Andy Hopwood
Andy Hopwood was born in February of 1965 in the village of Taverham, Norfolk, England. Moving to Birmingham aged 4, he developed a love for martial arts gaining black belts in both Kyushindo Karate and Ju Jitsu.
In 1995, Andy became Founder and Chief Instructor of the British Free Fighting Academy and has since cemented himself as one of the UK’s leading combat and fitness experts, with an established list of celebrity clients from premier league footballers and motor racing champions to famous soap actors.
Andy has been involved in martial arts and fitness for over 45 years and is a 7th degree black belt in British Free Fighting. Andy has also twice been inducted into the prestigious ‘Combat Hall of Fame’.
Andy has most recently become the UK President of the World Kickboxing Federation and Head Coach of Fight Team UK.
Fight Career
At aged 23, after a five year spell in the military, Andy embarked upon a career in the ring as a kickboxer.
E.S.K.A. Fight Record – Fights: 24 Wins: 24 Loses: 0 K/O’s: 16
British Champion from 1990 to 1995.
European Champion from 1994 to 1995 (retired).
Andy wrote his memoirs of his time in the military. His autobiographical novel ‘It’s Only Pain’ has had rave reviews here in the UK and overseas.
Andy is available for private one-to-one sessions, group sessions and workshops in the UK and throughout the world.
Sharon Hopwood
Sharon Hopwood was born in September 1969 and grew up in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.
Sharon has always been passionate about health and fitness. After working oversees for the Armed Forces, Sharon qualified as a fitness instructor and has worked at some of the UK’s most prestigious health clubs.
Sharon has been a personal safety and combat instructor since 2002 and is widely recognised as being the UK’s leading female in this field. As a highly experienced 4th degree black belt, Sharon is the world’s highest ranked female in the martial art of Free Fighting; her credentials include:
- 4th degree black belt in British Free Fighting
- Personal Safety and Combat Instructor
- Holistic Sports Nutritionist – My recipes can be found online at CookVeganCook.com
- Life Coach
- Safe Guarding Officer
Sharon is Strength & Conditioning Coach and Nutrition Consultant to our Championship winning fight team.
Sid Khaliq
Sid Khaliq is a passionate instructor and a firm favourite with our members.
Sid loves to pass on his vast knowledge of martial arts and self defence to anyone who is keen to learn.
Having spent most of his working life in the security industry, Sid knows the techniques and methods of practical self defence that work when it really matters.
As a second degree Black Belt in British Free Fighting, kickboxing & MMA Referee and a First Aid instructor, with Sid you are in very safe hands!
Steve Brinkman
Steve Brinkman started grappling by competing in Freestyle Wrestling at the age of 13 back in Ontario, Canada. As part of the distinguished Brock Wrestling Club, Steve was a multiple time provincial champion as well as capturing the Canadian High School title in 2004. Using his wrestling background, he moved on to training in Mixed Martial Arts in 2006 and competed at the amateur level, capturing the British Lightweight Title in 2011. From there Steve went on to compete in BJJ and Nogi submission wrestling, winning the English Open in 2019 and medalling at the European Championships in 2023. He currently holds the rank of Black Belt at the Illustrious Roger Gracie Academy under Kev Capel.
Steve Brinkman has been a national champion in 3 combat sports and continues coaching, training and studying martial arts as a lifelong commitment.
Book A Class Now
For more information call Andy on 07801 237980, email andy@hopwooduk.com, or book your class now.
