Meet Our Instructors

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smyrna is located in the heart of Smyrna De where Howard Steele has served the Middletown, Smyrna and Dover area as a Martial Arts instructor for over 23 years

Our Head Instructor


Howard Steele began his martial arts journey in 1989, studying the Okinawan art of Isshinryu Karatedo.
After a time of diligent study, he earned his Black Belt in 1993 and after years of teaching in his Master’s dojo he opened his own academy in 2001.
He currently holds a rank of 7th degree Red and WhIte belt and in 2022 was inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.

His study of Jiu Jitsu, like many others, began immediately after the first UFC, in 1993.
However, it wouldn’t be until much later in 2001 that his formal study began.

After years of study under various instructors, including legendary Gracie Jiu Jitsu® Master Royce Gracie, Mr. Steele earned his Black belt.

He was advanced to black belt by world renowned Jiu Jitsu instructor, Master Pedro Sauer and most recently earned his first degree from Rener and Ryron Gracie.

Now he proudly represents the Gracie Family and their art as a Gracie University® Certified training Center owner and Head Instructor.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu® Instructors


Sam Malinky

Assistant Instructor
Blue Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives® and Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®

Nick Arndt

Head Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®

Greg Yourek

Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®

Jennifer Steele

Head Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt
Certified Gracie Women Empowered®

Lisa Coaliron

Assistant Instructor
Blue Belt
Certified Gracie Women Empowered®, Certified Gracie Combatives® and Gracie Bullyproof®

Ryan Horsey

Assistant Instrustor
Blue belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®

Al Garcia

Assistant Instructor
Brown Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®

Joey Coleman

Assistant Instructor
Brown Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®

All “Assistant Instructors” teach on a volunteer basis and are not employees of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smyrna

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