1999 saw Andrew Craven having another night at home on the couch and wondering if there wasn’t a more healthy way to be spending his time. This started his search into the world of martial arts. Having done a little judo as a youngster he started his investigations at the local judo club in Howick, and found an array of martial arts available. Along with his wife Inger he eventually settled on joining the Howick Aikido club where Mike Fooks was an instructor. He trained in Aikido for the next 5 years.

Along side his Aikido training he was also playing competitive squash, winning a number of local tournaments as well as running the odd half marathon and competing in the men’s elite division of the sky tower challenge. As part of his fitness training Andrew did some cross training in boxing with Lance Revil and eventually took up Judo at the Chidokan Dojo. He was also introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Mike and was soon a staple member of “Mike Club” the forerunner to GroundControl. He enjoyed the groundfighting he’d already been exposed to at Judo but wanted more of it, and BJJ provided just that. The idea of continuing the fight on the ground seemed more realistic to him and he was soon training BJJ regularly. Eventually Andrew decided to focus on BJJ, walking away from Aikido just prior to a black belt grading to concentrate on the realism of grappling. Having also some cross training in Muay Thai Andrew brings a well rounded approach to martial arts.

Andrew is also one of GroundControl’s top competitors. He has won a number of gold & silver medals at the BJJ open events over the years he has also obtained two silver medals in no-gi events. His drive on the mat is tempered with a genuine concern for students which comes out in his direct and to the point coaching style.

On November 14th 2009, at a seminar in Auckland, John Will promoted Andrew to the rank of Purple Belt