Kioto BJJ Chattanooga Instructors
Professor Haroldo DaCruz “JR”
Owner of Kioto BJJ Chattanooga
Professor Haroldo DaCruz Jr. was born in Rio de Janerio December 3, 1963. He started training all sorts of martial arts at an early age and soon became drawn into Brazilian Jui Jitsu and Tae-kwondo. Training under Master Mansur for many years, Haroldo received his black belt from Kioto BJJ making him the 92nd black belt of Master Mansur. Haroldo strives to help his students in each aspects, pushing them to be the best they can be. His vast knowledge and his care for each of his students is noticeable from the minute you meet him. Amongst other things, Haroldo loves soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and of course training and always learning new techniques to pass on to his students.
Stephen Cruz
Head Kids Instructor
Stephen Cruz began his martial arts journey at the age of six. He received his black belt in Taekwon-do ITF at the age of 10 and began teaching alongside his father Professor Haroldo DaCruz. Ever since an early age Stephen has found passion in teaching children and watching them develop into strong individuals. He enjoys helping his students progress not only through their martial arts experience but through life itself, giving each child the confidence to tackle any and every obstacle. During late 2015, Stephen was invited by Grandmaster Francisco Mansur to train for his instructors course in Kioto’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he was awarded, from Master himself, his Navy Blue instructor’s belt. Stephen currently teaches both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Taekwon-do. During May 2014 Stephen graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.S. in Character Animation and minored in both Chemistry and Biology. Outside of the dojo/gym, Stephen freelances 2D/3D medical animations. Other than training, teaching and animating some of Stephen’s hobbies are: playing soccer, hanging out with friends, taking pictures and drawing.
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