Andrew Smith is one of very few Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts in the Richmond area. A few things that separate Andrew: he is a 3x Pan American champion and a judo black belt.  Andrew is sought after for his instruction, and frequently travels to teach jiu jitsu seminars.

After wrestling in high school, Andrew started training Judo at VCU Judo in January of  1997. Nine years later, Andrew received his Black Belt in Judo.  In November of 2008, Andrew was awarded the rank of black belt by the legendary Julio “Foca” Fernandez after training with his instructor and friend Eric Burdo at Richmond Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and in November of 2011, Andrew was awarded his first degree on his black belt, further propelling him into the elite in the area.  Andrew has learned through “trials by fire” what works and what doesn’t in competition, with over 250 grappling competition wins including: three 2008 Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship Gold medals (along with silver in 2003 and bronze in 2004)  and 5 Virginia State Judo Championship gold medals, as well as several super fight titles. Andrew is also a 20X US Grappling champion.

Andrew has traveled to Brazil twice to train jiu-jitsu and has trained with dozens of instructors all over the country.