When he was fourteen years old, Tussa found Jiu-Jitsu and devoted his life to the art. He learned from various instructors while in Brazil but always remained under the Gracie Barra banner.

After years competing at the top level and even teaching once he was a purple belt, Tussa earned his black belt in 2006 from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. That same year he made the move to the United States initially to Atlanta, GA then settling down in Albuquerque, NM where he still resides as head instructor of Gracie Barra New Mexico.

Always an avid competitor at black belt, Tussa earned medals in the major tournaments such as the World Championship in which he has placed four times since 2007. He earned his first black belt No-Gi World Championship title in 2007 and repeated the result three more times in 2008, 2009 and 2012.

He earned his first black belt Pan American Championship title in 2009 and then a second gold in 2013. It was in 2012 that Tussa competed in ten major tournaments with four golds in a row at the Pan No-Gi, Master & Seniors Worlds, No-Gi Worlds and ended the year with the first BJJ Pro League title.

Tussa is set to compete in the second edition of the BJJ Pro League this weekend on the Dec. 8 against three other competitors in his bracket.

Check out this highlight video of Roberto Tussa Alencar:

Learn more about the 2013 BJJ Pro League on Dec. 8 at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid at www.bjjproleague.com

Samir will be replacing Caio at the 2013 BJJ Pro League. Photo: Ivan Trindade

Samir started his Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of nine in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He received his black belt in June of 2009 from Alan Moraes of Carlson Gracie Team but now trains at the Institute of Martial Arts in San Jose, CA. When he competes, which is often, he represents the Caio Terra Association.

In 2010 Samir won the World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship winning his first black belt world title. Later, he won the 2012 and 2013 Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship as well. An eight-time American Nationals champion, Samir can be found on the mats whether competing or working as a referee.

Samir competes in the light-featherweight and featherweight categories but has won the open division at the Las Vegas Open in 2012 proving that technique can overcome strength.

Last year Samir competed in the BJJ Pro League and received the bronze medal. This year he will be in the four-man category of rooster/light-feather/feather and hopes to take home the gold.

Check out this quick submission by Samir at the 2012 World Championship:

Learn more about the 2013 BJJ Pro League on Dec. 8 at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid at www.bjjproleague.com