Professor Nivian Hernandez - Head Instructor
Black Belt
ICP 2025
Originally from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Professor Nivian Hernandez brings her passion for Jiu-Jitsu and years of experience to Gracie Barra Anthem. A dedicated competitor and strategist, she combines her love for teaching with the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that Jiu-Jitsu inspires.
Professor Nivian earned her Black Belt under Professors Leonardo Oliveira, Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhães, and Carlos Gracie Jr. Over the years, she has built a remarkable competition career, standing out in both national and international tournaments.
Some of her most notable achievements include:
Beyond her competitive record, Professor Nivian is passionate about sharing the art of Jiu-Jitsu with her students. Her goal is to help each student grow—on the mats and in life—by applying the philosophy of “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone.”
Coach Adrian Hernandez - Program Director
Brown Belt
ICP 2025
Adrian Hernandez is the Program Director of Gracie Barra Anthem and has been part of the Gracie Barra family for nearly a decade.
He began his journey as one of the founding students of Gracie Barra Scottsdale, where he developed a deep passion for Jiu-Jitsu and the GB philosophy. His dedication to training and personal development recently led him to compete in his first IBJJF Phoenix Open at the brown belt level, where he proudly earned gold. Outside of training, Adrian focuses on building strong connections with students and families, ensuring everyone feels supported from their very first class.
His role as Program Director is to help guide the academy’s growth and to maintain the world-class standards of Gracie Barra while fostering a family-oriented culture. Adrian is passionate about creating opportunities for both kids and adults to discover the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu — from self-defense and fitness to confidence and community. His vision is to make Gracie Barra Anthem a home for anyone ready to grow on and off the mats.
Professor Cindy Geery
Black Belt
ICP 2026
Coach Phillip Monohon
Black Belt
ICP 2026
Phillip found Jiu-Jitsu in the winter of 2019 when he began training alongside his son. With a successful high school wrestling career and an opportunity to pursue wrestling at the collegiate level, he brought a strong grappling foundation to the mats and quickly developed a passion for Jiu-Jitsu.
Since beginning his Jiu-Jitsu journey, Phillip has remained an active competitor, earning victories at multiple No-Gi tournaments while continuing to develop his skills and knowledge of the art. In 2026 Phillip competed in the World Masters Tournament, one of the largest and most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament for adult competitors, and is now a World Champion!
As an instructor, Phillip’s greatest passion is teaching and helping others grow. Whether working with youth or adults, he strives to share the art of Jiu-Jitsu while building confidence, discipline, and a love for the sport both on and off the mats.
