“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

Diego Saraiva

Owner/ Head Instructor

Born in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, Diego began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 12 years old.  By 20, he had moved to the United States to compete and teach.  He received his black belt in January 2002 from Guilherme Santos.  Jiu Jitsu is a family affair in the Saraiva household.  His wife, Fernanda, is a purple belt.  Their 16 year old daughter, Milena Costa, are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belts. 

With over 30 black belt medals in the most prestigious events (IBJJF), Diego is one of the most decorated BJJ athletes in Atlanta.  He is also a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) OG with over 40 fights including the biggest events in the sport: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator, World Extreme Fighting (WEF), International Sports Combat Federation (ISCF), Palace Fighting Championships (PCF), and American Fight League (AFL).  He held titles in the AFL, PFC (2 weight classes), and the WEF.

Off the mats, Diego is known for his always smiling, happy, friendly, and upbeat demeanor.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Accomplishments

IBJJF black belt medals

  • World Championship – Silver medalist
  • 8-time Pan American Championship medalist
  • 7-time Atlanta Open Champion
  • American Nationals Champion
  • European NoGi Champion
  • Multiple-time IBJJF Open Champion (Miami, Cincinnati, Nashville, Washington DC, Lisbon, & Rome)
DJ Wegesin

DJ Wegesin

Assistant Instructor

Born in Muncie, Indiana, DJ started wrestling at 5 and continued until the age of 21.  He earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Steve Headden in 2011 and his second degree from Diego Saraiva in 2018.  DJ also holds a black belt in American Karate, a brown belt in Judo, and he has extensive training in tactical defense with edged weapons and stick/baton. 

DJ had 7 mixed martial arts fights after the age of 42 showing that age is just a number.  His passion for the jiu jitsu lifestyle and helping others find joy in the sport are contagious.  Off the mats, he likes spending time wake surfing behind his boat.

Fernanda Saraiva

Fernanda Saraiva

Kids Program Instructor

Fernanda is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, avid competitor, and an instructor in our Kids Program.  She is also the wife of head instructor, Diego Saraiva.

Born in Brasilia, Brazil, she moved to Atlanta in 2004.  She started BJJ in 2003 but didn’t practice consistently until 2017.  Since then, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been a huge part of her life. Whenever she isn’t at the gym teaching and training, she is traveling the world competing or working at tournaments with Diego and their daughter.

Competition Highlights:

  • Europeans – Silver medalist (2020)
  • Master International – South America: Silver (2019); Gold (2018)
  • Atlanta Open – Gold (2019)
  • Houston Open – Bronze (2019)
  • American Nationals – Gold (2006)
Mark San Pedro

Mark San Pedro

Kids Program Instructor

Born in Mississauga, Ontario Canada, he moved to the city of Gainesville, GA at a young age. Starting in middle school he picked up athletics and hasn’t stopped since. In high school he found a drive to want to teach. Almost becoming a History teacher, instead decided to bring his teaching skills to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Now he has been a Georgia area Kids instructor in places ranging from North Georgia down to Metro Atlanta for the past 8 years.

He is currently a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under NU ATL’s main instructor Diego Saraiva, and has been training in BJJ since 2012. Also under his experience he has knowledge in both Boxing and Muay Thai as well. Always smiling, he almost always seems to bring an upbeat attitude to his teaching style as well as his grappling game.

In his free time, he is an avid geek/fan. With hobbies ranging from Star Wars, to video games, to ATL sports, even Dungeons and Dragons. He is always researching with his nose in the books.

Our Facilities

We are located in Norcross near the intersection of I85 and Jimmy Carter Blvd at 6290 McDonough Dr NW, Suite H, Norcross, GA 30093.

 Newly Renovated

  • 2,500 Sq Ft
  • New Zebra Mats
  • Men & Women’s changing rooms
  • Lounge/ Seating Area
  • Free Wifi

Our AFFILIATES

In addition to our Headquarters in Norcross, we have 2 other affiliated academies in the Atlanta-metro area:

Nova Uniao – Roswell
Owner: Jason Scohier

10500 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 10502A
Roswell, GA 30076

(770) 649-1074

jason@saraivabjj.com

saraivabjjroswell.com

Alpharetta Martial Arts / Nova Uniao – Alpharetta
Owner: Brian Brown

9945 Jones Bridge Road, Suites 108-109
Johns Creek, GA 30022

(770) 873-2234

bbrown2026@gmail.com

alpharettamartialarts.com

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