Sifu Phil Cruz

CO-FOUNDER

@philcruzjkd

Sifu Phil Cruz brings over three decades of martial arts experience to Unlimited Martial Arts in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he serves as co-owner. His deep martial arts background includes extensive training under the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto, the last living instructor certified by Bruce Lee and a leading expert in Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts. Sifu Cruz holds instructorships in both disciplines, personally awarded by Guro Dan Inosanto.

Cruz has coached and shaped the careers of numerous professional and amateur fighters in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, guiding many to become champions and compete in prestigious events like the UFC and Glory Kickboxing. A proud moment in his coaching career was leading a fighter to a gold medal victory at the World Championship of MMA in Scotland in 2010, demonstrating his ability to develop talent on the global stage. Another standout highlight of his career is coaching a fighter from their very first amateur fight to competing in the UFC, the largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts organization in the world.

In addition to training elite fighters, Cruz is passionate about teaching martial arts to children, fostering discipline, confidence, and respect from a young age. His commitment to the community is evident through his involvement in organizing events that raise funds for important causes such as suicide prevention, cancer awareness, supporting homeless families, and disaster relief efforts. He also sponsors local Little League baseball teams and donates to local Department of Education events, demonstrating his dedication to community support and youth development. Every year, Cruz gives his time to teach martial arts to underprivileged children in schools, ranging from kindergarten to high school, making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Cruz has trained with renowned martial artists such as Megaton Diaz, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro, and Clark Gracie, earning a brown belt with four stripes in jiu-jitsu. His diverse training also includes a fourth-degree technical rank (white glove) in Savate, achieved under Professor Nicolas Saignac.

Cruz’s dedication to sharpening the street fighting aspect of Jeet Kune Do led him to train with Paul Vunak and Tom Cruise of Progressive Fighting Systems, where he earned full instructorship in street fighting and edged weapons systems and once held the title of Chief Certification Officer.

His expertise extends to law enforcement training, where he completed both beginner and advanced combative courses. He has also completed Level 1 handgun and rifle training with Adaptive Concepts. His education in criminal justice enhances his understanding of the legal implications of using force.

In addition to his martial arts achievements, Cruz has worked in television and film as a stunt performer and fight scene choreographer. His credits include the NBC pilot “What the Fight,” the History Channel commercial “The Human Weapon,” and the “Bruce Lee Lives” segment for The Kung Fu Channel.

Sifu Phil Cruz’s extensive martial arts journey, coaching legacy, dedication to community service, and diverse skill set make him a prominent figure in the martial arts community