# Jamie Cruz

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## Overview

**Name:** Jamie Cruz


## Bio

A late bloomer who turned a college grappling club into a career under Renzo Gracie, Jamie Cruz earned his black belt in June 2003 after training at Renzo’s New York Academy alongside the Serra brothers, John Danaher, and Shawn Williams. He cut his teeth at John Jay College under Jim Genia and Frank Cruz before being pushed toward a professional environment. Cruz became best known as the head coach of AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, later relocating to the Woodland Park Camal Judo Academy to open a Renzo Gracie affiliate. His signature position, the Jamie Cruz Neck Crank, remains his lasting technical trademark.
## Specialties

- Butterfly Guard
## 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)

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**Last Updated:** June 05, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/jamie-cruz)