Instructors
Professor Juan
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Professor Juan Romero has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than 11 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: Flame Broiler Angus Beef Plate
Professor Roberto
MMA Instructor
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
Prof Korey
Jiu-Jitsu/Striking Instructor
Coach Korey Taylor has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts for nearly 10 years. Prior to starting this BJJ journey, he proudly served in the United States Army for 5 years.
As an active professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, he also spends his time coaching other Amateur and Professional MMA fighters in leagues like the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and Combat Night.
BJJ Rank: Black Belt
Go-to Submission: Mounted Armbar
Go-to Meal: Anything that is filling
Coach Abraham
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
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 Dean
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
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: Brown Belt
Go-to Submission: Americana
Go-to Meal: Karai Bistro Shoyu Ramen
Coach John
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Coach
Coach John followed his instinct and started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2021. His son, Deklan, was the first to begin this journey. After watching the family friendly environment, he decided to join in on the fun. From the on, he has found a true calling and cornerstone in his life with the Gracie Barra family.
BJJ Rank: Blue Belt
Go-to Submission: Kimura
Go-to Meal: Publix Rotisserie Chicken
Coach Habtu, like a lot of newcomers, started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to loose weight and have fun while doing so. Little did he know, he would catch the Jiu-Jitsu bug shortly after. He decided to commit himself to become a coach to take his training to the next level and aid others in their journey.
BJJ Rank: Blue Belt
Go-to Submission: Nobody knows
Go-to Meal: Sushi Burrito
Coach Tana slowly worked her way into Jiu-Jitsu. Shortly after she started training, she started coaching kids’ classes. Her presence as a female practitioner inspires other women to only train Jiu-Jitsu but to also thrive in it
BJJ Rank: Blue Belt
Go-to Submission: Americana
Go-to Meal: Tropical Smoothie