Alexandre Pulga

Alexandre Puga — full name Alexandre Basbaum Pettezzoni de Puga — was born on August 9, 1973, in Brazil. His path to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began at age 17 through a friend's invitation, a chance encounter that would shape the entire course of his life. That introduction led him to Clube Campestre in Rio de Janeiro, where he began training under instructor André "Deco." Progressing steadily under Deco's guidance, Puga earned his blue belt at the club before seeking deeper instruction and greater challenges.

In 1992, Puga made a pivotal move, transitioning to train under Alexandre Paiva — widely known by his nickname "Gigi" — at Clube Federal in Rio de Janeiro. This decision placed him under one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most accomplished instructors and established the foundation for a lifelong professional partnership between the two.

Puga's technical development accelerated under Alexandre Paiva at Clube Federal. Shortly after Puga's arrival in 1992, Paiva joined forces with Roberto Traven to establish Academia Strike — with sources placing the founding in either 1992 or 1993. Regardless of the exact date, Puga followed his instructor into this new chapter, deepening his technical foundation under two World BJJ Champions.

In 1996, both Alexandre Paiva and Roberto Traven jointly awarded Puga his purple belt — a distinction that reflected the dual influence each champion had on his growth during the Academia Strike years. When Paiva later departed to form his own independent academy, Puga followed without hesitation, a gesture of loyalty that defined their enduring partnership.

Paiva promoted Puga to brown belt in 1998, and on August 29, 2000, awarded him his black belt — the culmination of a disciplined progression through the ranks spanning nearly a decade of dedicated training.

Puga's transition from student to instructor found its highest expression in 2002, when Alexandre Paiva extended an invitation for him to join the coaching staff at the Alliance academy in Rio de Janeiro. Puga accepted immediately, stepping into a role that would define his professional identity for decades to come.

Within the Alliance structure, Puga established himself as one of the academy's principal instructors, working directly with athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport. Several high-level competition grapplers credit their development to his instruction, reflecting the breadth and quality of his coaching contributions. His sustained commitment to the academy's growth from 2002 onward mirrors the same dedication he demonstrated throughout his own competitive formation under Paiva.