News
News
Nova Uniao: Two Lineages, One Team That Changed the Game
Nova Uniao: Two Lineages, One Team That Changed the Game
Back in 1995, two coaches with different backgrounds decided to join forces. Dedé Pederneiras, from the Carlson Gracie school, and Wendell Alexander, from the Fadda lineage, came together and created Nova Uniao.
Even today, it’s rare to see a team led by professors from such different roots. What seemed unlikely at the time became one of the most important stories in Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
Where They Came From
Dedé was already a respected name. More than just teaching techniques, he built athletes. He created a structure where even kids from tough neighborhoods could train, grow, and compete. That’s where names like José Aldo, Renan Barão, and Leo Santos came from.
Wendell was all about the foundation. Always on the mat, teaching with patience and an eye for detail. Guys like Robson Moura, Wagnney Fabiano, and Bruno Bastos started with him. His training was calm, consistent, and built to last. The kind of teaching that sticks.
Each one had his own way, but they shared the same goal: build fighters with responsibility, from white belt to black. That attitude played a big role in how the team evolved.
What the Team Achieve
In IBJJF competitions, Nova Uniao quickly made a name for itself, especially in the lighter divisions. Their athletes showed up with solid timing, good positioning, and sharp technique built through honest training. Some of them became world champions. It wasn’t hype. It was the result of doing the work every single day.
When they moved into MMA, there was no rush to adjust. They were already ready. Nova Uniao fighters showed up with tight grappling, smart fight IQ, and real conditioning. They stepped in to win, and they did.
Still Active, Still True to the Roots
Today, Nova Uniao is still going strong. They’ve got schools in several countries and have formed hundreds of black belts. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is the kind of Jiu Jitsu they continue to teach.
Dedé is still in front, leading training and bringing up new names. Wendell is still on the mat, teaching with the same calm energy he’s always had. No spotlight, just work.
Our Respect
At Atama Europe, we make it a point to recognize everything Nova Uniao represents. What Dedé and Wendell built wasn’t just a team. It became a culture. They opened doors, set the tone, and showed what it means to live Jiu Jitsu with purpose.
This isn’t just a throwback. It’s a thank you.
If you value tradition on and off the mat, check out our gear and train with what real history looks like.
Atama. We wear history.
Back in 1995, two coaches with different backgrounds decided to join forces. Dedé Pederneiras, from the Carlson Gracie school, and Wendell Alexander, from the Fadda lineage, came together and created Nova Uniao.
Even today, it’s rare to see a team led by professors from such different roots. What seemed unlikely at the time became one of the most important stories in Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
Where They Came From
Dedé was already a respected name. More than just teaching techniques, he built athletes. He created a structure where even kids from tough neighborhoods could train, grow, and compete. That’s where names like José Aldo, Renan Barão, and Leo Santos came from.
Wendell was all about the foundation. Always on the mat, teaching with patience and an eye for detail. Guys like Robson Moura, Wagnney Fabiano, and Bruno Bastos started with him. His training was calm, consistent, and built to last. The kind of teaching that sticks.
Each one had his own way, but they shared the same goal: build fighters with responsibility, from white belt to black. That attitude played a big role in how the team evolved.
What the Team Achieve
In IBJJF competitions, Nova Uniao quickly made a name for itself, especially in the lighter divisions. Their athletes showed up with solid timing, good positioning, and sharp technique built through honest training. Some of them became world champions. It wasn’t hype. It was the result of doing the work every single day.
When they moved into MMA, there was no rush to adjust. They were already ready. Nova Uniao fighters showed up with tight grappling, smart fight IQ, and real conditioning. They stepped in to win, and they did.
Still Active, Still True to the Roots
Today, Nova Uniao is still going strong. They’ve got schools in several countries and have formed hundreds of black belts. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is the kind of Jiu Jitsu they continue to teach.
Dedé is still in front, leading training and bringing up new names. Wendell is still on the mat, teaching with the same calm energy he’s always had. No spotlight, just work.
Our Respect
At Atama Europe, we make it a point to recognize everything Nova Uniao represents. What Dedé and Wendell built wasn’t just a team. It became a culture. They opened doors, set the tone, and showed what it means to live Jiu Jitsu with purpose.
This isn’t just a throwback. It’s a thank you.
If you value tradition on and off the mat, check out our gear and train with what real history looks like.
Atama. We wear history.