Reviews

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.

I had previously worked with another kettle bells instructor and while I enjoyed those classes they were so hardcore that as a woman in her 50's I found I eventually lost interest and stopped going. A short while later, I fractured my shoulder in three places due to a fall and was told I would never do kettle bells ever again - And so, I believed them until a good friend introduced me to James.

Two years after my break and with my surgeon's approval, I am working with James and regaining my strength. He is a great instructor and takes all the time I need to get my form down, get coordinated in doing exercises and while he does challenge me to new things and IDEAS about myself he is not militaristic in his approach. He is so knowledgeable and gives you many resources you can use to supplement his teaching.

He is hard working, funny, kind and not judgmental about where you are at but will continue to nudge you to places beyond what you believe you can do - and to be honest more than once he was right and I wasn't as I could do many things I didn't think I could. I would highly recommend him as a trainer/instructor and will continue to enjoy our 6 a.m. sessions together.

I may not be the best at writing reviews but suffice to say James is a wonderful instructor.

Because form and technique are critical to an effective kettle bell workout, James required me to do a few hours of focused training with him before he would let me begin the kettle bell classes. I usually work with James 1-2 days/week and have seen improvement in my stamina, mobility, eye-hand coordination, and ability to lift more weight. I really like working with James because he makes it fun. He mixes up the sessions with different drills so the experience is different all the time.

I've done a number of classes with James, and some one-on-one workouts as well. He's always very sharp about identifying issues each one of us has, and helps get those corrected. Form is always a big thing with James and it continues to keep everyone safe. He's really patient with new comers as well.
Great Job James!

I attended the kettlebell clinic on 8/7 and it was my first time using kettlebells. The clinic James held was perfect for the first time beginner, or novice, as he went through each phase in detail making sure everyone was doing the exercise correct before moving on. As we progressed through the phases of the swing and get up, James was very conscious on making sure we were all using proper form to prevent the risk of injury. The lunch that James provided was very health and tasty and the nutrition session over the lunch hour was very informative. We finished up the day with a kettlebell workout being closely watched by James to again make sure we were using correct form while performing the exercises. Kettlebells are the real deal as I was sore for 3 days after the clinic as I was using muscles in ways I normally do not in my workouts. I am excited about the fitness gains that kettelbells will be able to provide me.

When I started with James I was recovering from a heart attack and had low to average ejection fraction for my heart. Within a matter of months of working with James my ejection fraction was above average and the damaged portion of my heart had repaired it's self. Currently the only evidence of heart disease that I have is medical records. Wile diet and medications did contribute to my recovery James workouts and training were the most significant portion of my recovery.

this is a man of conviction and integrity
a great instructor, from stretching and range of motion, his focus on proper technique and execution keeps me getting stronger without injury or pain

constantly drilling in that perfect reps, not the number of reps, is the most important thing to focus on

the addition of his knowledge of the Functional Movement and Z-Health has made it easier to get stronger, faster, without injury

he never pushes me past what my personal comfort level is, and his emphasis on never training myself to fail is a huge change from other people I have trained with in the past

what more could you ask of an instructor

Whether you have short or distant goals, your journey with James will be paved with milestones at every meeting.
My father-in-law had been training with James for a few months, having been bitten by the bug after I completed my RKC. I wanted to meet James because of that connection.
We talked shop, but more importantly, James offered his skills to help me troubleshoot some of my own "demons" in training and current hurdles. James was spot on in his assessments and corrective drills. Sharing a background of injuries and martial arts, it was easy for me to be 100% confident that James would "get it". That breadth of knowledge carries over to everybody that would seek his assistance, as his repertoire spans the whole gamut of movement patterns and physical skills.

James has been enouraging me and instructing me in my fitness recovery for almost a year. Each time I meet with James he is attentive to me. Imagine an instructor who actually sees the individual and is able to formulate a workout program that provides healthy fitness results. This is James, an instructor who kindly and intelligently offers practical solutions that work. He has consistently reminded me that the goal is my health and strength and this is exactly what I have achieved. My weight has dropped 50# and I have become stronger each day. Because of James's instruction I have learned to listen to my body and adjust my program to heal while becoming more fit. I am so thankful that I am finding my way back to a healthy body and personal peace because I am stronger and whole.

