Joao Crus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Specialties

At Joao Crus Jiu-​Jitsu we are dedicated to giving you the best training through step-​by-​step instructions with our knowledgeable instructors in a safe controlled environment. We train in many varieties of mixed martial including Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, Submission Wrestling and Judo.

We offer classes for men, women and children.

There are many different Martial Arts out there, and it can be confusing to really understand the differences between styles when you are trying to choose what would be best for your child. Here are several reasons why Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu (BJJ) is the safest and most appropriate form for children to begin their journey

History

Established in 2004.

I had a big help from my instructor, the late Carlson Gracie, in establishing the adults program and choosing the location of my first school.

I come from a culture where children spend a lot of time playing outdoors, and because of that they are coordinated and it keeps them safe and healthy. When I came to this country and witnessed a culture of children playing video games and not developing their physical skills and getting overweight, I decided to do something to help. I remember working really hard to educate people about what I was doing. After a certain amount of time, this initial work paid off and a big interest grew in the neighborhood my first school is located. Plus, I love teaching children.

Meet the Business Owner

JOAO C.

Business Owner

Joao Crus was born in Brasilia, Brazil, and moved to Rio de Janeiro when he was 17 years old. In his youth, he was very active and athletic in swimming. He started his initial Martial Arts training with Karate at the age of 22 and earned his way to a brown belt. Just before he was about to test for his black belt, he stumbled upon Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, and began secretly attending classes while he was still training Karate. In his competitions in Karate, Joao won 5 State Tournaments and was 2^nd place in a National Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Once Joao had a taste of BJJ, he no longer had the desire to complete his black belt in Karate, and began training BJJ full time in 1998.

Joao was a part of the sports and nutrition world as a top sales representative for Optimum Nutrition and started his own store in 1999. During this time, he developed a friendship with world renowned Carlson Gracie. Carlson would visit his store regularly, just to visit and talk about life. Little did t