André Pederneiras

André Pederneiras was born on March 22, 1967, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — a city that would become inseparable from his life's work in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At 17, he stepped onto the mats for the first time, training under Rodrigo Vieira, a direct student of the legendary Rickson Gracie. That foundational period under Vieira instilled in Pederneiras the technical discipline and competitive mindset that would define everything to come.

Seeking higher levels of development, Pederneiras sought out Carlson Gracie, one of the most influential figures in BJJ history, and immersed himself in the Carlson Gracie Team lineage. The experience sharpened his technical arsenal and deepened his strategic understanding of the art. His progression through the ranks was exceptional — earning his black belt at just 22 years of age, a reflection of both his natural aptitude and his relentless commitment to mastery.

Laying the Foundation

Black belt in hand, Pederneiras moved quickly to channel his expertise into something larger than individual achievement. Together with Wendel Alexander, he co-founded Nova Uniao — an institution that would grow into one of the most respected and prolific BJJ and MMA teams in the world. From its roots in Rio de Janeiro, Nova Uniao became a proven factory for champions across multiple disciplines and weight divisions.

Opening the Doors

One of Pederneiras' most consequential early decisions was welcoming foreign students into the dojo — a move widely considered controversial in Brazilian BJJ circles at the time. This forward-thinking approach accelerated Nova Uniao's international reach and helped globalize the sport in ways that few coaches of his era were willing to pursue.

Social Impact Through the Art

Perhaps the most enduring dimension of Pederneiras' work at Nova Uniao is his commitment to the communities surrounding it. Operating in Rio de Janeiro's poorer neighborhoods, he transformed young people from impoverished backgrounds into world champions, using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as both a competitive vehicle and a tool for genuine social mobility. His activism in Rio's underserved areas stands as a defining pillar of his identity — equal in weight to his considerable technical reputation on the mats.

Competing on the World Stage

Pederneiras extended his competitive ambitions well beyond BJJ. In 1998, he entered mixed martial arts competition, winning his debut fight in Japan and capturing the VTJ — Vale Tudo Japan Championship — that same year. The victory placed him among the elite combat sports athletes of his generation and demonstrated that his grappling-based skill set translated with precision into the broader MMA arena.

Building the Sport's Infrastructure

Following his competitive MMA career, Pederneiras redirected his energy toward promotion and management. He became the owner and operator of Shooto Brazil, expanding his influence into MMA event production and helping build the sport's organizational infrastructure in Brazil. He also managed the Upper Sports Club gym, cementing his role as a central figure in Brazilian combat sports well beyond the competitive mat.

A Coach Without Peer

André Pederneiras stands as one of the most decorated and respected coaches in the history of both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. In October 2010, PVT magazine voted him the 'Best MMA Coach' in the world — a recognition that formalized what the combat sports community had long understood about his approach to developing elite athletes.

Competitive Credibility Informing Coaching Excellence

As a competitor, Pederneiras earned six Brazilian National Championships — a record that built the experiential foundation from which his coaching philosophy emerged. His firsthand understanding of high-level competition informed every aspect of athlete development at Nova Uniao, producing champions across multiple weight divisions in both BJJ and MMA. The breadth of talent shaped under his guidance remains the most compelling testament to his legacy — one rooted not only in technical excellence, but in an abiding belief that martial arts has the power to transform lives.