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The Roster.

Three black belts. Ten coaches. One standard. Co-owned and co-led by Professors Roberto Cuartero III and Juan Romero — one professor at each mat.

Black Belts

Professors.

Black Belt

Prof Roberto Cuartero III

Co-Owner · Head Instructor, Jacksonville

Black Belt 4th Degree. Former U.S. Marine. 20+ years on the mat coaching 100+ amateur and professional fighters across UFC, Bellator, and PFL. Founded Gracie Barra Jacksonville — the first GB school in North Florida.

Jacksonville St Johns
Black Belt

Prof Juan Romero

Co-Owner · Head Instructor, St Johns

Black Belt 1st Degree. 13+ years on the mat with a competition résumé that includes medals at IBJJF and the Abu Dhabi World Pro. Leads the St Johns academy day-to-day with a focus on technical precision and relentless work ethic.

Jacksonville St Johns
Black Belt

Prof Korey

Black Belt · BJJ & Striking

Nearly 10 years training, active professional MMA fighter, and former U.S. Army. Coaches both amateur and pro fighters on the striking side of the game.

Jacksonville St Johns
Brown Belts

Coaches.

Brown Belt

Coach Abraham Benmoha

BJJ Coach

Training since 2011. Film-study practitioner who breaks the game down to its building blocks. "Jiu-jitsu builds discipline — that's what we coach first."

Jacksonville St Johns
Brown Belt

Coach Dean Nimock

Kids BJJ Coach

Nearly 7 years on the mat with an athletics background. Specializes in kids programs — named by parents across both mats as "a gift for teaching."

Jacksonville St Johns
Brown Belt

Coach Frank Giglio

BJJ Coach · Law Enforcement

Training since childhood. Full-time deputy with the St Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Jacksonville St Johns
Brown Belt

Coach Eddie Troche

BJJ Coach · Kids & Adults

On the mat since 2013. Father, husband, and a coach who leads with "positive mental attitude and consistency" for every age in the room.

Jacksonville St Johns
Purple & Blue Belts

Assistant Coaches.

Purple Belt

Coach Courtney Boggs

GBF Women's Program

8 years training. Counseling background — blends mental resilience, focus and personal empowerment into every class she runs.

Jacksonville St Johns
Purple Belt

Coach Joey Melendez

BJJ Coach

6 years on the mat despite physical challenges. Teaches the mental health dimension of the art alongside the technical one.

Jacksonville St Johns
Brown Belt

Coach Ashley Gonzalez

BJJ Coach · Competitor

Training since 2018. Competition-focused. Self-expression through the game.

Jacksonville St Johns
Blue Belt

Coach John

Kids BJJ Coach

On the mat since 2021 — started because of his son Deklan, stayed because of the community.

Jacksonville St Johns
Blue Belt

Coach Habtu

BJJ Coach

Found the mat through fitness, stayed because he wanted to help others find it too.

Jacksonville St Johns
Blue Belt

Coach Tana

BJJ Coach · Women's Program

From student to coach on the kids' mat. A female practitioner inspiring other women to step into the game.

Jacksonville St Johns
White Belt

Coach Russell Pardue

Kids Assistant Coach

Focused on youth development on and off the mat.

Jacksonville St Johns
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