Sensei Jose Cruz

Jose Cruz began his martial arts journey in 1989 and has been teaching karate since 1997. Originally from Puerto Rico, Jose started his teaching career at an apartment complex where he worked, before opening his own karate school in Birmingham, Alabama.

Over the years, he has taught at various locations including the Woodstock YMCA, Bessemer, and Hueytown, as well as in partnership with Jefferson County Schools and the Boyd School. He also launched and led the karate program at Lifetime Fitness in Inverness and taught at the Birmingham Jewish Community Center.

In addition to his teaching, Jose founded the demonstration team for his karate organization. Under his leadership, the team had the honor of performing in Los Angeles for various celebrity audiences.

Jose is currently teaching in Jacksonville, Alabama, and also holds a class at the Norwood Hodges Community Center. With decades of experience, he continues to share his passion and expertise in martial arts with students of all ages and remains dedicated to making a lasting impact in the karate community.