Nova União had established itself as one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's premier organizations through the late 1990s and early 2000s, accumulating two World Team titles by 2002 and producing some of the sport's most recognizable names. As the decade progressed, however, a significant transition reshaped the team's competitive landscape. High-profile black belt competitors — including Vitor Shaolin, Leonardo Santos, and Thales Leite — shifted their athletic focus toward Mixed Martial Arts, leaving a structural void in Nova União's BJJ roster.
André 'Marola' da Silva recognized this shift not simply as a dip in trophy count, but as a long-term threat to the team's identity and competitive future in both BJJ and MMA. Rather than stand by, he proactively approached team founders Dedé Pederneiras and Wendell Alexander, requesting direct charge of the competition program. Both founders agreed, and in 2008 André was officially appointed head coach — stepping into a role previously held by the legendary André Pederneiras, a figure whose legacy set a formidable standard for anyone who followed.
The appointment drew on nearly two decades of hands-on coaching experience. Having begun assisting instructors as a purple belt in 1990, André brought rare institutional depth to the position — an insider's understanding of the Nova União system earned through every stage of the journey, from student and competitor to long-serving assistant coach.