Renshi Fries has been training in the martial arts for over seventeen years. He began training and studying Goju Ryu karate at the age of sixteen in Waterloo, Ontario under Sensei Gregg Skyork. Renshi Fries is currently ranked as a 5th degree black belt in Goju Ryu karate under Hanshi Carlos Montalvo 9° 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, Renshi Fries has had the privilege to train with some of the world’s most recognized instructors such as Larry Hartsell, Morio Higaonna, Dan Inosanto, Paul Irish, Makoto Kabayama, Rusty McMains, Tom Patire and Don Warrener.

Renshi Fries has a Level 1 Advanced Instructional Training Certification in Jeet Kune Do under 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 also a Certified Level 1 Boxing Coach. Recently he has developed a program called Kid Fit Cardio™ which is exclusive to Heritage Martial Arts. This program promotes a healthy life style 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. This is not a martial arts program.

Currently James is teaching personal protection training and self defense courses for the Brain Injury Association. He also teaches self protection and awareness courses at Scholars’ Hall.

Heritage Martial Arts and Fitness Centre is proud to support our community. Our members have combined their skills to create the “Sparring Challenge” which has generated funds to assist local families battling cancer and also to support research for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This club also supports Camp McGovern (Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Kitchener Waterloo & Area) and Camp Oochigeas (children battling cancer).

Renshi 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.