About Us
“Finally, an academy and an instructor that make you feel welcome. A true home away from home. The perfect place to accomplish your goals both on and off the mats.”
InstructorS
Stephen Lee (aka Bolo)
Owner/Head Instructor
Stephen Lee (aka Bolo) has been a martial artist since the age of 4, and he has been teaching kids for over a decade. He is a graduate of Georgia State University and spends his free time reading about philosophy, lifting weights, and hanging out with friends.
Trainings & Accomplishments:
- Purple Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (under Diego Saraiva)
- 4th Dan Black Belt, Taekwondo
- 1st Degree Black Belt, Judo
- Multiple time IBJJF Open Champion
- Georgia State Taekwondo Champion
- 2012 ATU National Champion
- 2011 Yong-In University Presidential Cup Champion
- 2010 South Carolina State Taekwondo Champion
Our Facilities
We are located inside Champions Taekwondo in the Kroger Shopping Center in Sugar Hill near the intersection of Cumming Hwy and Suwanee Dam Rd.
our Team
Our Family
Nova UniÃo
Diego has represented Team Nova União for over 20 years, and our academy is the Atlanta affiliate – Nova União Atlanta. Nova União has an enduring history in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. As one of the most accomplished MMA teams in the world, it is the team of Jose Aldo, Renan Barão, Tales Leites, and Wagnney Fabiano. Its Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history includes some of the most famous athletes in history: Vitor Shaolin, Robson Moura, Shaolin, Leo Santos, Bruno Bastos, and Marcio Andre.
In addition to its athletic successes, Nova União is famous for charitable contributions – especially by providing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in impoverished communities. It is known for its friendly, familial atmosphere that prioritizes highly technical jiu jitsu instruction in a fun & encouraging setting.
Academies Worldwide
Athletes in UFC, Bellator, or other big events
BJJ World Champions
Students Worldwide
André Pederneiras
Founder
Voted the world’s best MMA coach in 2010, André is co-founder of Nova União. He has been the instructor and coach of some of the most notable names in MMA including John Lewis, Jose Aldo, Renan Barao, and many others.
Wendell Alexander
Founder
Wendell co-founded Nova União along with André and has promoted some of the biggest names in jiu jitsu, including Leonardo Santos, Bruno Bastos, and many others.
Leonardo Santos
President & Athlete
Leo is a current lightweight contender in the UFC as well as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. He is also an ADCC bronze medalist, 2-time IBJJF World Championship black belt medalist, and a 4-time World Cup Champion.
José Aldo
Athlete/ Former UFC Champion
Known for his well rounded and dynamic fighting style, José has won 4 Fight of the Night and 2 Performance of the Night awards in the UFC. He also holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC featherweight history (7 consecutive title defenses).
Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro
Athlete
Vitor Shaolin is an iconic lightweight competitor in the sport who made a name for himself in both the jiu jitsu areana and MMA. He is a 3-time black belt World Champion (plus 1 time runner up), Brazilian Nationals Champion, and ADCC bronze medalist.
Robson Moura
Athlete
One of the greatest light featherweight competitors in history, Robson Moura is a 5 time Black Belt World Championship (IBJJF) and also a CBJJO World Cup Champion.
Márcio André
Athlete
One of the most prominent jiu jitsu athletes currently competing. A constant featherweight contender, he holds black belt titles at the European and World No Gi Championships. He is also a black belt Worlds and Pan Championship medalist.
Wagnney Fabiano
Athlete
Wagnney is a mixed martial artist who was the International Fight League (IFL) Champion and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) competitor. He is also president of Nova União Canada.
Thales Leites
Athlete/ UFC Competitor
With 36 professional mixed martial arts fights including 20 in the UFC, Thales was an elite MMA fighter for over a decade.
Bruno Bastos
Athlete
Bruno is a highly decorated black belt under Wendell Alexander that include championships from juvenile, adult, and now masters competitions. He is an IBJJF Adult No-Gi World Champion and Masters World Champion.