Translated...form and function first (an inch wide) and exercise selection and variety second (a mile deep).

James epitomozes this. I have been schooled by the top strength coaches, strength researchers, and trainers in the country; by following James' defining repetition at the basic level I have learned more about becoming a more effective trainer.

These ideals have assisted in the development and advancement of my client base. Thanks to James' tuning me into these ideals I am affecting many more lives in a more efficient and effective manner.

James receives my highest seal of approval.

I have so many great things to say about James that I worry I'll sound like a commercial! I appreciate the depth and breadth of the knowledge he possesses - and he uses it skillfully. James is an observant and perceptive instructor with tools to tackle every obstacle. And he's always learning.

I used to be in pretty good shape - 10 years ago. In the short eight weeks I've been working with James I have better balance, awareness of my body in space, and body mechanics. I feel challenged, but always working within my body's current abilities.

James confidence is infectious. His attitude and communication skills and genuine belief that everyone can - you know I can't come up with any other way to say it - everyone can get strong and stay strong is what makes working with him enjoyable AND effective.

James is an excellent instructor. He is professional, reads widely, and his training is informed by several disciplines. He is enthusiastic about his work. He is exacting in the expectations he has of his students but in a positive way. He is flexible in his approach; the sessions consistently build but are not predictable or boring. Getting fit is demanding business and involves risks. However, James is very sensitive to making sure that while he pushes me hard, he doesn't break me. And I appreciate that!

I completely and totally trust James with my physical well-being and safety. I know that me and my body are in good hands and safe from injury in his classes. He treats each individual to their specific needs even when in a group class. It is invaluable.

The thing I value most is how James is giuding me through the process of correcting all of the bad fitness, posture, breathing, dietary, etc. habits that have been developed and encouraged and encouraged by the various fitness fads that have come and gone.

I feel healthier, stronger and more aware of all my moving parts and the way they should be working together and how they feel if they aren't.

I'm a lifer.

In the short time I have been working with james I have seen a marketed improvement in all facets of my body mechanics. I've always had trouble with my 'get up', after two sessions not only does it feel smoother but my confidence with a kettle bell over my head has increased dramatically as well. I actually look forward to waking up at 5 AM to be in class by 6 AM.

A good example of how effective his analysis and instruction and is. in 15 minutes he got my shoulder FMS score from a high 1/low 2 upto a 3. The mantra of shoulders are ear poison lives in my head as I drive around town for my job.

James is a great instructor.

The man wants you to succeed! Period. Every time that I see him or correspond thru email with him, I get this impression, strongly!

He has corrected my Swing immensely [lower back pain] & has helped me with my asymmetry in my ASLR (2/3) from the FMS [too much 1-sided judo].

And as James advocates always, "Breathe..." It seems like common sense, but it means something different now after working with James. Thanks.

James has a wealth of knowledge around strength/conditioning training and keeps each session fresh and interesting. What I like best about his approach is that he will take the time with you in order to make sure you understand each technique before moving on. Overall a great experience and I would recommend him highly to others who are interested in any area of training.

James really knows what he's doing. He has a deep knowledge of technique, physiology, and general fitness. The passion he has for his work really shows. He's also a really quality human being. Be ready to get strong, learn a ton, and have a great time in his classes!

He was very knowledgeable and helpful. I was just not quite ready for kettlebells but the experience was great . Probably will come back

James really knows what fitness is about. His class is awesome! His instruction goes above and beyond the standard instruction that I have gotten in the past. It is nice to be participating in an exercise system that is intuitive to my body and utilizes minimal equipment. James, teaches the student how to perform these exercises, and encourages you to safely practice them at home

James' instructional ability is excellent. He has a great deal of knowledge not only about kettlebells, but many other areas of health and fitness like diet, functional movement and mobility etc. His expectations of others' capacity is generally spot on, and his enthusiasm for fitness and instructing makes the experience even more enjoyable.