Train With Our Jiu Jitsu Experts

Jiu Jitsu Instructors & Coaches at GRACIE BARRA Clearwater

We believe martial arts are a powerful tool in helping individuals discover their inner strength.

Gracie Barra Clearwater

Instructors
John Keller

Owner At Gracie Barra Clearwater

John Keller is the owner and head instructor of Gracie Barra Clearwater. John had been training in different martial arts since he was a teenager but found Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2004 and immediately focused all of his time training jiu-jitsu under Eduardo De Lima.

After reaching blue belt, John added muay thai and MMA training under Roger Patrizzi. At purple belt, John began teaching classes at Gracie Barra Clearwater and gained competition experience in jiu-jitsu and MMA.

Since then, John has dedicated himself to teaching classes for all ages as well as specific classes for Law Enforcement. John believes in being able to teach jiu-jitsu in a safe and fun environment for all types of practitioners. John is currently a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Benjamin Castellano

Instructor at Gracie Barra Clearwater

With over 30 years of martial arts training and teaching experience, Ben brings deep knowledge, discipline, and passion to the mat. He assists adult group classes, teaches women’s-only self-defense programs, and leads the advanced kids class, helping students develop confidence, skill, and resilience at every level. He also offers private lessons tailored to individual goals.
 
Outside the academy, Ben is a professional ballroom and Latin dancer, bringing exceptional body awareness, balance, and movement into his teaching. He is also a dedicated father, with both of his sons training in jiu-jitsu, reflecting his strong belief in martial arts as a lifelong journey for individuals and families.
Dryden Dennis

Wrestling Instructor at Gracie Barra Clearwater

Dryden began wrestling at age 10 and has been competing and coaching for 20 years. Throughout his career he has competed in folk style/collegiate, freestyle, and Greco Roman wrestling styles.

In high school Dryden was a state runner up, 3x state placer, and was on the Florida National Team for freestyle and Greco Roman. In college, Dryden was a Division 1 wrestler for the University of Oklahoma where he was a 3 year letterwinner.

Throughout his wrestling career he has trained with and been coached by multiple Olympians and D1 National Champions.

He has begun training jiu jitsu and is excited to bring his experience to Gracie Barra Clearwater as the wrestling coach. 

Beatrice Lopez

Instructor at Gracie Barra Clearwater

Beatrice Lopez is the co-instructor for our women’s self defense class at Gracie Barra Clearwater. Her goal is to help women of all ages and backgrounds to feel safe and strong. 
 
Beatrice is tested out of the Gracie Barra’s women’s defense program under head instructor John Keller. Along with her martial arts experience, Beatrice brings over 15 years of teaching experience in ballroom dancing and is an award winning dance professional. In her free time, Beatrice enjoys studying other martial arts, competing in CrossFit, and improving people’s smile as a dental hygienist.

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