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
Jason Scohier
Head Instructor
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Jason grew up playing a variety of team sports which he continued through high school. He spent his twenties focused on his career as a dental technician.
He discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2012 at the age of 30 and was immediately hooked. He often says how bjj changed his life. Aside from family and friends, it has been the most positive outlet in his life thus far.
Jason has a passion for teaching others and is excited about paying it forward by exposing others to the sport.
In his spare time, Jason is an avid fitness enthusiast and enjoys almost any outdoor activity.
Chris Walker
Assistant Instructor
Born in Orlando Floriada, Chris was drawn to martial arts at a very early age. He was awarded his first Black Belt in karate at the age of 14, and he has won multiple World Championships throughout the years. He is still competing to this day.
Chris is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under DJ Wegesin and Diego Saraiva and has competed on the main stage at several NFC events in Atlanta. Chris also has competed in MMA where he holds an amateur and professional record of 7-2.
Chris is married and has three children ages 5, 2, and 4 months which takes up most of his free time which he gladly gives to them. When he is not with his family or on the mats Chris has found a new passion in archery.
Our Facilities
We are located inside The Dojo in the Roswell/Crabapple area – about 1.5 miles from 400 (exit 7) – at 10500 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 10502A, Roswell, GA 30076.
Our Facilities
- 7,000 sq ft with three separate training areas
- 1,600 sq ft BJJ matted training area
- Changing stalls
- 600 sq feet lounge/ seating area
- Free WiFi
our Team
Our Family
Nova UniÃo
Diego Saraiva has represented Team Nova União for over 20 years, and his 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.