About
The Cruz Defense System taught by Vinny Cruz is a close range self defense method that will train you the way, that you will defend yourself in a street attack or altercation. Learn to effectively defend yourself, as well as learning to progressively strengthen and condition your body through rigorous plyometric and calisthenics boot camp style training. The Cruz Defense System employs simple and direct attacks and counterattacks that are strictly for street attacks and altercations, from both stand up and ground positions. You will learn how to effectively utilize the four ranges of self defense: Punching, Kicking, Trapping (Empty Hand to Hand, Knees & Elbows), and Grappling (Ground Self Defense – Rape Prevention) You will also learn how to acquire the “mental survival instinct” necessary to actually apply this no rules self defense method in a flowing and non formatted manner.
If you are in need of true reality based self defense, and not just wearing a uniform and belt, THEN THIS IS FOR YOU!
The sessions are $80 for the hour if you live in the North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Burbank or Glendale area. If you are outside of these locations and need me to travel to you and train you in the comfort of your home or outside area, the rate is $100. for the hour. And if you enjoy the training session and I know that you will! You are not obligated to buy any amount of package sessions. You only pay for the amount of sessions that you train for on a week to week basis. That’s it!
Specialties
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Medical concerns or injuries
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Reviews
Lance K.
Wilma B.
Belinda P.
Melanie C.
Lisa C.
Lauren C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
As a fitness professional, my mission is to keep my clients accountable, committed and motivated to obtain their individual goals and to design training programs that will enhance their individual performances. I teach them to keep their focus and patience, pushing them to their limits and getting results. I inspire my clients and motivate them to train hard. I encourage them to strive towards being fit and living a healthy lifestyle, while creating a fun and positive environment. I educate my clients on how their bodies move and work. I am a mentor and teacher, demonstrating what a fitness lifestyle is all about, always realizing that I am the example. I support my clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. I challenge everyone to make fitness their lifestyle choice, hoping that they will continue to come back each week knowing that consistency is the key! I want to help my people create a routine, a lifestyle, and a way of life. I make a difference and I change lives, and that's what CFS is all about. Giving you WHAT you NEED with the RESULTS you WANT! Remember, it's never too late to make a difference in your life.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently certified under the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), I am also a TRX Certified trainer. I have worked in the health, fitness and martial arts industry for over 35 years. I have worked at many prominent New York City Health Clubs, such as: The New York Health and Racquet Club and Equinox. I have helped hundreds of men and women achieve their health and fitness goals, and looking their best, ranging from bodybuilders, power lifters, Boxers, Kickboxers, MMA Fighters to the average soccer mom or dad, pre and post natal women, executive professionals, college students, teenagers, children to the elderly. My 40 yrs. of martial arts and self defense training include: Filipino and Indonesian Martial Arts, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Thai Boxing, Boxing, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
It's $60. the hour If you come and train with me here in Burbank. If you need me to travel to you and train you in the comfort of your home or residential gym or outdoor areas, I can do that as well. The rate is $80. for the hour.
I service the areas of: Burbank, Glendale, La Canada Flintridge, North Hollywood, Studio City, Valley Vilage, Downtown LA, San Fernando, Arcadia, Pasadena, Baldwin Park, Rosemead, Calabasas-Tarzana, Encino - Sherman Oaks, Hollywood - Silverlake, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
So give me a call when you’re ready to get serious! I look forward to meeting and training with you soon.
Best in Health,
Your Personal Fitness, Self Defense, Boxing/ Kickboxing/MMA and Motivational Life Coach,
Vinny Cruz
818.319.7228
How did you get started teaching?
Fitness and Martial Arts have been my love and passion since the age of 12. My desire to pass on the knowledge that I've acquired in these fields over the years to others, eventually led me to making training, guiding, motivating and helping people to change their lives and to reach their fitness goals my lifelong career. So in 1983 at the age of 16, I started Cruz Fitness Systems. Being a personal trainer and self defense instructor is an important part of my life. It is not a hobby or a part time job as it is for many others. I live it every day, and will probably die with this lifestyle of always reaching my full potential, and motivating others to reach theirs as well. It is what I do, it is what I do best, and it is what I know. I have trained and worked hard to achieve what I have, and so will you as my client! I live INTENSITY!
What types of students have you worked with?
In my 36 years as a Fitness and Self Defense Instructor, I have helped hundreds of men and women achieve their health and fitness goals, and looking their best, ranging from bodybuilders, power lifters, athletes, boxers, kickboxers, MMA Fighters to the average soccer mom or dad, pre and post natal women, to the elderly.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had a client come to me for the first time, and after the session he told me that he learned more from me in half in hour than he did with his previous trainer who he trained with for more than a year. He also appreciated that I was more than just his coach but someone who was willing to help him with the things he was going through in his life.
For me their is nothing more enriching in life, than to make in impact in the life of someone else.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Is the individual certified and how many years has he been in the business? Where has he worked and can he train all types of individuals?
I have worked in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years. I have worked at many prominent New York City Health Clubs, such as: The New York Health and Racquet Club and Equinox, as well as: Best Fitness of Albany and LA Boxing in Albany, NY. I have helped hundreds of men and women achieve their health and fitness goals, and looking their best, ranging from bodybuilders, power lifters, athletes, to the average soccer mom or dad, pre and post natal women, to the elderly.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
There are many things to consider when deciding on who to hire as a trainer. Hopefully I can help you with this dilemma. To start off many trainers are young kids who have very little to no experience whatsoever, and many who do not exemplify fitness and instead look like they need trainers themselves. Having said this, do take some things into consideration when hiring a trainer.
- For one, realize that this is not a hobby for me; you are NOT getting an amateur. At the age of 53, I have been an athlete, bodybuilder and martial artist since the age of 12, and this has been my only profession for the past 37yrs.
- I was always one of the best trainers in NYC, and have worked at many of NYC best prominent health clubs.
- You will not get someone who is just going to waste your time and money talking your ears off, rather than educating, motivating and giving you 41yrs. of knowledge.
-You will get someone who respects that you work hard for your money and appreciates it when someone is willing to take out of their finances to hire me. So you will get results.
-You will get a trainer who has true expertise in both the fitness and martial arts fields, and has trained individuals in both. You would have to hire 2 different trainers or join different facilities if you desired the benefits of both.
So, before you make any decisions, take advantage of the consultations from the other trainers, and then when you’re ready to do some real training from someone who's been in this field for over 37 yrs. take advantage of a your first training session with me, and then make your final decision. Trust me; No matter what your goal is whether it’s to have the athletic , bodybuilder or fitness competitor look or to get lean, firm and tone your body or to build some muscle. Or you desire to have shapely arms, a lifted and toned butt, shapely thighs and those amazing abs that you’ve always wanted. Or you want to learn how to defend yourself against bullies or an altercation, or you want to learn boxing and kickboxing either for fitness or competition. YOU SET THE GOAL, AND I WILL PROVIDE THE PATH! And I will help you mentally to train like if you were getting ready for a physique competition, even if you’re not, but your friends will think you are. That is my CHALLENGE to YOU! I am looking for THOSE who are willing to take that challenge! The question is, "Will you CHOOSE to be one of them?" It all starts by making, A CHOICE, to start, TODAY! So get excited! This is not a temporary fix, but a change for life! Expect success!
So give me a call when you’re ready to get serious! I look forward to hearing from you.
Best in Health,
Your Fitness/Self Defense and Motivational Coach,
Vinny Cruz