Vincent A. Cruz is the founder and chief instructor of the International San Ten Karate-Do 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.

Hanshi Vincent Cruz

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.

Sadly Vincent Cruz passed away on December 24, 2015.

Courtesy Hanshi V. Cruz & ISKA

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