Luan Andrei

Born on December 21, 1992, in Niterói, Brazil, Luan Andrei grew up in the neighboring city of São Gonçalo, where his combat sports journey began at age 13 with Thai boxing. The striking discipline sharpened his physical conditioning and instilled an early appreciation for technical precision — qualities that would carry forward when he transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 under the guidance of coaches Luciano Manão and Hygor Camara.

A pivotal influence during these formative years was Rodrigo Barbosa, a black belt under Roberto Corrêa, who served as a mentor and helped Andrei build a strong conceptual foundation in jiu-jitsu. This early connection to the Gordo lineage would prove far-reaching, shaping both his competitive identity and his eventual path to black belt.

In 2011, Luan Andrei enlisted in the Brazilian Air Force, entering a period defined by structured discipline and demanding routine. Rather than sidelining jiu-jitsu, he continued training throughout his service, channeling military rigor into his development on the mats. The dual commitment proved challenging, but it forged the mental fortitude and work ethic that would come to define his competitive approach.

By 2014, Andrei made a decisive pivot: he left the Air Force to pursue a full-time professional career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Shortly after committing to that path, he relocated to the United States to train under Márcio Cruz — widely known as "Pé de Pano" — a decorated black belt whose mentorship would prove transformative in the years ahead.

Upon arriving in the United States, Luan Andrei immersed himself in the training environment built around Márcio Cruz, who became one of the central figures in his development. Alongside Cruz, Andrei deepened his relationship with Roberto Corrêa — known throughout the BJJ world as "Gordo" — strengthening ties to a lineage that had influenced him since his earliest days through mentor Rodrigo Barbosa.

Brown Belt Milestones

Andrei's progression through the colored belts was marked by consistent performances at major no-gi events. At brown belt, he reached the finals of the IBJJF Pan Championships in 2018, returned to the podium in 2019, and capped that run by capturing gold at the IBJJF Pan Championships NOGI in 2020 — a result that signaled his readiness for the sport's highest ranks.

On January 3, 2021, Luan Andrei received his black belt in a ceremony conducted jointly by Márcio Cruz and Roberto Corrêa, a promotion that honored the dual mentorship shaping his career. He competes professionally under the banner of R1NG, carrying forward a lineage built on technical precision and competitive ambition.

Luan Andrei has established himself as a well-rounded grappler with a clear affinity for no-gi competition, where his submission-oriented game operates at its highest level. His professional record of 16 wins and 13 losses reflects sustained engagement against elite opposition, with a notable proportion of victories coming by submission — a direct reflection of the finishing instincts he has refined across his career. Beyond sport jiu-jitsu, Andrei has also competed in mixed martial arts, demonstrating a grappling foundation adaptable to the cage environment.

Black Belt Breakthroughs

2021 proved an immediate statement year at black belt. Andrei claimed gold at the 2021 IBJJF American Nationals No-Gi and swept both the gi and no-gi divisions at the 2021 IBJJF Orlando Summer Open — a double title that underscored the range of his technical game. Achieved in his debut year at the sport's highest rank, these results validated the years of colored-belt preparation and full-time professional training that preceded them.