James’s journey into martial arts began at the age of eight, inspired by Bruce Lee films and his father’s own training, which led him into Shotokan Karate and then an expanding roster of combat disciplines including Taekwondo, kickboxing, Muay Thai, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.
Through years of dedication and competition, he earned black belts in Karate, Taekwondo, Kickboxing (4th degree) and BJJ (1st degree) while also training extensively in wrestling and striking arts — a foundation that underpins his integrated coaching philosophy.
As a competitor, James fought across disciplines with more than 60 combined fights in MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing, claiming titles such as STBA Scottish Muay Thai Champion, British Kickboxing Champion, and multiple British MMA championships while competing on major European shows including Cage Warriors, BAMMA, Cage Rage and Superior Challenge.
From Fighter to World-Class Coach and Gym Founder
After opening his first martial arts club at age 21, James’s coaching career took centre stage. In 2013 he founded Higher Level Martial Arts as a full-time, state-of-the-art training facility that would go on to become one of the UK’s leading MMA gyms — home to multiple fighters who have achieved world titles, competed in the UFC, EFC, Bellator, One FC and Cage Warriors, and represented Scotland on the global stage.
Higher Level MMA is known for its systemised training environment, structured coaching pathways, and development of talent from grassroots levels to professional competition — including notable athletes such as Stevie Ray, Danny Henry and Joanne Calderwood.
James’s holistic approach combines technical striking, wrestling, grappling, defensive strategy and fight psychology, all supported by strength and conditioning principles and an emphasis on personal development.
James’s coaching philosophy centres on maximising individual potential through martial arts, fostering confidence, resilience and self-belief — traits he believes are just as important outside the cage as inside it.
Instructional Volumes on Warrior Collective
James brings decades of coaching expertise and his structured Higher Level system to Warrior Collective through multiple in-depth instructional volumes that deliver elite MMA training frameworks, drills and systems:
📘 Higher Level MMA Instructional Series:
MMA Drills for Elite Level Fighters – Chaining Attacks
James’s first ever full-length instructional, breaking down systems for proactive and reactive wrestling, striking off wrestling, chaining attacks, two-phase takedowns, mat returns, progression and flow drills — essential for effective transitions between ranges.
MMA Striking Drills for Fighters – The Higher Level System
A comprehensive striking curriculum covering movement games & drills, rear kick systems, feinting, effective teeps, scoring vs hurting shots, attacking open stance, southpaw vs orthodox, MMA-specific defence, calf and low kicks, and controlling range against the fence.
The Twisting Body Lock System – Higher Level MMA Training
A detailed look at James’s approach to body lock control, takedown entries and positional dominance within MMA grappling frameworks.
These volumes give fighters, coaches and serious practitioners access to James’s proven Higher Level systems, blending elite competitive principles with highly practical drills and strategic frameworks
