James is well versed in all things Hardstyle. He's been very helpful and generous with his time and recommendations regarding Indian clubs and joint mobility. We have a great conversation going on Facebook that has really helped me to improve my mobility and club practice.

Before working with James, I didn’t exercise at all, other than walking to and from work. Over the year prior to that, I’d lost about 25 pounds, but didn’t have any muscle mass to speak of.

The first thing James did was run me through his Functional Movement Screen to determine what my physical strengths and weakness were, and asked what my personal goals were, and what my diet was like. With that information, he put together a personalized set of exercises to correct issues I had (mostly due to immobilized joints from sitting in a chair all day!), and to build up my core strength.

Once I started working with a kettle bell, I was hooked. James showed me how to use it effectively so that I didn’t cause harm to myself.
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I worked with James at an RKC certification program in St Paul. His instruction was very helpful in helping learn the kettlebell techniques. James is very approachable and offers easy to understand instruction which is very important when handling complex movements that kettlebells involve. James also went out of his way to help me work on my breathing techniques.

I had been to many chiropracters, physical therapist & a foot doctor but James was the one who knew what was wrong! He is incredibly insightful, knowledgeable & knew simple techniques that made a huge difference!

Before I really began working with a kettlebell, he resolved some alignment issues I had. He also ensured I had the basics down correctly from the start, both for efficiency and safety. In a few months of training, I was in the best shape of my life (and in my thirties).

A few points about James:
* He meets people where they are. In class another student complained about being overweight and out-of-shape. James replied, "Everyone has to start somewhere."

* He is attentive to his students, firm but supportive. While I was fatigued and doing a set of swings poorly, he said, "You're tired. Set that down. We'll do something else."

* He inspires people to broaden their horizons. If I didn't know James I probably would not have been exposed to topics like z-Health, kettlebells, neural plasticity, or the paleo diet.

I first knew James as a fellow martial arts student. In the last few years he has gone from being a noticeably sharp martial artist to gaining his RKC and I believe a few other physical fitness certifications as well. Recently he also became an instructor under the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto. He has a wide range of interests and accomplishments.

I thoroughly recommend James to new and existing kettlebell students.

James believes that fitness should be available to all.

His classes included loads of instruction. I became comfortable with Kettlebell swings and lifts in a short amount of time.

He has a great attitude which makes his classes fun.

I was once the only person at his community ed class. Most instructors might have cancelled. He spent 1 1/2 hours helping me with Turkish Getup. He worked me hard and I got comfortable with the TGU that day.

I have continued with kettlebell training in my home and I am stronger now than I have ever been.

James is a very knowledgeable and practical instructor. James can become addicting to talk to and train with. Some instructors are always selling what they do and their product. You will get none of that from James. He is equipped with a diverse back ground from bells,movement,to combat fitness and training.

I met James in July of 2010 in a Pekiti Tirsia (Filipino combat system/martial arts) class. This class is taught by him and Sifu Mike at the Minnesota Kali Group. James is not only a wonderful classmate, but also an exceptional instructor. I would highly recommend him as an instructor! I wish I had the money to study with him privately! Hopefully in the near future.

If you are looking for an authentic Filipino combat system in Minneapolis, look no further than James and Sifu Mike!! A most sincere thanks to James and Sifu Mike for all that they have taught me. I'm greatly looking forward to much more training with James and Sifu Mike.

James exudes confidence and knowledge when instructing people on the finer art of lifting a kettlebell. He makes you feel like you can do it, even when you don't think you can. He is encouraging and stern at the same time, he will want to make you workout.

He guides you through your routine and corrects you without seeming overbearing, you will be a better athlete with James on your side.

And remember, breathe!

James has shown me that my body is capable of much more than I could have thought. His teaching style is strong on repetition, example and theory. He has a gift of being able to adapt to each student's learning style--or maybe it's that he inspires us to want to adapt to him? In any case, my body and mind are stronger since I started learning kettlebells with James. I feel good, just really good thanks to James.