Vincent Cruz
Encyclopedia
Vincent A. Cruz is an American martial artist, and an advocate of traditional Shotokan
Karate
.
Cruz is a certified martial art instructor and examiner under the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) and the International Traditional Karate Federation
(ITKF); both federations are headed by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama
. Cruz is also the founder and chief instructor of the International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA) and the International San Ten Martial Arts Federation (ISTMAF). "San Ten" refers to Cruz's "three heavens" (physical, mental and spiritual) philosophy of karate. ISKA and ISTMAF welcome practitioners from diverse martial arts styles, such as Kempo, Wushu, and Hapkido.
Cruz is a 6th degree black belt
in the AAKF and ITKF, a 6th degree black belt
in the Nippon Karate Do Kyo Kai, and a 10th degree black belt
in ISKA and ISTMAF. Cruz is usually addressed with the honorific title "Hanshi".
Cruz authored/co-authored two books regarding traditional karate.
Cruz was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1937. He graduated from high school in 1954, and immediately joined the United States Air Force
. The Air Force stationed him in Ashiya, Japan
, where he began karate training in March 1956 under Kaigate O. (a student of Kyan Chotoku
). In 1956, the Air Force transferred Cruz to Tokyo
, where Isao Obata introduced him to Shotokan
karate
training. In June 1959, Cruz was selected as an Instructor for the Strategic Air Command
(SAC) Combative Measure Program held at the Kodokan
Judo
Institute. During this time, Cruz was instructed in a comprehensive program by Masters Kyuzo Mifune
and H. Kotani in Judo
; Masters Isao Obata and Hidetaka Nishiyama
in Karate-do; Master T. Tomiki in Aikido
; and Master M. Hosakawa in Taijo-jutsu.
During this period, Cruz attained a Shodan
in Judo
and certification in Taijo-jutsu and Aikido
. Later he received his Shodan
in Shotokan
Karate
. Upon returning to the USA, Cruz continued his karate
training under Hidetaka Nishiyama
.
Cruz received a Bachelor's degree in Education from the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1984.
On May 10, 2002, Rep. George Radanovich ordered a US Flag flown over the capitol building in Washington, DC, in honor of Cruz's distinguished military career and lifelong contributions.
Cruz has 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who live on the west coast where he is also located most of the time.
Cruz authored two books on traditional karate
: (1) The San Ten No Kata, and (2) The Twenty Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi.
The San Ten no Kata is a series of five drills for students of Shotokan karate. The drills introduce most of the techniques used in the traditional Shotokan katas in a natural sequence of study that progresses from white belt to black belt
levels. Each drill exercises ten specific hand and foot techniques, with an emphasis on balanced development on the left and right sides. Each drill is similar to a vigorous 100-step kata
. The drills can be used as basic instruction, as warm-up exercises, as tests, and for spirit training. Cruz co-authored this book with Bruce D. Clayton
.
The Twenty Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi contains Cruz's discussions of karate concepts and philosophy, including Gichin Funakoshi
's famous maxims (Niju kun
).
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
.
Cruz is a certified martial art instructor and examiner under the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) and the International Traditional Karate Federation
International Traditional Karate Federation
The International Traditional Karate Federation is the international governing body for Traditional Karate...
(ITKF); both federations are headed by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama
Hidetaka Nishiyama
was a prominent Japanese master of Shotokan karate. He was an internationally recognized instructor, author, and administrator, and helped to establish the Japan Karate Association. Nishiyama was one of the last surviving students of Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan karate...
. Cruz is also the founder and chief instructor of the International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA) and the International San Ten Martial Arts Federation (ISTMAF). "San Ten" refers to Cruz's "three heavens" (physical, mental and spiritual) philosophy of karate. ISKA and ISTMAF welcome practitioners from diverse martial arts styles, such as Kempo, Wushu, and Hapkido.
Cruz is a 6th degree black belt
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
in the AAKF and ITKF, a 6th degree black belt
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
in the Nippon Karate Do Kyo Kai, and a 10th degree black belt
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
in ISKA and ISTMAF. Cruz is usually addressed with the honorific title "Hanshi".
