ANDREW TENNESON
Andrew Tenneson is born and raised in the Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is both an active Professional MMA fighter and an assistant MMA coach for Jackson Wink MMA Academy. His dual roles allow him to assist fighters of all levels and help the team continue to be innovative and dominant in the sport. Andrew Tenneson is a student of the game and is very thorough and passionate in his approach to teaching martial arts.
Coach Tenneson began training martial arts while serving in the US Army Reserve. He began to expand his techniques with the help of a group of amateur martial artists he met while attending the University of New Mexico. Together, they built a tight knit community. Among his first mentors was a long time student of Greg Jackson, who recommended Andrew to take his training to the next level. Andrew did so, joining Jackson's MMA in 2008.
With a Bachelor's degree in political science and a love of history, Star Trek, anime, and video games, Andrew brought with him a unique personality and outlook to the gym.
Originally a NO-GI grappler, Andrew worked his way through regional grappling tournaments from Novice to Advanced level. He then competed in kickboxing smokers and amateur MMA matches, earning a record of 6-0 with five wins by submission.
Andrew would go on to build a professional record of 7-1. His accomplishments include the Colorado based TopShelf Entertainment Featherweight Championship Belt and two wins for the Legacy Fighting Alliance promotion.
In addition to his success as a fighter, one of Andrew’s greatest accomplishments was as a coach when he represented Jackson Wink MMA Exchange Program in China. There he led Sunkin International Fight Club and the Chinese World Amateur MMA team to new heights and important victories including the country's first World Mixed Martial Arts Association medals and Sunkin’s victory in the nationwide Chin Woo Men team tournament.