Professor Joe Scarola
5th Degree Black Belt
Professor Joe was promoted to black belt in 2005 by Renzo Gracie and Matt Serra (first black belt given by Matt) Professor Joe now continues training and learning from the great instructors of the Legendary Gracie Barra Team. In 2024 professor received his 5th degree black belt from master Carlos Gracie Jr. He has competed and won many Grappling, Jiujitsu, and MMA competitions. Professor now uses that experience to pass knowledge on to all of his students. Professor Joe has owned and operated the highly successful Gracie Barra Long Island school which is in NY for about 17 years now. Professor has a second very successful location in the Jupiter Florida area specializing in men, women, and children. Now he is focused on building the same success with his 3rd location in Stuart, Florida community.
Professor Steve Nichols
1st Degree Black Belt
Head Instructor of Gracie Barra Stuart and has dedicated his life to the study and teaching of martial arts. He began training at just 4 years old and has spent decades developing his skills as a martial artist, competitor, and coach.
Steven holds a Black Belt in Kempo Karate under Steve Twemlow and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Joe Scarola. Prior to focusing exclusively on Jiu-Jitsu, he competed professionally in mixed martial arts (MMA), gaining valuable experience across multiple disciplines.
Today, Steven remains an active competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and believes in leading by example both on and off the mats. His accomplishments include winning Gold at the prestigious IBJJF No-Gi Pan Championship and earning the title of reigning Masters No-Gi Heavyweight Champion for Fight 2 Win.
As Head Instructor at Gracie Barra Stuart, Steven is passionate about helping students of all ages and experience levels build confidence, develop discipline, improve their physical fitness, and achieve their goals through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His teaching philosophy combines technical excellence, practical application, and a commitment to creating a positive and supportive training environment where every student can thrive.
Professor Steven Nichols
Head Instructor, Gracie Barra Stuart
Black Belt in Kempo Karate & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
MMA Veteran • Active Competitor • IBJJF No-Gi Pan Champion • Reigning Fight 2 Win Masters No-Gi Heavyweight Champion
Coach Hian Carvalho "Higgins"
4 Stripe Blue Belt
Coach Higgins is a four-stripe blue belt and the head coach for the kids at Gracie Barra Stuart, where he's been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past four years.
"As an active competitor, I enjoy bringing my experience on the competition mats into my coaching. One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching students, especially kids, grow in confidence as their skills develop. Seeing them overcome challenges, believe in themselves, and improve both on and off the mats is what makes teaching so rewarding."
