Andrew Solheim

Black Belt

A life long martial artist Andrew began his journey in 1992 at the age of ten training in Shito-Ryu Karate. Ultimately earning the rank of brown belt, he won numerous tournaments at both the regional and international level. He later went on to wrestle and study Judo. By 1999 the success of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UFC had grabbed his attention and he began training with a local Jiu-Jitsu club. It was there that Andrew’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu was born. In 2002 and eager for advanced instruction Andrew began a 90 mile round trip commute several days a week to train with Gracie Barra black belt Marcio "Mamazinho" Laudier. After Mamazinho returned to Brazil in 2006 Andrew began training under Gracie Barra black belt Rodrigo Lopez at the Gracie Barra academy in Seattle. In February of 2009 Andrew earned his black belt under Professors Marcio Feitosa and Rodrigo Lopez. A highly successful competitor Andrew has been active in local BJJ tournaments over the past nine years. He attributes his success in these tournaments to the exceptional instruction and training partners he has been blessed with. Andrew is proud of the fact that he is one of the pioneering students of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Washington and is dedicated to bringing top level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Everett.