Meet our experienced instructors who are committed to helping you succeed in Jiu-Jitsu.
At Gracie Barra, we believe in structured, safe, and effective training for all levels.
Our instructors are Gracie Barra Certified and continually refine their teaching skills.
Professor Zack Shelley
First-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Zack Shelley is the head professor at Gracie Barra Cincinnati and a first-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
He began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 16 and has spent most of his life immersed in combat sports, including boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling.
Zack trains and teaches both Gi and No-Gi, focusing on Jiu-Jitsu that actually works—whether for competition or everyday training. He’s also the creator of the Kumite Jiu-Jitsu competition and was fortunate to meet Helio Gracie along the way.
Zack runs the School with high standards, plenty of mat time, and a strong sense of community, helping students grow on and off the mats.
Coach Tyler
Purple Belt
Tyler has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for eight years and is currently a purple belt.
He has several years of experience teaching both kids and adults classes, including private classes.
He has competed and won local NAGA and New Breed tournaments in Cincinnati and is eager to help others improve at Jiu-Jitsu, whether for self-defense or to compete!
He has two sons, both who you'll likely see on or around the mats during Little Champs!
Professor Doug Boschert
Black Belt
Doug Boschert began his Jiu-Jitsu journey over 20 years ago—just across the
street from where Gracie Barra Cincinnati now stands. With nearly a decade
of experience teaching both kids and adults, Doug brings a wealth of
knowledge, patience, and passion to every class he leads.
After more than two decades of dedicated training, Doug earned his black
belt in the summer of 2024. Now in his 50s, he continues to see Jiu-Jitsu
not only as a martial art but as a lifelong path to health, fitness, and
personal growth. His philosophy centers on constant improvement, regardless
of age or experience level.
Jiu-Jitsu is a family affair for Doug—both of his sons also actively
train—and he views his training partners as an extension of that family. In
2023, Doug played a key role in helping open a Gracie Barra School in
Charleston, SC, and he’s proud to now be part of the very first Gracie
Barra location in Ohio.
Whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or looking to deepen
your practice, Doug brings the heart, experience, and community spirit to
help guide you on your journey.
