting I gave my life to something that didn’t love me back.

The belt isn’t a reward. It’s a leash.

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.