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
Brian Brown
Owner/Head Instructor
Brian Brown is a U.S. Army veteran and nationally recognized martial artist with more than 35 years of continuous training. His journey began in 1985 with folk style wrestling, and over the decades he has earned black belt and instructor rankings in over ten disciplines, including senior instructor certifications in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Known for an uncompromising work ethic and exceptional fitness, Brian lives by the belief that training is infinite — a lifelong pursuit that continues regardless of age or circumstance.
Brian currently trains and teaches in multiple systems, including:
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Nova União)
- Filipino Martial Arts (Pekiti Tirsia Kali & Cacoy Doce Pares Escrima)
- Warrior Arts under Al McLuckie
- Civilian Tactical Training (C-TAC) under Sifu Alan Baker
- Firearms training under Navy SEAL (Ret.) Kenny Bigbee Jr. (“Killer Bee”)
He has competed extensively in both striking and grappling arts. A career highlight includes earning 3rd place at the 2021 IBJJF World Championships (Black Belt Masters Division).
Though now retired from competition, he continues to mentor and develop students at Alpharetta Martial Arts Academy, where he is highly regarded as both a coach and a leader.
Outside the academy, Brian serves as Owner and Managing Partner of Independent Medical Associates, specializing in medical technologies for neonatal intensive care units across the
Southeast. Away from work and training, he enjoys life with his wife, Lisa, and their two rescued pit bulls, Kazh and Emma.
Trainings & Accomplishments:
- 3rd Degree Black Belt – American Karate
- 3rd Degree Black Belt – Ed Parker Kenpo
- 3rd Grade Black Belt – Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima
- 3rd Degree Black Belt – Counterpoint Tactical System
- 2nd Degree Black Belt – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Nova Uniao)
- American Freestyle Kickboxing = Black Belt
- Pekiti Tirsia Kali = Instructor
- Civilian Tactical Association = Instructor
- Warrior Arts = Instructor
- Killer Bee Tactical = Instructor
- Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor
- Edged & Blunt Weapons Subject Matter Expert
- NRA Certified Handgun Instructor
- U.S. Army Combat Medic (1990–1999)
- EMT-Paramedic (1991–2003)
- B.S., Jacksonville State University
- M.S Life University
Our Facilities
We are located inside The Dojo in Alpharetta/Johns Creek near the intersection of Jones Bridge Road & Old Alabama Road at 9945 Jones Bridge Road.
Newly Renovated
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.