He began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age five under Marcelo and Silvio Behring in the New Ipanema neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, before coming under the tutelage of Jorge Pereira at thirteen.

[4] Schembri began competing in mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2001 after joining the Pride Fighting Championships in Japan.

Around that time, Schembri left Gracie Barra and joined the Chute Boxe Academy, where he became the gym's grappling coach while learning striking from Rafael Cordeiro.

Schembri's father committed suicide in 2004, leaving Nino devastated and affecting his ability to focus and train consistently.

Schembri returned to competing in jiu-jitsu in 2010, stating in an interview to the Fightworks Podcast that he was finally recovered mentally from his father's death.