Andrew Trowbridge

Web Master:  When did you start your Karate training?
Interviewee: I started training in Brentwood Dojo in 1993.
Web Master:  Why did you start Karate?
Interviewee: I was in inspired by Martial Arts films such as Enter the Dragon and was interested in self defence and wanted a way to keep fit rather than just going to the gym and lifting lots of weights.
Web Master:  Who was your first instructor?
Interviewee: My first instructor was Sensei Simon Kidd
Web Master:  What is your occupation?
Interviewee: I work for Enfield Council as a Highway Engineer
Web Master:  How long have you worked there?
Interviewee: I have worked for Enfield Borough Council for one year
Web Master:  Do you do any teaching?
Interviewee: I have been teaching since I was a brown belt and often find it very rewarding as you can often see direct improvements from your instruction.  I have been running the Billericay Club along with Sarah Clark for 9 months.
Web Master: Have you had much success in competition? 
Interviewee: In the past I have enjoyed many competitions, the biggest one for me was when I entered the Jersey Open, and as a brown belt I was put in the wrong weight category and ended up fighting people a lot bigger than me!!! However I won bronze and our team got Silver.  I tend not to enter competitions myself so much now, as with a young family I have not got the time to hang around at competitions.  I also tend to find the standard of refereeing in open competitions poor, so I am happy to sit back a little and let the younger guys have a go!!!.
Web Master:  What is your favourite Kata?
Interviewee: I haven’t got one particular favourite, but I do enjoy Safia and Ninjashio
Web Master:  What is your favourite technique?
Interviewee: My favourite technique is the kick Ushiro Mawashi Geri, it’s a difficult kick to perform but looks good if you can score a point with it.
Web Master:  Do you feel Karate has influenced your personal life in anyway?
Interviewee: Karate has greatly influenced my life as for one it stops me from sitting in the armchair all night and motivates me to go out and do something!  It has also given me a lot of confidence and compared to most people I seem to find it a lot easier to talk to large group of people.

Web Master:  Do you have any other interests?
Interviewee: I generally like to keep fit and do other physical activities such as running, swimming and gym work.
Web Master:  What are your current goals in your training?
Interviewee: My current goals are to attain my 2nd Dan and build up the Billericay Club which is already well supported by a good number of juniors.