Today we’d like to introduce you to Andreh Anderson.
Hi Andreh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first began training in Muay Thai during high school and continued for about five years before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which quickly became my lifelong passion. I started training in 1996 and earned my black belt in 2007 under Professor Rey Diogo of the Carlson Gracie Team. In 2012, I moved to Brazil to deepen my training and connection to the art, returning to the U.S. in 2017. I currently hold a 4th-degree black belt and have more than 30 years of experience on the mats.
Over the course of my journey, I’ve competed at every level—including the inaugural ADCC in 1998—fought in the early days of MMA, coached top fighters in both the UFC and Pride, and had the privilege of training directly under the legendary Carlson Gracie in Brazil. Today, I live in Prosper, Texas, where I share my passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with students of all ages and experience levels. I’m supported every step of the way by my wife, Fernanda, and our two children, Lucas and Sofia.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I started, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was still in its infancy here in the U.S., and it was incredibly hard to find legitimate instructors. Back then, there was a very raw, almost tribal sense of team loyalty, and it wasn’t uncommon for fights to break out between schools or even during training. Every session felt like a battle—BJJ at the time was much more about fighting than the sport or art you see emphasized today. Injuries were common, and there weren’t many resources for students trying to learn and grow.
I was fortunate to be based in Los Angeles, which was one of the main centers for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu outside of Brazil. Eventually, when I felt I needed to push myself further and continue evolving, I decided to go straight to the source and train in Brazil under some of the legends of the art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our school is focused on helping students set and achieve their respective goals. For some, those goals will be related to self-defense. For others, it may be about competition, or self control, or getting in shape. We’ve designed our classes and our approach so that it isn’t “one size fits all”, but is instead tailored to the individual. We believe strongly in the power of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to help people live better, healthier and more confident lives.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is that my students get everything from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu that I got from it–the friendships, the physical and mental strength, the ability to defend myself, and the sheer fun of it. For my young students, I want to show them that it’s possible to set difficult goals and to reach them through discipline and hard work.
Pricing:
- Unlimited classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing for $149 a month
- Kickboxing only classes for only $100 a month
- $49 registration fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samurai-jiujitsu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuraibjj_prosper/
