Jamie Cruz is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, being regarded as one of the top grappling instructors in the state of New Jersey – US, where he trained some of the best jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors in the region. Athletes such as Charlie Brenneman, Brian McLaughlin, The Miller brothers (Dan and Jim Miller) and a host of other big names. Cruz was also an avid competitor in the 2000’s decade, with medals at important tournaments such as Grapplers Quest, NAGA and US Nationals.
Jamie Cruz Jiu Jitsu
Full Name: Jamie Cruz
Nickname: n/a
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr > Renzo Gracie > Jamie Cruz
Main Achievements:
- US Nationals Runner-up (2005)
- Grapplers Quest “West 2” Runner-up (2004)
- NAGA Advanced Division Runner-up (2003)
- Grapplers Quest Las Vegas Superfight Championship 3rd place (2003 absolute)
Favorite Position/Technique: Butterfly Guard, Omoplata
Weight Division: n/a
Team/Association: Renzo Gracie Academy – Woodland Park
Jamie Cruz Biography
Jamie Cruz was born on the 14th of November,1973.
Although he started training martial arts as a child, through goju ryu karate, not much came of it as the experience was short lived. In college Cruz restarted, this time practicing taekwondo and an intramural form of grappling, mainly for gym credit.
It was through watching the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that Jamie’s attention was drawn to jiu jitsu. His first submission based club was at John Jay’s College of Criminal Justice where Cruz studied, around 1996. Jamie’s first coaches there were Jim Genia, Frank Cruz, Gene Petterson and Marcus who had started the club at the time.
In a few months, his instructors realized Cruz’ potential and advised him to seek a more professional environment, one where he could fully develop his talent. Following their advice, Jamie joined Renzo Gracie’s Academy in New York, where he met some of the most talented submission grapplers in the US at the time, including Renzo himself, his brothers Ryan and Ralph, Rodrigo, Roger and Daniel Gracie, as well as Matt and Nick Serra, John Danaher and Shawn Williams.
In 2000 Jaime Cruz decided to make jiu jitsu his life, turning it into a full time occupation. His hard work paid off in June 2003, when he was awarded his black belt by Renzo Gracie.
As a coach, Jamie became well known for his work with AMA Fight Club in New Jersey. He would later leave the club to coach at the Woodland Park Camal Judo Academy, also in New Jersey, where he opened a Renzo Gracie Academy affiliate.
Jamie Cruz Neck Crank Position
