In this changing world it is rare to find people who have committed a lifetime to the development of a field of study. James has done that for nearly four decades, diving deep into the study of movement, combat, fitness and the martial arts.

As a child James was captivated by the stories of martial artists of old, of Zen masters, of people who lived lives with purpose and devoted themselves to self-perfection. Little did he know then that he himself would follow that path with all of its hills and valleys for the rest of his life.

Starting with Judo in childhood, James has committed himself to getting the most from everything that training in the martial arts can bring. Since those early days he has spent time training Judo, Kobudo, Goju Karate, Iaido, Shorinji Kempo, Kickboxing, Boxing, Wrestling, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Arnis, Eskrima, Kali, Muay Thai, Kali, Silat and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu among other things. Along the way earning black belts and teaching certifications in multiple systems. James counts himself very lucky to have been a student under some legends of the martial arts, most notably certified as an instructor in Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Silat systems under Dan Inosanto and in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Jean Jacques Machado.

During his time in the Canadian Army, James also pursued training and study in Personal Training and Tactical Athlete training. With his life-long interest in fitness and mobility, James has helped to integrate an effective way of making people not just more fit but able to move better and live healthier lives. He likes to adapt this knowledge into the different martial arts he teaches so that students are able to get more out of their training and maintain an effective way of progressing in their martial arts whether they are young or old with his goal being helping an individual live a more full life as a result of their training.

Near the end of his time as a full-time Army officer, James opened the Eke Academy of Martial Arts, bringing top-notch martial arts to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in a variety of systems.

James is the author of Warrior’s Way: A Guide To Life-long Learning In The Martial Arts.