Alexandre Verga was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, son of a Capoeira Master, and involved in the art since an early age. When Alex moved to NYC in 2001, to pursue a modeling career, he became a student of Capoeira Nago Group, under Mestre Andre Gusmao.

Currently a Professor – Purple Cord –  from Group Capoeira Nago, Alex is known by his nickname “Professor Ale Bahia”. Over 15 years of experience, teaching Capoeira to all levels from beginners to advanced students, kids, brake-dancers, fashion models, house wives, and wall street brokers. When not traveling around the world for modeling jobs, Alex has attended Capoeira workshops all over the United States, Europe, and Brazil, including an annual trip to Capoeira Nago’s hometown, Goiania, Brazil, participating in rodas, tournaments, and training with the group’s great master Mestre Pequines.

While teaching Capoeira at the Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC, Alex got involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Alex won many tournaments, including IBJJF World Championship at Middle Weight division twice, as a White Belt and as a Brown Belt. Currently a Brown belt, supervised by Professor Rafael ”Gordinho“ Lima, at Start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, Alex continues to compete and to sharpen his martial arts skills. As a lifelong athlete, an experienced competitor, and a certified CrossFit (CF-L1) and Olympic Weightlifting trainer, Alex brings a high energy, great Capoeira and Functional training classes that are a complete body workout for all levels.