Andrew Wiltse

Name: Andrew Wiltse

Current Rank: Black Belt under Heath Pedigo

Notable Achievements:

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2020)

• 2nd Place IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2021)

• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship NOGI (2015 blue, 2017 purple, 2019 brown)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2015 / 2016 blue)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2017 purple)

Lineage: Carlos Gracie --> Helio Gracie --> Rickson Gracie --> Rodrigo Vaghi --> Heath Pedigo --> Andrew Wiltse

Andrew Wiltse Biography

Early Life and Martial Arts Beginnings

Born on December 6, 1992, in Topanga Canyon, California, Andrew Wiltse's journey into the world of martial arts was anything but ordinary. Raised in a family that moved from the sunny beaches of California to the isolated Drummond Island in Michigan, Andrew's first steps into martial arts were taken during a summer vacation in Hawaii. There, he joined a judo club and earned his blue belt, setting the stage for a lifelong passion for grappling.

The Michigan Years and First Taste of Competition

Back in Michigan, Andrew continued his judo training under Mike Ogden, often having one-on-one sessions due to the small size of the local community. At 16, he made his competitive debut in an MMA event named Mutt MMA, where he was submitted via a flying armbar in just 10 seconds. Far from being discouraged, this experience fueled Andrew's desire to excel.

The Pedigo Connection

Andrew's life took a significant turn when he met Heath Pedigo, a jiu-jitsu instructor who was scouting local talent. Impressed by Andrew's potential, Heath offered him a grappling scholarship at his academy in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Andrew seized the opportunity, abandoning his college plans to train full-time in jiu-jitsu.

Rapid Ascent and Black Belt

Under Heath Pedigo's guidance, Andrew quickly climbed the ranks, earning his black belt in December 2019. His competitive record is nothing short of impressive:

• 1st Place in IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2020)

• 2nd Place in IBJJF Pan Championship NOGI (2021)

• Multiple titles in colored belts, including 5x World titles

He competes in the Meio Pesado weight division (88.3 kg / 195.0 lbs) and is known for his "Blitz Passing" technique.

Legacy and Influence

Andrew Wiltse is more than just a competitor; he's a symbol of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His story is one of overcoming geographical and financial barriers, seizing opportunities, and making sacrifices to achieve his dreams. As one of the first breakthrough black belts from the Pedigo Submission Fighting Academy, Andrew is setting the stage for the next generation of grapplers, proving that with the right mindset and guidance, the sky's the limit.