Andre was the first Hawaiian champion in his division in 1992, which was the beginning of Relson Gracie Jiu-jitsu’s undefeated record (for more then 14 years) in the state of Hawaii. In 1995 Royler Gracie and Rolker Gracie coached Andre to win the Brazilian Championships. And in 1997 Andre won vice champion and helped his team to take the overall title at the Brazilian Championships. Andre began teaching in 1998 at the Relson Gracie Academy in Honolulu. He started the Gracie Kona Association on the big island of Hawaii, and in 2000 the Gracie Kona team competed in the Hawaiian Jiu-jitsu championships and took third place overall.
Andre started the Gracie Kahuku Association, and in 2002 he led the team to 5th place at the Gracie Pacific Rim championships. Andre also opened the Gracie Association in Wahiawa. In 2006-2007 Andre taught at the Gracie Centro Academy in Rio de Janiero. He has recently completed a seminar tour which included, South Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Oregon. He has just opened an Association in Portland, Oregon.
Andre believes that the practice of Gracie Jiu-jitsu philosophy as the most effective grappling martial art and ground self defense. It is one of the most complete overall forms of exercise in interactive sports activities and also one of the sports that can really push all your limits. Combining flexibility, strengthening, agility, resistance and endurance, based on a leverage principle. Gracie Jiu-jitsu aids in developing your courage and self-esteem, improves your self-confidence, and prepares you to adapt to any situation that arises.