Raw Combatives

I have been training with Jim for many years and I continue to benefit from his unique style of teaching combatives and martial arts which is delivered in a friendly, safe and supportive environment. I had no background in any form of martial arts when I started training in my late 30's but since then Jim has drawn upon his deep knowledge and experience to train me in boxing, kickboxing, combative techniques and real world self defense. But that is just one dimension of the benefits I have received through Jim's training. I have been able to rectify my body mechanics and posture, improve my mobility and have become more aware and focused on better breathing. Jim's focus on mindset and thought patterns have simply been a game changer for me. His multi-dimensional approach to teaching has directly led to improvements in my life. This is a key reason why I continue to come back year after year to train with Jim. I highly recommend Jim to anyone who is looking for the whole package in one person.

I went to a push hands seminar with Jim Armstrong and what I learned definitely deepened my practice. I came away with alot more than just increased technical skills as Jim presented martial arts as a foundation for living a better life everyday, all day. I have been practising the simple, straightforward methods presented in the seminar and they are making a noticeable difference in my life. Jim is a terrific teacher, knowledgeable and humorous. It is obvious that he lives his teachings. Highly recommend!

I attended a two day seminar in Karlsruhe / Germany with Jim.He is a great teacher who has a very high level of professional and social skills and also implements this in the classroom. Jim teaches how to move more efficiently, not just muscle power..... So I was able to take a lot of useful information home with me. I can definitely recommend Jim and his seminars! That's why it gets 5 stars from me

Jim is an exceptional guy who is passionate about teaching his craft. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he uses to create a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on developing physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence in his students.Over the last two years, My son has benefited greatly from Jim's expertise and guidance. Under Jim's tutelage, my son has improved his physical abilities and become more disciplined. He has also gained a sense of confidence in his abilities that has spilled over into other areas of his life.What sets Jim apart from other instructors is his ability to connect with his students on a personal level. He takes the time to get to know each student individually and tailors his approach to their specific needs and learning style. This personalized approach has helped my son to feel comfortable and confident in his abilities, allowing him to feel great about himself.Thank You Jim

Jim is a great instructor. His classes are always enjoyable and fun. My kids have built up their confidence and learnt awesome skills. I highly recommend Jim to everyone.

I used to train with Jim in the late 90's PMA and Kickboxing, Jim was a brilliant martial artists then, fast forward to 2020 after raising three kids. I decided to meet up with Jim, now an Internationally renowned combatives trainer was an understatement really. Jim's understanding ability to teach how to generate enormous power strikes and his philosophy and methodology of using minimum energy to produce maximum efficiency is something you have to experience it to belive it.Jim is also great at identifying helping people fix physical structural problems as well.I am so lucky to be training again with Jim at 61 and everyday I learn something new and rubber padded stick fighting with Jim so much fun ..sometimes very painfully too :)

Jim is an exceptional personal fitness trainer and mentor who is experienced and focused in your wellness.His ability to connect direct and learn all about you helps him understand in what to do to make you better.His extraordinary knowledge on physical fitness certainly makes you feel great after every session leaving you to walk away pumped with confidence.

An immersive hands-on class with a great sense of play and exploration. I really enjoyed the friendly and welcoming community as well!Jim is an engaging and real teacher with insights to share from many directions. Whether it is developing physical practice, somatic enrichment or psychological strength there are many gems to be found here. Highly recommended!

I give 5 stars to Raw LifeMy son has been training with Jim since August 2022 and loving it! Jim makes every session challenging (& somehow fun). Jim is definitely not your average personal trainer. My son is achieving his fitness goals because of the personal attention given in every training session. Jim is always very encouraging and has a vast knowledge of his profession. I would recommend Raw Life to anyone looking to learn self defense or improve their fitness with dedicated trainers.

I met Jim at a seminar just shy of 12 months. Apart from the unique techniques he possesses and the way Jim uses and I quote “ his crystal cylinder “ he also teaches you how to breathe…. Yes breath. I am 46 years old and only just started breathing when I met Jim. Most of you will be confused by my comment about breathing but it’s true people we do not breath.I am one of the lucky one that has met Jim and I am thankful that I did. Jim has helped me to improve personally, professionally, helped me to improve my marriage and most of all reset my software and made me a better version of my previous self.Jim you are a very special person, thank you for providing me with the tools that I use in everyday situations. I love you buddy, see you back on the mats next Friday.