JIM ARMSTRONG
A Legacy of 40 Years in Martial Arts and Self-Protection
With four decades of experience in martial arts and the self-protection industry, Jim is a distinguished instructor and highly sought-after personal coach. His journey began with multiple black belts and instructorships, coupled with a competitive career that saw him representing Australia in the World Stick Fighting Championships.
Jim’s expertise spans continents, having taught in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, the UAE, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Since 2015, he has regularly travelled to Europe to share his refined principles and concepts with students and fellow practitioners.
After nearly 20 years of intense training, Jim decided to re-evaluate his approach, leading to the creation of a unique methodology free from traditional constraints. This journey of exploration began in what would later be known as "The Garage," a space where Jim and a small group of dedicated individuals experimented with new ideas, shaping a fresh perspective on martial arts.
In 2014, Jim founded BareBones Combatives, a system distilled to its essence—focused on mindset and movement. This ongoing process of simplification and innovation continues to drive his passion for teaching.
“TRY LESS, DO MORE”
— Jim Armstrong
Today, Jim leads approximately 30 sessions per week, offering workshops in-house, at various training centres, and through private corporate sessions.
His teachings can function as a stand-alone system or be integrated into other styles to enhance understanding and performance.
Jim has also extended his expertise to the world of sports, helping athletes in rugby, Australian rules football, golf, cricket, shooting, and more, to excel in their disciplines. His method is increasingly used to improve mental health, physical well-being, and genuine self-confidence.
Jim’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in his completion of Cert III and Cert IV in fitness, along with over 30 additional courses in recent years. He is always refining his methods, staying at the forefront of both martial arts and fitness fields by constantly reading, listening, experimenting, and evolving. His ultimate goal is to empower others to achieve their personal best—whatever that may mean to them.
In the early days of his teaching career, Jim focused on sport fighting and self-defence, with students frequently sharing stories of how his training had benefited them inside and outside the ring. Over the past decade, however, his work has taken on a deeper dimension, helping individuals become better family members, friends, and most importantly, better versions of themselves.
In the last four years, Jim has devoted much of his time to working with people facing mental health challenges, physical disabilities, and illnesses. He takes great pride in knowing that his teachings have impacted lives far beyond martial arts, addressing the needs of individuals in ways that transcend traditional styles and systems.
Stress test at The Garage 2012
“There’s no ego, no bullsh*t — just training that works. For real life.”
Jarrod Boyle - Former Super Heavyweight Professional Kickboxer
Richard Dimitri - Founder of several International Self-Defence Systems and Educational Services
Chris Tate - Experienced Martial Artist & Director
Tyson Yunkaporta - Senior Research Fellow & author of Sand Talk & Right Story Wrong Story