Joao Crus is an award-winning black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with extensive experience teaching children. He is considered an expert in this field, and many top BJJ coaches and school owners seek his advice on starting their own children’s programs.
He has also created numerous DVDs and video resources for instructors on teaching BJJ, and has schools affiliated with him across the country and overseas. Joao speaks four languages and has traveled throughout Europe teaching seminars and spreading the art of BJJ.
Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings
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 the rank of brown belt. In his competitions in Karate, Joao won 5 State Tournaments and was 2nd place in a National Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before he came to the United States, he earned his blue belt under Leonardo Castello Branco in Rio. In addition to his martial arts training, Joao was a strong competitor in Wind Surfing and Sailing in Brazil.
Transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Joao's journey into the world of martial arts extended beyond Karate. He also embraced Wind Surfing and Sailing, showcasing his diverse athletic abilities in Brazil.
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.
Teaching and Influence
Joao has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Austin area for two decades and has operated his own school in Dripping Springs for sixteen years.
On these videos you will find a new way of teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children. The language used is very positive and addresses children in age & developmentally appropriate manners. The classes taught in these videos are designed to help children to make good choices and learn how to became emotionally independent though using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a tool.
Chapters include: Guard Game Escapes Controlling the opponent Submissions Games Drills and much more... Each belt is divided in 4 different levels of instructions.
Here's what people are saying about training with Joao and his team:
- "I enrolled both of my children into Joao Cruz’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class a couple of months ago, and I’m so glad I did. The instructors are absolutely fantastic and down to earth. Not only are they teaching our kids the art of Jiu-Jitsu, but they’re also helping build confidence, discipline, and character along the way. We couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve seen, and we hope to keep our kids enrolled for many years to come."
- "I brought my teenage boys to Joao for self defense, discipline, mental toughness, and confidence. They are very different boys and Joao was able to adjust his teaching techniques on the fly to maximize results."
- "Coach Joao is a master in teaching the proper technique for BJJ, and my experience working with him has been beneficial is many ways. Not only does he teach you how to improve your martial arts on the mat, he helps his students see the benefits of BJJ in their daily lives through his wisdom."
At Joao's school, the approach is relational and psychological first, physical second. When you’re trapped in side control and your instinct is to panic, instructors teach you to breathe and respond. When someone crosses your boundaries on the mat, they teach you to create frames and maintain your space.
Testimonial01 Joao Crus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Instructors at Renzo Gracie Round Rock
Joao has trained and mentored many instructors, some of whom are now teaching at Renzo Gracie Round Rock. Here's a brief look at some of them:
- Professor Cameron: Started his martial arts journey in Barrie, Ontario, Canada in 2007. Since 2012, he has devoted himself full-time to teaching, training, and competing within the discipline under Team Renzo Gracie Ottawa. A native Canadian, Cameron since relocated to Austin, Texas in 2022, where he now trains at Team New Wave.
- Professor David Ellis: Holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt in Judo and a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. David began his training in takedowns and ground control over three decades ago. During his competitive years he competed internationally in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was nationally ranked in Judo from 2001 -2008. He qualified for and competed in the Judo Olympic Trials in both 2004 and 2008.
- Professor Gabe Hansell: Is a black belt under Brian Marvin, manager at Renzo Gracie Round Rock, and RGRR Kids Class instructor. Professor Gabe has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2012.
- Professor Branden: Holds the rank of 1st degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Branden began training in 2008 with his first jiu jitsu instructor being Joao Crus, after a short time found his home under Sean cooper for the next 5 or 6 years earning his purple belt.
Student Testimonials
Many students have shared their positive experiences at Renzo Gracie Round Rock:
- "As a total BJJ newbie, I have to say that starting training at RGRR this last month has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time! The atmosphere is nothing short of incredible, and it’s all thanks to the fantastic crew running the show here. Whether you’re rolling with a seasoned vet or another rookie like me, the vibes are always positive, supportive, and just plain fun. Honestly can't get enough of the time I spend on these mats with such an awesome community. If you're even mildly interested in martial arts or self-development, I'd highly recommend!"
- "I am leaning a new martial art that is very new to me. The instructors are very patient while teaching. Everyone is very friendly and helpful when it comes to helping you learn and progress in the style. I am learning to enjoy the process. The gym is clean and organized. The teachers are welcoming and polite. The environment is very welcoming and respectful. The technical quality of the training is impeccable!"
- "I've been a student at Renzo Gracie Round Rock for about 4 months now. I am absolutely loving it so far. I normally go to the bjj fundamentals class with instructor Cam a couple of times a week. She is an amazing teacher with a great sense of humor. She does a really good job watching each student individually and offering feedback. Class is always fun and we always have good vibes."