Shihan James Fries
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Shihan Fries has been training in the martial arts for over twenty years. He began training and studying Goju Ryu karate at the age of sixteen in Waterloo, Ontario under Sensei Gregg Skyork. Shihan Fries is currently ranked as a 6th degree black belt in Goju Ryu karate under Hanshi Carlos Montalvo 10° of the Ronin Goju-Ryu Kai and continues to study and train in the Goju Ryu style karate extensively.
The Goju system focuses on proper muscle function and movement which can be applied to self defense. James believes mental focus and overall ability will improve greatly with the proper training, conditioning and fitness. The body only becomes strong when the mind, body and spirit work together. Through the years, Shihan Fries has had the privilege to train with some of the world’s most recognized instructors such as Sifu Larry Hartsell, Sensei Morio Higaonna, Guru Dan Inosanto, Sifu Paul Irish, Sifu Makoto Kabayama, Sensei Rusty McMains, Master Tom Patire, MMA fighter Heath Herring, World champion boxer Ftiz “The Whip” Vanderpool and Sensei Don Warrener. Shihan Fries has a Level 1 Advanced Instructional Training Certification in Jeet Kune Do under the late Sifu Larry Hartsell. He continues to train with Sifu Paul Irish who is the only certified full instructor in Canada under Sifu Larry Hartsell. Jeet Kune Do focuses on functional training for grappling, stand up fighting, Filipino stick fighting and knife training. Heritage Martial Arts and Fitness Centre is one of the first centres in Canada to offer Tom Patire’s Training for Life® Personal Protection and Safety Courses. James has been training and teaching CDT course for 5 years and is an ITC Certified Bodyguard and Last Resort Tactics (LRT) instructor. Courses include KNOW & GO® for children between ages 4 – 12, TEENSAFE® and Training for Life®.James is a Certified Level 1 Boxing Coach and a ISSA martial arts conditioning coach. He has developed a program called Kid Fit Cardio™ which is a full-scale licensee program offered to gyms, trainers and others throughout North America. This program promotes a healthy lifestyle for children by improving their fitness levels and encouraging them to choose healthy foods. In this positive, fun atmosphere the children are encouraged to work hard to achieve their goals.Shihan Fries has a deep commitment and dedication to the martial arts and has an open mind toward all different styles of the martial arts and martial arts concepts. He strives to learn new ideas, techniques and training methods to expand his own knowledge and to help his students grow and improve. Training Resume: Goju Ryu karate – Shihan – 21 years |
