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 Greg Shepherd
1st Degree Black Belt
Gracie Barra ICP Certified Instructor, CPR Certification, IBJJF Competition Rules Certified, AGF Referee, Fuji BJJ Referee
Professor Greg began training in Jiu Jitsu in 2011. Originally from Maryland, Greg excelled in football and baseball through high school and college. After moving to the St Louis area, Greg finished college at UMSL while also earning All-American honors as a relief pitcher. He got his son interested in Jiu Jitsu shortly after he started and his son Joey is now a brown belt after serving in the Marine Corps.
Rankings
• 1st degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• IBJJF Master Worlds Purple Belt Bronze 2017
• Multiple time IBJJF Open Gold Medalist
• Multiple time AGF Tournament Medalist
Coach Joey Shepherd
Brown Belt
Gracie Barra ICP certified, CPR Certification
Coach Joey started his jiu jitsu journey at 11 years old thanks to his dad looking for a fun way to stay in shape. He immediately fell in love with the sport and has aspirations to compete at the highest level and one day open his own academy. In 2019, Coach Joey enlisted into the Marine Corps and spent 4 years as a radio operator attached to the infantry. Coach Joey returned to Missouri in 2023 to continue his journey of teaching and competing in Jiu Jitsu.
Rankings
• Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu
• IBJJF Worlds bronze medalist in 2018
• Multiple time IBJJF open Medalist
• Multiple time AGF tournament medalist
