Andrew A. Curtiss, was born in Rome, New York in November 1977. He grew up in Upstate New York and was raised primarily by his late grandmother Margaret Curtiss. He has been involved in the martial arts since the age of 4. Inspired by his father Dennis he trained in the arts of grappling since the age of 7 by enrolling in Pee-Wee wrestling programs and continuing through out his senior year of high school. By the age of 16 he had attained his first black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do under the instruction of Cady’s Academy of Martial Arts out of Boonville New York. Andrew has held the title of 1995 A.I.K.A (American Independent Karate Association) National Black Belt Champion in forms, weapons and Kumite. Andrew made his debut in September 1998 as a professional No-Holds-Barred competitor in Super Brawl 9, a Pay-Per-View event. Since 1998 he has attained a Black belt ranking in Kenpo as well as an Honorary Brown belt in Ju-jitsu.
Andrew joined the United States Army in July of 1996 where he enlisted as a Power generation unit equipment repairer. He later reclassified to the infantry as an Airborne infantryman. Andrew ended his military career as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant after 11 years of service. He is a veteran of The Global War on Terror for multiple campaigns; where he was ultimately recommended for The Silver Star and awarded The Bronze Star with a “V” device for uncommon valor. After 11 years of active military service and over 24 years martial arts experience.