Andrew was born Jan 7th, 1970 born and raised in Hendersonville, NC.

Andrew began martial arts when he was 15 under Renshi (now Hanshi) Doug Perry, he was able to study Shorin Ryu Shorikan with Michael Baldwin until he moved to Springfield, VA in 1987. Andrew then enlisted in the US Navy in 1989, and was stationed in San Diego, CA for sonar schools.After finishing school Andrew was stationed on USS McClusky (FFG-41) out of Yokosuka, Japan where he had the opportunity to study Seishin Juku Karate under Yoshihiro Takashima. Andrew earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt and was put to teaching the kids class. Andrew recieved orders to come back to the states where he was stationed on the USS Nicholas (FFG-47) out of Charleston, SC which was his last duty station. Andrew revieved a Honorable Discharged at end of 1994.

Andrew moved back to NC and remained until January of 1998 when he moved to Decatur, AL. Andrew began studying Tang Soo Do under Jamie Webster where he met Johnny Lee Smith and started his BJJ training. Andrew earned his Blue Belt in 2000. Andrew has had the opportunity to meet and train with several world known legends in BJJ like Rickson Gracie, Carlos Machado and JJ Machado. Got married in 2002, had 2 beautiful kids, Chris and Jasmin. Opened up a martial arts school in 2003, which didn't stay open but for a year followed by a seperation and divorce. Andrew continued his training and in 2009 started back teaching at Decatur Youth Services. In 2010 Andrew was able to once again establish communication with classmate Bryan Baldwin and began talking about BJJ and other topics. Andrew states "When I came up and rolled with him, I knew that I wanted to be apart of Cross Training Academy family." Bryan had the honor of promoting Andrew Purple Belt in August of 2010. Andrew states "Being part of CTA, I've had the pleasure and honor of training with Joe Hurst, Royler Gracie and Armando Basulto's students. Now I represent CTA in Trinity, AL as CTA II at the Rock Martial Arts School."