Raw Life Australia - Rowville (VIC)

5 /5 Peter Jessup: I first started training with Jim approximately 24 years ago. I was fortunate enough to be part of the first group to train in the original ‘garage’. I feel like this was an important time in Jim’s journey because he was obviously a very skilled martial artist and the hardest hitter I’ve ever met but having a group of willing participants gave him the opportunity to look at other styles and techniques and experiment. I feel this furtile environment added layers to the way Jim thought and approached training. There was always an aggressive edge but it certainly became more technical. We got pretty banged up, but we loved every part of it. Modern Jim’s new training approach blows me away. His technical knowledge on how the body works and how to effectively use it and understand it, is unparalleled. It can cause experienced martial artists to question their previous training but in reality it compliments everything they’ve done. Personally, training with Jim turned me into a reasonable martial artist but gave me a level of confidence I was previously lacking. It improved my daily life and contributed to personal employment achievements. It’s no coincidence that people who have trained with Jim for an extended period have had successful work careers. Jim’s concepts cross over into all sports. As a junior football coach I’m regularly applying his principles to drills and are constantly amazed at the results. Whether you are an experienced martial artist, a beginner or even just someone a bit lost and searching for something, give Jim a try. You won’t be disappointed.

5 /5 Jo Wilson: I’ve been working privately with Jim since January to improve my own skills but also to provide a different perspective for my clients. This is not cookie cutter, generic fitness/skills. It is principles that work in every aspect of your life and my growth both on the mats and off has been immense. I cannot recommend Jim enough.

5 /5 Shino Swaver: Jim has a wealth of knowledge and experience in what he does. My daughter has been attending his self-defense class for the past three months and she enjoys it very much. She has already learnt essential skills that she is benefiting from in her daily life. Jim’s methods are tried, tested, and refined to be practical and effective. He not only helps her become stronger physically but also empowers her mentally, which is equally important. The classes are fun, interactive, and engaging. Jim uses different strategies to ensure she understands and learns quickly. We are very happy with her progress and will definitely continue our lessons with Jim

5 /5 Alice Ecobags: I have been attending Raw Kickboxing classes for a few years and each session is not just about throwing punches and kicks; its a holistic approach to fitness and movement that emphasizes on personal growth. Jim has a unique way of breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their skill level. Beyond the physical benefits, Raw Kickboxing has taught me valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance that extend beyond the gym. No egos or pretentious attitudes in sight.

5 /5 Jeremy Excell: I’ve been training with Jim at Raw Life for a few years. I originally joined to improve my self-defense skills after a lifetime in martial arts/combatives—and found something truly practical and life-changing. Jim’s knowledge of movement, mindset, and real-world application is next level. His philosophy, “Try less. Do more,” has had a huge impact on how I live. The community is supportive, ego-free, and everyone learns from each other. If you want to build real skills and become stronger in life—not just for self-defense—I highly recommend Jim and Raw Life.