It is said that adversity introduces an individual to himself. For BJJ/MMA instructor James Clingerman the struggles he endured in his life have shaped him into the positive driven individual he is today. Born and raised in Indianapolis, "Indiana" James had a normal life growing up. As a child he showed a great interest in martial arts. “I use to watch old Kung-Fu movies, read dozens of martial arts books and even practice moves on my little sister, “he said.

Starting Jiu-Jitsu at the Begining

Although he displayed a love for martial arts, James was very bashful as a kid. Going through this phase was very troublesome for him especially in school. “Although, I managed to get good grades, school was hell for me because I couldn’t function well in a group of people. Today I would probably have been diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, with a little OCD, “he said. After many years of  going through this problem, in an effort to bring him out his shell, his dad would eventually enroll him into Karate thus giving James the strength and confidence he needed to face whatever life threw at him it turned out to be the best move in James’s life.