Vision
To become the Premier destination for Martial Arts for kids, adults, and families who value Discipline, Consistency, and Camaraderie.
Mission
At Gracie Barra St Johns Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through world-class instruction tailored to each student’s unique learning style.
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive community where excellence thrives, discipline is nurtured, and every member is inspired to achieve their full potential both on and off the mats
Values
- INTEGRITY
- RESPECT
- TRUST
Professor Juan Romero
Professor Juan Romero has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than 13 years. He has competed and won medals in tournaments like the IBJJF, Abu Dhabi World Pro, Jiu-Jitsu World League, and others.
Consistent work ethic is what Professor Juan preaches to all of his students. His favorite aspect of BJJ is competition.
BJJ Rank: Black Belt 1st Degree
Go-to Submission: Triangle
Go-to Meal: Literally, anything…
Professor Roberto Cuartero III
Professor Roberto Cuartero III is the founder of Gracie Barra Jacksonville and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 20 years. Prior to starting this BJJ journey, he proudly served in the Marine Corps where he developed leadership and mentoring skills.
As a savvy Mixed Martial Arts coach, he has trained over 100 amateur and professional athletes in professional fighting careers in leagues like the UFC, Bellator, PFL and Combat Night; amassing an 83% winning percentage and 85% finish rate over 15 years.
Professor Roberto’s primary influences are his Professor Flavio Almeida and the legendary MMA coach Erik Paulson.
BJJ Rank: Black Belt 4th Degree
Go-to Submission: Rear Naked Choke
Go-to Meal: Sushi
Coach Abraham Benmoha
Coach Abraham started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2011. Throughout the years he has competed, and coached countless athletes helping them develop their skills. He enjoys studying film to help his students and himself learn new techniques.
“Learning Jiu Jitsu is a great foundation to build crucial life skills, such as discipline, mental strength, and perseverance.”, Coach Abraham
BJJ Rank: Brown Belt
Go-to Submission: Ankle Lock / Toe Hold
Go-to Meal: Medium Rare Filet Mignon
Coach Frank Giglio
Coach Frank has been training in various martial arts since he was a little boy, and currently holds a Brown belt in Jujitsu. Coach Frank is also a full-time deputy with the St. John’s County sheriffs office.
BJJ Rank: Brown Belt
Go-to Submission: Arm Triangle
Go-to Meal: Spaghetti & Meatballs
Coach Dean Nimock
Coach Dean is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with close to 7 years of experience. With a background in athletics, he joined Gracie Barra to discover his true passion for Jiu-Jitsu.
While Coach Dean enjoys competing, he enjoys more teaching and witnessing the profound transformation BJJ brings to his students’ lives. He believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle that fosters discipline, respect, mental fortitude, and physical fitness.
BJJ Rank: Purple Belt
Go-to Submission: Americana
Go-to Meal: Karai Bistro Shoyu Ramen
Coach Ashley Gonzalez
Coach Ashley was introduced to mixed martial arts in November 2018 while training at a sports performance center in Port Saint Lucie, FL.
She has been a committed jiu jitsu practitioner ever since. She loves being part of the Gracie Barra team, helping others learn, and positively influencing those around her. She enjoys competing and helping others prepare to compete. She believes one of the best things that comes with training jiu jitsu is the opportunity for self expression.
BJJ Rank: Purple Belt
Go-to Submission: Rear Naked Choke
Go-to Meal: Mediterranean anything
Coach Courtney Boggs
Coach Courtney has been training Jiu-Jitsu for 8 years and was immediately hooked by the its practical effectiveness and mental challenge. She joined Gracie Barra to deepen her knowledge, refine her skill set, and immerse herself in a community dedicated to the core principles of jiu-jitsu. With a background as a counselor, Courtney blends her knowledge mental resilience, focus, and personal empowerment into her coaching approach.
BJJ Rank: Purple Belt
Go-to Submission: Whatever is easiest
Go-to Meal: Whatever is available
Coach Joey Melendez
Coach Joey has been practicing jiu jitsu for the better part of six years. Despite facing great physical challenges, that slowed his promotion rate, his passion for jiu-jitsu only grew stronger. Jiu-jitsu has transformed his life in countless ways, enhancing his mental resilience and overall well-being
BJJ Rank: Purple Belt
Go-to Submission: Armbar
Go-to Meal: New York Style Pizza
Coach Tana Moscardini
Coach Tana joined Gracie Barra 2 years ago. She had admired Brazilian jiu jitsu from afar for awhile but finally decided to take the first step after a work retreat. From there on, she has loved the confidence gained and challenge of “human chess”. After she started coaching, her love for the sport has only grown ten-fold.
BJJ Rank: White Belt
Go-to Submission: Sliding Collar Choke
Go-to Meal: Sushi