Nick Stefan was born in Redondo Beach, May 21, 1973.  He started his training in martial arts at age 3.  Coach Stefan progressed into kickboxing at age 16.  Nick Stefan discovered Jiu-Jitsu in 1991 at age 18, and the rest is an ongoing saga of accomplishments.

Coach Nick Stefan trained in Hicksen Gracie as a student from 1991 – 1995.  He trained in Hicksen Gracie Academy in West LA, Pico Blvd. In 1998, Coach Stefan learned from the Machato Brothers in Redondo Beach.  Nick Stefan received his Black Belt in 2006.  In 2009 Coach Stefan began competing with the Humaita Competition Team. 

Today, Nick Stefan is a 5^th-degree Black Belt. He has studied with Rigan Machado, Royler Gracie.  Legends with Rorian Gracie, and Jacara.  As a coach, Nick Stefan has trained MMA fighters, Travis Brown, Junior Dusantos, Brandon Veira, The Nogerra brothers, Alexander Gustaffson, Chris Cyborg,  In his own MMA career, Nick Stefan has a professional record of 2-1. Nick Stefan has competed in over 100 tournaments with wins including gold, silver, and bronze.  Coach Stefan remains highly sought after for personal, conference, and group teaching around the US. 

Nick Stefan is one of the highest-ranking Instructors of the Gracie Humaita.  In 2007 Coach Stefan opened his first gym. Nick Stefan further opened Gracie Carlsbad (2009), Gracie Encinits (2011), Faction Martial Arts (2009), Faction Vista (2012), and Gracie San Marcos (2013).  Furthering his extensive gyms, personal training/coaching opportunities, and personalized curriculum, Coach Nick Stefan is launching a new concept of training and teaching in his most recent and modern gym, the new Gracie Humaita Carlsbad.