Andrew started playing judo at about age 11 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. He progressed slowly through the grades (taking 10 years to achieve 1st Kyu (brown belt)) as he was mainly doing Judo for fun and fitness. During this time he competed in a few competitions and won a handful of medals at local county and area championships. For a period between 1987 and 1989 whilst working at Luton College of H.E. he was one of 2 coaches at a club primarily for students at the college and also led another class for people of High School age. On moving to Scotland in 1992 he joined a Judo club at The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh where he trained regularly until the birth of his youngest child in 1997. During this time he entered a number of competitions and worked towards his 1st Dan which he achieved in just two gradings in 1995. In about 2003 Andrew began a little training again when his youngest child was getting involved in Judo. On moving to the Borders and with his son training at Peebles Judo Club in 2007 Andrew began assisting at  the Peebles Dojo.  Andrew has added much experience and teaching skill to the coaching team and has undertaken most of the UKCC Level 1 Coaching award and hopes to complete it during 2010.