Instructors

Meet

Instructors

Head Instructor

Head Instructor

Leo Nogueira

Leonardo Noguiera is a black belt under Fabio Gurgel and is a head instructor at Alliance Atlanta. After winning his first World Championship as a Blue Belt in 2006, he went on to win 4 more and continues to dominate in competitions. In addition to being a World Champion, Leo has won European, Brazilian, and Pan American championships as well. His extensive list of medals put him on a level of Jiu-Jitsu that not too many has reached. Leo’s teaching style enforces Jacare’s methods of proper technique in his classes and teaches a style of Jiu-Jitsu that is practical in competition as well as in self-defense.

  • World Champion: Blue (2006), Brown (2009, 2009-Absolute), Black (2011,2012)
  • European Champion: Black (2011)
  • Pan American Champion: Black (2015)
  • Brazilian National Champion: Black (2011-Absolute, 2012)
  • Rio Open Champion: Brown (2008-Absolute)
  • Brazilian Silver Medalist: Black (2010)
  • Rio Open Silver Medalist: Brown (2008), Black (2010-Absolute)
  • Brazilian National Bronze Medalist: Black (2011)
  • Rio Open Bronze Medalist: Black (2009, 2010)
Adult Assistant Instructor

Adult Assistant Instructor

DJ Farmer

Adult Assistant Instructor of Alliance Atlanta

Adult Assistant Instructor, Kids and Teens Assistant Instructor

Adult Assistant Instructor, Kids and Teens Assistant Instructor

Yusef Abd Al-Rahman

Yusef “Boa Noite “Abd Ahl-Rahman

  • 2023 World Masters Brown Belt Silver Medalist.
  • 9 X IBJJF Light/Middle Gold Medalist.
  • 1 X IBJJF Open Weight Gold Medalist.
  • 3 X IBJJF Open Weight Silver Medalist.
  • 4 X IBJJF Silver Medalist.
Coach Yusef has been a dedicated Alliance student, competitor, and Instructor for 10 years at Alliance Headquarters. Coach Yusef is an instructor for all ages and skill levels as a Kids Instructor( ages 4-13) adult Fundamentals, Intermediate, and Advanced class levels. One of his core beliefs are ” We are not only here to create World Champions ” but “World Class Human Beings” when it comes to developing the Young People in our many Levels of Youth Jiu-jitsu programs.  Coach Yusef is a Native Of New Orleans, Louisiana and a former US Marine
2nd degree Black Belt

2nd degree Black Belt

Jeffrey Donovan

Accolades and Accreditations

Alliance Jiu Jitsu 2nd Degree Black Belt under Master Romero ‘Jacare’ Cavalcanti

  • IBJJF Certified Black Belt
  • Judo 1st Degree Brown Belt – CMAC Judo under Sensei Joshua Ruiz
  • Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Certified Kids, Beginners, No Gi Instructor
  • CPR/AED Certified
  • Fight To Win 20 Atlanta Black Belt Submission Only No Gi Super Fight Winner
  • Tennessee Top Roller 3 Black Belt Submission Only No Gi Main Event Super Fight Winner Tennessee Top Roller 4 Black Belt Submission Only Gi Main Event Super Fight Winner Respect 4 (Kansas City) Pro Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Super Fight Winner (Gi)
  • Rise of The Prospects 7 (Tucson) Black Belt Super Fight Winner (Gi)
  • 2015 IBJJF 2nd Ranked Brown Belt Master 2 Middleweight (Gi)
  • 20x IBJJF Champion
Brown Belt Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Brown Belt Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Doc Small

My journey in  Jiu-Jitsu  began in 2017, and since then, I have dedicated myself to mastering techniques and sharing my knowledge with others. In 2020, I took on the role of coaching kids in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to watch young minds and bodies grow in confidence and skill through martial arts. As of November 2022, I have had the privilege of serving as the head kids’ instructor, shaping the next generation of BJJ practitioners. My commitment to teaching extends to adult fundamental classes as well. I’ve been coaching adults in the fundamental principles and techniques of Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s my belief that Jiu-Jitsu  is more than just a martial art, but a way of life, offering countless physical and mental benefits.
I’ve had the honor of testing my skills in competition, with notable victories including first-place wins at Tap Cancer Out and NAGA tournaments. Under the guidance of Leo Nogueira at Alliance Atlanta, I continue to be inspired to push the boundaries of my abilities and share the wisdom of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with others. I believe that through dedication, discipline, and a love for the art, we can all achieve greatness on and off the mat.
Black Belt Adult Instructor

