Albuquerque has a hidden gem flying under the radar of most while being heavily respected by many. Gracie Barra’s Roberto “Tussa” Camargo de Alencar is quietly one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors in the world and he is housed right here in one of the richest combat sports cultured towns, Albuquerque.

With lineage directly linked to the grappling icon Carlos Gracie Sr., Tussa is a Black Belt under Carlinhos Gracie who has followed in the footsteps of the legendary Gracie family by becoming an elite level and highly successful Jiu Jitsu ace. Fighting in the Peso Pesado and Super Pesado (207 pounds-Heavyweight) weight classes, Tussa has an extensive list of accolades.

• 4x World No-Gi Champion (2009, 2008, 2007, 2012)

• Pan American Champion (2009)

• World Silver Medalist (2007)

• Pan American Silver Medalist (2008)

• Brazilian National Open Weight Silver Medalist (2004 brown)

• 2x World Bronze Medalist (2010, 2008)

• 2x Pan American Bronze Medalist (2010, 2007)

With that sort of championship pedigree, it is no surprise that Tussa is considered to be one of the premier talents in the entire state within the confines of combat sports. It has been a short road full of immense success as Tussa moved to America from Brazil in 2006 and in seven short years runs arguably the most prominent Jiu Jitsu School in New Mexico.

In terms of style, Tussa is very agile and deceptively quick for a heavier competitor. Despite his size, Tussa’s most notable signature move is one that is usually utilized most by lighter weight grapplers. Tussa’s flying triangle chokes are infamous and his strength is highly respected in the Jiu Jitsu community. With his combination of speed and strength mixed with his mobility to pull of just about any maneuver, Tussa is one of the most dangerous competitors competing in Jiu Jitsu today.

Check out Professor Tussa at work in this very entertaining highlight video:

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