Andy Hug was born on 7 September 1964 in Zurich, Switzerland. Together with his two sisters, he grew up with his grandparents in Wohlen in the canton of Aargau. Due to the modest circumstances and difficult family situation, Andy was without doubt in a social class that had little to say.
 

Andy's unique development as a karate fighter was surely one of the reasons why he was able to better assert himself in his difficult social environment. At the same time, however, other youngsters made fun of him or discriminated against him. Andy suffered from this but the situation also strengthened his resolve to take responsibility for his life. Martial arts training helped him gain greater self-awareness and provided support in developing his skills and personality. He fought for seemingly unachievable goals and took obstacles and difficulties in his stride. Fighting became his life – profession, art and philosophy all rolled into one.

Harmonising our strength and awareness – and not just to beat others – is the key to success. This is the theory behind traditional martial arts. For Andy, fighting was an art form – a path on which to develop the strength of his heart. He further developed his fighting combinations on an ongoing basis, and impressed opponents and fans with his vital and attractive fighting style.
However impressive, his sporting achievements are just one aspect of Andy's entire work.
 
 
 
In contrast to the hard fights in the ring, he was above all characterised by modesty, honesty, amiability, a readiness to help and a sense of justice.
In Japan Andy was also known as the "Typhoon", a symbol of his external power and inner calm. For countless people the world over, he personified the true spirit of martial arts. He created a bridge between the culture in the West and that of the Far East, and symbolised a new form of global martial art philosophy and ideas spanning many cultures.