Edwin was born and grew up in Pretoria, South Africa as the son of a veterinarian and a house wife. From a young age he was interested in martial arts and acting. At his first possible opportunity he started his journey in the martial art Aikido, from which he started training in Muay Thai and Jui-Jitsu. From there he has practiced a wide variety of other martial arts including Sambo, Krav-Maga and Vale Tudo. After attending Affies boy high school he studied and finished LLB Law at the University of Pretoria and opened a MMA club known as Victory MMA. It was also from this point he started his acting career, landing small action roles in the British Strike Back series, the Happy Madison production Blended, Alien Outpost and upcoming Prisoner of War.