Andre’s Biography:

 

Andre Campos was born in a south suburban city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He's been involved in Judo for over 45 years and BJJ for over 25 years and counting. He has been teaching children and adults for over 20 years. 

 

Andre started his Judo training at the age of 8 years old in 1973 in Sao Paulo state. His first instructor was a Japanese immigrant named Kameo Otagaki.

 

Andre, due to his competition records, soon became an elite Judo team member sponsored by Pirelli Corporation (ADC PIRELLI) under Luiz Carlos Novi tutelage, while training in there, Andre had the opportunity to train with many Olympic Team members such as Aurelio Miguel, Luis Shinorara, Luis Omura to name a few. 

 

In 1983 Andre moved back to Rio de Janeiro and his training continued at Gama Filho university and Clube de Regatas Flamengo. These two academies were well frequented by the top judo fighters at the time including Olympic team member Ezequiel Paraguassu.

 

Andre was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who were there to work on their standing techniques. On the other hand, Andre noticed the need to work more his ground game, so he informally started cross training in BJJ.

 

In 1987 Andre received his Black Belt in Judo certified by the “Confederacao Brasileira de Judo”

In 1992 Andre Moved to Chicago

In 1995 Andre taught Judo at Yoon’s martial arts, Hickory Hills, IL

In 1996 Andre taught at 21st Century Martial Arts, Orland Park, IL

In 1997 Andre became one of Rickson Gracie’s blue belt coach representative in the Chicagoland area while continuing his bjj training.

In 2000 Andre taught Judo and BJJ at South suburban Judo

In 2008 Andre taught a self-defense and awareness program for children  in Flossmoor, IL

In 2009 Andre open his own school, PowerSource, currently located at 3309 Vollmer rd, Flossmoor, IL

 

In 2013 Andre received his Black Belt In BJJ from Carlson Gracie Jr.

 

In 2014 Andre was inducted to the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

 

Most recently, Andre won his division in the 2015 Veterans National and International Open in Fort Lauderdale.

 

On March 20th 2016 Andre won 1st place the prestigious IBJJF Pan Ams.

 

On August 26th 2016, Andre finished in 2nd place at the World Masters in Las vegas.

 

Andre currently holds the rank of 1st degree BJJ Black Belt, 4rd degree Judo Black Belt, certified by USA Judo, he is a certified national judo coach under the same organization.

 

Besides Powersource, Andre owns the followed schools:

219 Submission Academy in Crown Point, IN

Carlson Gracie Central Coast in Atascadero, CA.  

 

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