This “prehistoric” Sensei 
is as tall as he is funny, was once a thespian and has something in common with the Hulk…
Name: Andy Brooks
Country of birth: England
Belt level: Blue 3 Stripe
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What do you do for a living?
I’m an eCommerce project manager, which is as dull as it sounds. And also quite hard to explain when people ask me what it means. But basically I organise people and things.
When did you start training with TMAP?
I think about 5 years ago, When I had more hair on my head and less on my chin.
Who/What made you take up kickboxing?
I used to go to the gym and I enjoyed the challenge of pushing myself, but I wanted to learn something. I actually never thought I would be any good at it, and would hate being shouted at, but I remember the first lesson being the quickest hour of my life!!!!
What is your training schedule like?
Recently I’ve really amped up my training, mainly because as I’ve got older its harder to keep in shape, so I train for approx. 45 mins every day when I am not at TMAP.
What is your favourite technique?
I think 1-2 round house kick is my favourite move, I also like doing jump spinning crescent kick because its flashy!!!
What is your motivation to train?
Learning new techniques and getting chance to see if they really work in sparring.
What element of the training do you enjoy the most at TMAP?
I love bag and pad work, and of course sparring.
If you had one tip for a new student, what would it be?
Relax your shoulders.
What is your grading nickname? 
Caveman!
What was your toughest sparring session you’ve ever had and what made it is so challenging?
I have had some tough sparring sessions, but for me the hardest thing is when you are completely exhausted, your arms can’t hold your hands up, your lungs burn and your legs feel like they have been replaced with concrete pillars and your opponent is as fresh as a daisy. That hurts your soul….
You have experience fighting in kickboxing competitions.
When was your first competition? And what do you remember most about it?
I remember nothing about my first competition, I was an orange belt and the guy wasn’t that great, but a lot better than me. Even though I lost, I remember feeling an immense feeling of pride and an urgent desire to do it again.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you at the Dojo?
My trousers are always splitting in the arse… It has happened about three times!!!!!!! 
How would you describe TMAP to your friends?
Fun, friendly and exhausting
Do you train in any other martial arts besides kickboxing?
Nope, I want to do some BJJ or MMA, but I want to get my brown belt first before I think about that, plus my significant other complains that she doesn’t see me enough already … if only I did not have to work.
Apart from kickboxing, what are your hobbies and interests
Nothing special…eating, holidays, reading books, daydreaming about doing up my house, and that’s about it.
Please tell us one surprising fact about yourself.
I was a very unsuccessful actor for way too long in my youth and I owned and ran two theatre companies. I’ve not been in anything anyone would of seen, unless you were into experimental physical fringe theatre in early 2000.
