Andy Murasaki - Rising BJJ Talent & Relentless Grappler

Anderson Murasaki and Priscila Murasaki were blessed with the future BJJ Champion. Andy Murasaki was born on 26 March 2000. 

Andy opened his eyes in Japan’s Capital Tokyo. After his birth, Andy’s parents decided to move to Brazil to get more opportunities in hand. Andy spent a major duration of his childhood in Japan and Brazil.

Andy’s father played a major role in his grappling career. As a Purple Belt, Anderson Murasaki started to coach Jiu- Jitsu to his 8-year son. Andy was motivated by his father's grappling techniques and was interested in the true science behind Jiu-Jitsu. 

Andy continued his training while residing in Japan with Toshio Asada, Yoski Suto, and his father. However, the grappling world fascinated Andy’s soul. He wished to become a Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. But Andy also knew the lack of opportunities in Japan. Jiu-Jitsu was not developed at that time in Japan.

Besides all the difficulties and challenges, at the age of 15, Andy’s passion led him to the US, the emerging place for the grappling martial art Jiu-Jitsu.

At the time of Andy’s relocation, Andy Murasaki was a Blue Belt. He started practicing in the US under the mentorship of famous BJJ fighter and coach, Caio Terra. Andy, being a proficient grappler, learned the BJJ techniques swiftly. He was promoted to Purple Belt in the last month of  2017 by his coach Caio Terra.

In 2018, after one year as a Purple Belt, Andy reckoned his progress as slow at the Caio Terra Academy (CTA). He was passionate about becoming a top Jiu-Jitsu grappler. His true passion and struggle paid off when he met the team leader of Atos Academy - Angelica Galvao.

Andy was already impressed by the great accomplishments of Andre’s family for the Atos reputation. After considering Atos's accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu, he decided to leave CTA and joined Atos to pursue his grappling career. Atos's team welcomed him as a Purple Belt.

After joining the Atos, Andy’s Jiu-Jitsu skills improved. He continued to gain success on the mat.

Andy won the Double Gold medal in the Pan American and European Championship in 2020. He submitted six out of seven opponents. After his impressive performance in the international BJJ arena, Andy was awarded the Black Belt by Andre Galvao on 21 December 2020.

After receiving the Black Belt, Andy participated in the (Evolve Ur Game) EUG tournament against the ADCC Silver medalist Kennedy Maciel. Andy applied close guard and succeeded in submitting his opponent. This was Andy’s great victory against one of the top competitors in Black Belt debut. He also won $10,000 cash with Gold Medal.

Andy started coaching at Atos as well. Atos Academy also encourages and welcomes kids and adults to join their free training sessions. These are the Guard Retention techniques by Andy Murasaki.

Andy Murasaki bravely fought in the 2022 Charleston Open Champion and won the Gold Medal.

The Houston International Open Championship was held between the 5th and 6th of November 2022. Andy representing Atos put on a great performance. He defeated his opponent in the Gi championship by submission and won the Gold Medal.

This was the 2022 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Andy Murasaki faced Austin Oranday in the qualifier tournament in the middleweight division.

The match started with Andy’s strong close guard. Austin Oranday tried to escape by applying a lapel guard. Despite Austin's toiling efforts, Andy maintained his guard for 2 minutes.

In the end, a close guard passed by Austin but Andy’s prompt toehold attempt helped him to win the match. Austin tapped out to the powerful toe-hold attack of his opponent.

In the 2022 IBJJF Pan Championship, the formidable grappler Andy faced the aggressive Jiu-Jitsu Champion Johnny Tama. This was expected to be a technical match because two different styles of grapplers are going to prove the superiority of their high skills.

The fight started with the loop attack from Andy Murasaki which was nicely defended by his opponent Johnny. Meanwhile, Johnny was awarded the point of advantage. Andy also showed his elite defensive skills by passing a hail-mary sweep.

At the last minute, Andy attempted to choke from the back position and maintained a strong grip on his opponent. He succeeded in submitting his opponent with a strong Collar Choke from the Back.

This thrilling semifinal of the IBJJF World Championship was held between Andy Murasaki and Tommy Langaker. Both fighters showed their extraordinary grappling skills during the fight.

After a few minutes of the match, Andy got the points by maintaining the knee on the belly position for 3 minutes. Tommy Langaker tried his best to win the match by continuously attempting to regain the advantageous position.

In the end, Andy tried a heel hook attempt that was almost passed out by his opponent but time ended. That goes in favor of Andy, and he won the match by points.

Andy Murasaki v Tommy Langaker / World Championship 2022

Andy Murasaki v Sérgio Soares / Pan Championship 2022

Andy Murasaki VS Lucas Protasio / European Championship 2020

Andy Murasaki VS Mason Fowler / Pan Championship 2020

Photo credit: @andymurasaki