Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Andrew Wiltse has announced plans to open a new academy in Kearney, Nebraska, marking a fresh chapter in both his professional career and personal journey.
Wiltse revealed the news in a recent video update, sharing that he will launch Wiltse Brothers BJJ in August alongside his brother Bird Wiltse and Justin Weaver. The new academy will operate in partnership with Magnum MMA and Omega’s in Kearney.
The announcement comes after a significant period of transition for Wiltse, who relocated from Lafayette to Kearney three months ago.
“I’ve been living in Kearney, Nebraska for the past three months,” Wiltse explained. “When I was down in Lafayette, I mean, I’m talked over the phone, repaired a relationship, and then Bird told me, just come move up. We’ll make something happen.”
Since arriving in Nebraska, Wiltse has been teaching at Magnum MMA, the gym operated by Weaver. He described the experience as transformative, allowing him to refocus on training and teaching while rebuilding various aspects of his life.
“I get to do the jiu-jitsu stuff and I’m getting in shape and just, you know, putting myself back together, mental health wise, everything’s doing good,” Wiltse said in his update.
The partnership between the Wiltse brothers represents more than just a business venture. For Andrew, working alongside Bird has provided an opportunity to reconnect and collaborate on shared goals. The brothers have already begun discussing future plans for content creation and other projects beyond the academy itself.
“We actually still have a really good camera. We’ll be talking about making dreams of content again and all the things we want to do in the future and everything’s looking good,” Wiltse noted.
The new academy will bring another high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu option to the Nebraska community, with Wiltse’s competitive experience and teaching background serving as the foundation.
His presence at Magnum MMA over recent months has already allowed local practitioners to train under his instruction, and the August opening of Wiltse Brothers BJJ will formalize that opportunity on a larger scale.
For Wiltse, the move to Nebraska and the upcoming academy opening represent a positive trajectory after a challenging period. His emphasis on rebuilding connections, prioritizing wellness, and returning to the fundamentals of teaching reflects a grounded approach to this new beginning.