Cruz authored/co-authored two books regarding traditional karate.
Biography
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. The Air Force stationed him in Ashiya, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, where he began karate training in March 1956 under Kaigate O. (a student of Kyan Chotoku
Kyan Chotoku
was an Okinawan karate master who was famous for both his karate skills, and his colorful personal life. Chotoku Kyan was a large influence in the styles of karate that would become Shorin-Ryu and its related styles.-Early life:...
). In 1956, the Air Force transferred Cruz to Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, where Isao Obata introduced him to Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
training. In June 1959, Cruz was selected as an Instructor for the Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
(SAC) Combative Measure Program held at the Kodokan
Kodokan
, or the Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. Literally, kō means "to lecture" or "to spread information," dō means "the way," and kan is "a public building or hall," together translating roughly as "a place for the study or promotion of the way." The Kodokan was...
Judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
Institute. During this time, Cruz was instructed in a comprehensive program by Masters Kyuzo Mifune
Kyuzo Mifune
has been categorized as one of the greatest exponents of the art of judo after the founder, Kanō Jigorō. He is considered by many to be the greatest judo technician ever, after Kanō.-Early life:...
and H. Kotani in Judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
; Masters Isao Obata and Hidetaka Nishiyama
Hidetaka Nishiyama
was a prominent Japanese master of Shotokan karate. He was an internationally recognized instructor, author, and administrator, and helped to establish the Japan Karate Association. Nishiyama was one of the last surviving students of Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan karate...
in Karate-do; Master T. Tomiki in Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
; and Master M. Hosakawa in Taijo-jutsu.
During this period, Cruz attained a Shodan
Shodan
, literally meaning "beginning degree," is the lowest black belt rank in Japanese martial arts and the game of Go. The 2nd dan is higher than Shodan, but the 1st dan is called Shodan traditionally and the 1st dan is not called "Ichidan"...
in Judo
Judo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
and certification in Taijo-jutsu and Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
. Later he received his Shodan
Shodan
, literally meaning "beginning degree," is the lowest black belt rank in Japanese martial arts and the game of Go. The 2nd dan is higher than Shodan, but the 1st dan is called Shodan traditionally and the 1st dan is not called "Ichidan"...
in Shotokan
Shotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
. Upon returning to the USA, Cruz continued his karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
training under Hidetaka Nishiyama
Hidetaka Nishiyama
was a prominent Japanese master of Shotokan karate. He was an internationally recognized instructor, author, and administrator, and helped to establish the Japan Karate Association. Nishiyama was one of the last surviving students of Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan karate...
.
Cruz received a Bachelor's degree in Education from the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1984.
On May 10, 2002, Rep. George Radanovich ordered a US Flag flown over the capitol building in Washington, DC, in honor of Cruz's distinguished military career and lifelong contributions.
Cruz has 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who live on the west coast where he is also located most of the time.
Books
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
: (1) The San Ten No Kata, and (2) The Twenty Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi.
The San Ten no Kata is a series of five drills for students of Shotokan karate. The drills introduce most of the techniques used in the traditional Shotokan katas in a natural sequence of study that progresses from white belt to black belt
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
levels. Each drill exercises ten specific hand and foot techniques, with an emphasis on balanced development on the left and right sides. Each drill is similar to a vigorous 100-step kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
. The drills can be used as basic instruction, as warm-up exercises, as tests, and for spirit training. Cruz co-authored this book with Bruce D. Clayton
Bruce D. Clayton
Bruce D. Clayton is a noted forest fire and biological control ecologist as well as being the author of several books of interest within the survivalist movement....
.
The Twenty Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi contains Cruz's discussions of karate concepts and philosophy, including Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
's famous maxims (Niju kun
Niju kun
The Shōtōkan niju kun are the "twenty instructions" of the Okinawan martial arts master Gichin Funakoshi which all students of Shotokan karate are encouraged to live, practice, and teach to others. - History :...
).