Andy started martial arts training in 1988 at the age of 11, learning Karate for two years in his home town of Lowestoft. During this period he entered the Eastern Counties Freestyle Karate Competition, winning a gold medal.In more recent years Andy trained in various other martial arts systems, including Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do and Aikido. At the time it was Aikido that most impressed Andy - the idea of being able to control and manipulate an opponent at close range by using body positioning and sensitivity very much appealed to him.
Later, Andy became interested in Wing Chun after hearing about it, and then in October 2004 he witnessed a demonstration at Bournemouth University performed by Sifu Mark Smith and decided to join this class soon afterwards. What he most enjoyed about the system was the learning process, the neuro-muscular programming which trained and sharpened the contact reflex skills. Of course the hand speed and seamless flow of techniques were also an obvious attraction.
After 7 months of Wing Chun training, Andy became Sai Jun's first private student, then still both practising the Fong system. Then, after Sai Jun became Sifu Orr's student and passed on this new knowledge, Andy could see clearly how Chu Sau Lei Wing Chun would answer many of his questions of doubt that previously existed.