Master Vincent Cruz

Vincent A. Cruz is the founder and chief instructor of the International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA) and the International San Ten Martial Arts Federation (ISTMAF) with the rank of 9th degree black belt. ("San Ten" refers to Cruz's "three heavens" philosophy.)

Cruz graduated from high school in 1954, and immediately joined the United States Air Force. The Air Force stationed him in Japan where he began karate training in March, 1956, under Kaigate O., (a student of Kyan Chotoku) in Ashiya, Kyushu, Japan.

In 1956, the Air Force transferred Cruz to Tokyo, Japan, where Isao Obata introduced him to Shotokan karate training.

In June 1959, Cruz was selected as a Combative Measure Instructor for the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Combative Measure Program held at the Kodokan Judo Institute, in Tokyo.

During this time, Cruz Sensei 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 Sensei continued his karate training under the direction of the Armed Forces Karate Federation under Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.

Today Cruz Sensei is a 6th degree black belt in the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) and the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) headed by Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, and a 6th degree in the Nippon Karate Do Kyo Kai. Cruz Sensei is the author and publisher of several martial arts books (see the adjacent links on this page).

On May 10, 2002, Rep. George Radanovich ordered a US Flag flown over the capitol building in Washington, DC, in honor of the distinguished military career and lifelong contributions of Vincent Cruz Sensei.

Cruz received his 9th dan from the Black Belt Council of the International San Ten Karate Association on August 29, 2004, to the cheering applause of his faithful students.

"Cruz Sensei has a presence you can feel all the way across the room." -- Bruce Clayton, Sensei

"The spirit of traditional karate-do is alive and well when Cruz Sensei conducts a class." -- Randhir Singh Bains, Sensei

"The first time I met Cruz Sensei, it felt great. I knew he was legitimate in the Martial Arts. I had been waiting ten years to meet someone like him." -- Robert Stevenson, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei makes me dig deep into my soul for reserves that I didn't know exist for eternal growth." -- Armando Jemmott, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei creates an environment where everyone can develop to their fullest potential." -- Ricardo Llewelyn, Sensei

"Never the less the distance between us, Cruz Sensei has been a very good friend and a true Sensei in my martial and personal evolution. I hope I can learn more and more with him, his wisdom is proper of a great master. Thank you for everything, Sensei!" -- Miguel Dias, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei embodies the strength of the triangle in his art and his approach to people. The Mental, Spiritual, and the Physical, that is, Your Family ,Your Career, Your Karate." -- Gary Ellis, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei has taught me a deeper understanding of both karate and myself." -- John Morris, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei influenced me at a very young age in all aspects of karate and life." -- T. Alberto Harris, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei is the father of Shotokan Karate in Puerto Rico. He is an inspiration to us all in the island." -- Jardine Ashton, Sensei

"I first met Hanshi seven years ago and have been touched by his love, strength, camaraderie, and wisdom ever since. Thank you, Cruz Sensei!" -- Anisa Downey, Sempai

"The first time I met Cruz Sensei I knew that he was a genuine karate person and my respect for him continues to grow each time I meet with him." -- Jerry Fitzpatrick, Sensei

"Cruz Sensei embodies the meaning of Karate. The Art lives, walks, talks and breathes through his teachings. I thank you for the honor of being able to witness your lessons of enlightenment through this vehicle we call, the way of the empty hand..." -- Michael Jay Jackson Sensei

ISKA Home

Hanshi Cruz's Books!

The Twenty Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi by Vincent Cruz, available at Amazon.com.

San Ten no Kata by Vincent Cruz, available at Amazon.com.

Gilles Lavigne, Mike Leclair, and Vincent Cruz at Sierra Camp 2007

Master Cruz at the 2008 Winter Seminar (Alan Stevens)

Cruz and Peggy Russell, Sierra Camp 2005.