Black Belt Adult Instructor

Jeremy Surratt

Jeremy received his black belt in 2022 under Professor Leonardo Nogueira. He began training under Master Romero ‘Jacare’ Cavalcanti, and has dedicated himself to martial arts for over 10 years. Jeremy is very knowledgeable in the Gi, and teaches his classes with a systems-based approach in order to ease the learning process for his students. Aside from teaching and practicing Jiu Jitsu, Jeremy is a retired MMA fighter, master carpenter and skilled mechanic. Jeremy’s experience on the mats as a student, competitor, and now instructor make him a valuable asset to Alliance.

Black Belt Instructor

Black Belt Instructor

Victoria Delgado

-2x IBJJF Master World Champion
-IBJJF Pan-American Champion
-Black Belt under Leonardo Nogueira

Victoria Delgado has been dedicated to her journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for roughly 10 years now. She not only enjoys teaching, but she is also an impressive athlete and avid competitor. Victoria has already achieved major titles in the sport and her passion shows every single day on the mats. Whether its Gi or NoGi, you can find her training every single day. Victoria is also a licensed nutritionist and personal trainer, so aside from guiding you in your BJJ journey, she can guide you through the realm of proper nutrition and physical fitness. Her business is called Success with Vi Coaching (Instagram: @successwithvi_coaching)

Black Belt Adult and Kids Instructor

Black Belt Adult and Kids Instructor

Rick Jungkuntz

Black Belt Adult and Kids Instructor
Leo Nogueira

Head Instructor

Leo Nogueira

DJ Farmer

Adult Assistant Instructor

DJ Farmer

Yusef Abd Al-Rahman

Adult Assistant Instructor

Yusef Abd Al-Rahman

Doc Small

Brown Belt Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Doc Small

Jeremy Surratt

Black Belt Adult Instructor

Jeremy Surratt

Trenton Cooke

3rd Degree Black Belt Under Master Romero 'Jacare' Cavalcanti

Trenton Cooke

Victoria Delgado

Black Belt Instructor

Victoria Delgado

Jeffrey Donovan

2nd degree Black Belt

Jeffrey Donovan

Rick Jungkuntz

Black Belt Adult and Kids Instructor

Rick Jungkuntz

Romero Cavalcanti

Jacaré is an 8th-Degree Red and White Belt in BJJ. Born in 1952, he began his BJJ training at 11 years old. Living in the same neighborhood as the Gracies, at the age of 16, he joined the famous Gracie School in Copacabana. He was in the same BJJ class as Carlos Gracie Jr., Crolin Gracie, Fabio Santos, Mauricio Gomes, the Machados, Rickson Gracie, and many others.

After competing extensively from 1972 to 1985 and working as an assistant instructor at the Gracie School, Jacaré opened his first school in Ipanema, Brazil. He soon became one of the most respected instructors in Brazil, going on to create and coach the powerhouse that is the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Team. Jacaré attended school in New York in the ’70s and came to love the United States like his own. He moved to the US with his family, permanently in 1995, and he opened up his first American school in Miami.

He later moved to Atlanta in 1996 and quickly established a very successful school. He developed a very solid team with competitors that have won numerous championships around the world.

Jacaré’s school is now the main school in the Southeast US for BJJ, self-defense, and mixed martial arts (MMA). He is respected and recognized for his outstanding technique and expertise in training competitive fighters for over twenty years. Within Georgia, Jacaré, in association with Matt Larson, was chosen by the Army Rangers in Fort Benning, GA and several Law Enforcement Agencies as their main instructor. He makes his system very easy to learn and his classes are fun and exciting. He ensures that everyone in the Academy is treated like family. Jacaré says BJJ has made him a better person by teaching him patience, respect, and confidence, and his school teaches these qualities to new students of all ages.

Promise To

The Leaders of Alliance

Be Dedicated

Be leaders of love, not fear

Empower our members

Treat each child with respect

Help members reach their goals

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