He started training Jiu Jitsu when he was 14 years old, influenced by Royce Gracie’s performances in the UFC. Tussa’s first coach was Gabriel Ramos in Brasilia, though his time with Mr Ramos was short-lived. His tuition was then picked up by the famous “Jucao” aka Ailson Brites. He received his blue and purple belts from Brites, though his brown belt was given by Eliezer Dutra (also a member of th
e Gracie Barra family), finally, his black belt was handed by the Gracie Barra leader himself, Carlinhos Gracie. In 2006 Roberto Tussa decided to move to the United States of America, encouraged by one of his former coaches, Fábio Costa. Since the move to Atlanta – US, Fábio had realized the potential of bringing a fighter and coach of the calibre of Roberto Alencar to the country, and after a little persuasion, Tussa finally made up his mind and moved, settling himself in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he runs a Gracie Barra affiliated gym.
