# Vinicius Cruz ("Vinicinho")

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## Overview

**Name:** Vinicius Cruz

**Nickname:** Vinicinho


## Bio

A loop choke specialist who refined the position under Isaías de Souza, Marcelo Saporito, and Sergio Abimerhy, Vinicius Cruz began martial arts with Taekwondo at age seven and Muay Thai before a friend brought him to Luis Manimal’s gym. He soon moved to the Carlson Gracie Academy for a better class schedule, training under Saporito, who promoted him from white to brown belt. On December 9, 1997, Carlson Gracie awarded Cruz his black belt alongside Marcos “Parrumpinha” da Matta and Marcos “Flexa” Mello. He later carried the Carlson style to Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

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**Last Updated:** September 05, 2026

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