Diego Saraiva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Nova União Atlanta
About
Diego Saraiva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Nova União Atlanta offers training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA under world-class instruction. The gym is led by owner and head instructor Diego Saraiva, a black belt under Guilherme Santos with a World Championship silver medal, eight Pan American medals, and UFC/Bellator experience. He is supported by assistant instructor DJ Wegesin, a second-degree black belt in BJJ under Saraiva, along with black belt Fernanda Saraiva and purple belt Mark San Pedro who run the kids program. The facility features men's and women's changing rooms, a lounge and seating area, free WiFi, and new Zebra mats.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members rave about the gym's family-like community and welcoming atmosphere, where everyone feels supported regardless of experience level. They praise the elite, detailed instruction from world-class coaches like Diego Saraiva and DJ Wegesin, who invest deeply in students' progress. The kids program run by Mark and Fernanda receives high marks, and the culture is described as respectful, challenging yet safe, with higher belts generously sharing knowledge. No significant concerns are mentioned across the reviews.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Nadia Carter
a month ago
I love doing bjj here. The facility is always so clean and everyone is so kind and welcoming. It truly feels like a family. Professor Diego and Dj are always making sure everyone is safe and enjoying their time while also learning the best techniques. I am a girly girl and did not expect to enjoy it but I tried it out and loved it. I was so nervous to roll with the bigger guys but they are all gentle giants. I have gained so much confidence from training here and love learning from these amazing professors!
Yasser Ibrahim
a month ago
I can’t say enough good things about Diego Savaiva BJJ. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by Diego, Fernanda and everyone. Diego is not only an incredible professor/coach with deep technical knowledge, but also someone who truly invests in his students’ growth on and off the mats. The training is challenging, structured, and fun, and the team atmosphere is top-notch. This gym pushes you to be better while making you feel like family. Highly recommend to anyone looking to start or elevate their BJJ journey.
sam
a month ago
This gym has an incredible kids program run by Mark, Diego Saraiva Nova União is a legit Jiu-Jitsu gym. Diego is a world-class coach with no ego who actually pays attention to details and cares about your progress. Training is tough but respectful. You learn real, fundamental Jiu-Jitsu that actually works. If you want to get better for real, this is the place.
Allen Sanders
a month ago
My son started training here about a year and a half ago. He was only 14 and they put him in the adult class. I was quite nervous, but he was just to big for the kids class and to small for the adult class. But, fortunately, the adult instructors and the students are exceptional at this gym. They trained him and looked after him like he was one of their own. The culture at this gym is top tier. Both Diego and DJ are amazing teachers. On the mat and off. After waiting a little while for an injury to heal, I started training myself last March. One day before my 45th birthday. It is truly never too late to start. Now the journey isn’t all candy and roses. I’ve had my share of aches and pains, but I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to train with. They may beat you up, but they always teach you something. Everyone from Blue belts to Black is generous with their knowledge if you ask. If you are on the fence, try it!!! It might just be the best decision you make.
Tre Horton
a month ago
Diego Saraiva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than just a gym. It is a true team and community built with care, intention, and heart. Diego and Fernanda run this place as a small family business, and you can feel that the moment you walk in. Everyone is welcomed, supported, and encouraged, whether you are brand new to jiu jitsu or have been on the mats for years. The environment is positive, respectful, and focused on growth both on and off the mat. The classes are extremely well organized and thoughtfully structured. Instruction is clear, purposeful, and consistent across the board. Training under high-level black belts like DJ, Theo, and others makes a huge difference. They bring professionalism, attention to detail, and a real passion for teaching that shows in every class. DJ in particular has made a massive impact on my life. His presence, leadership, and energy on the mat are something special. I am always excited to see him train and teach, and his influence extends far beyond technique. He sets a standard that motivates everyone around him to be better. If you are looking for a jiu jitsu academy with elite instruction, strong values, and a tight-knit community that truly cares about its people, Diego Saraiva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the place to be!
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
6290 McDonough Dr NW STE H, Norcross, GA 30093, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Diego Saraiva
Owner/Head Instructor
Black Belt (under Guilherme Santos), World Championship Silver medalist, 8-time Pan American medalist, UFC/Bellator veteran
Born in Brazil, began BJJ at 12. Over 30 IBJJF black belt medals. Head of Nova União Atlanta affiliate. Over 40 MMA fights.
DJ Wegesin
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt in BJJ (under Diego Saraiva), Black Belt in American Karate, Brown Belt in Judo
Started wrestling at age 5. Has extensive training in tactical defense with edged weapons and stick/baton. Had 7 MMA fights after age 42.
Fernanda Saraiva
Kids Program Instructor
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Avid competitor. Europeans Silver medalist (2020), Master International Gold medalist (2018). Wife of head instructor Diego Saraiva.
Mark San Pedro
Kids Program Instructor
Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (under Diego Saraiva)
Kids instructor in Georgia for 8 years. Also has knowledge in Boxing and Muay Thai. Training BJJ since 2012.