Andrew Tackett

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Andrew Tackett was born on May 1st, 2003, in Orange County, California, and raised in Austin, Texas, after relocating there as a toddler. His initial exposure to martial arts stemmed from his father's enthusiasm for combat sports. In 2009, when a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy opened near their home, Andrew and his older brother William began training at Team Rabadi, marking the beginning of their lifelong dedication to the art.

Development Under Rodrigo Cabral at Brazilian Fight Factory

Seeking a more competitive training environment, the Tackett brothers transitioned to Brazilian Fight Factory, a renowned Austin-based academy led by coach Rodrigo "Brucutu" Cabral. Under Cabral's mentorship, Andrew rapidly ascended through the ranks, gaining recognition for his aggressive style and impressive competitive results. After dominating brown belt divisions and securing victories over seasoned black belts in open competition, Andrew earned his black belt from Cabral on December 17, 2022, at only 19 years old.

High-Octane Competition Style

Aggressive and Submission-Oriented Approach

Andrew Tackett is widely recognized for his aggressive, scramble-heavy grappling style, characterized by relentless wrestling exchanges, dynamic submission attacks, and constant forward pressure. His tactical approach prioritizes actively pursuing submissions rather than stalling for points, making him one of the most exciting young athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today.

Signature Techniques

Tackett's technical arsenal prominently features explosive takedowns, aggressive guard passing sequences, and rapid transitions to dominant back control. He frequently secures victories via Rear Naked Choke, demonstrating exceptional finishing instincts. His style reflects the intense cross-training environment at Brazilian Fight Factory, where he regularly trains alongside his brother William and other elite no-gi competitors.

Combat Jiu-Jitsu World Championship Run

In 2023, Tackett captured the Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ) World Welterweight title, submitting three opponents in a single night. Throughout the tournament, he showcased dominant positional control, particularly from the back, and lightning-fast submission finishes, notably employing the Rear Naked Choke. This championship performance underscored his seamless transition from a promising brown belt competitor to an elite-level black belt athlete, validating the considerable anticipation surrounding his early career.

ADCC Trials Victory and Rising Competitive Momentum

Andrew Tackett continued building competitive momentum in late 2023 by winning the ADCC West Coast Trials (77 kg), defeating a series of top-tier opponents, including veteran Oliver Taza in the finals. This victory secured his qualification for the prestigious 2024 ADCC World Championships. In May 2024, Tackett further demonstrated his confidence by stepping into a high-profile match at Who's Number One (WNO) May 2024 against elite competitor Tommy Langaker, replacing an injured champion. Despite a minor injury forcing him to withdraw from the final of a WNO Grand Prix in 2022, Tackett rebounded quickly, solidifying his status as a rising star capable of competing against the world's best grapplers.

Decision to Compete in Craig Jones Invitational (CJI)

In a bold and entrepreneurial decision, Andrew Tackett and his brother William withdrew from the 2024 ADCC World Championships, despite both having qualified through North American Trials. Instead, they chose to compete in the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), attracted by the unprecedented $1 million prize and guaranteed payout. Andrew publicly announced this decision, emphasizing his willingness to break tradition and pursue the most challenging and rewarding competitive opportunities available. This move highlights Tackett's role in reshaping professional jiu-jitsu, as athletes increasingly assert greater agency over their competitive careers.

Personal Philosophy and Faith-Driven Approach

Outside of competition, Andrew Tackett openly discusses finding purpose through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, viewing martial arts as part of a broader journey guided by his faith. He frequently credits his family and religious beliefs for his strong work ethic, humility, and positive outlook. Fans regularly witness this gratitude in his post-match interviews, where he emphasizes feeling "blessed" to pursue his passion. Balancing confidence with humility, Tackett has become a fan favorite, embodying a unique combination of devoutness and competitive drive, using his personal beliefs as motivation to achieve excellence on and off the mats.