Testimonials

Jim's classes were an incredible investment in my personal safety and it was remarkable how much he could teach me in such a short time! I attended class with a vertically challenged friend (she's barely 5 feet tall) and by the end of class I was amazed to see how Jim was able to maximize her strength and skills. His classes help you to realize your own abilities by capitalizing on your natural reaction to stressful situations. He focuses on practical skills and basic techniques — it was a great experience and I look forward to more classes.

Patti Z.

Working in Law Enforcement one quickly learns that the only state that is constant is change. Change is ever constant, and No Quarter JKD has clearly highlighted that for me when operating in violent situations. Mr. Winterbottom, and his staff are excellent instructors! They take the time to demonstrate the moves to protect yourself, or in my case many others. There were several times, I had left a training session and went into work where situations evolved causing me to use the moves No Quarter JKD had just taught me only hours before hand. Two words come to mind-FOR REAL!

Philadelphia Police Narcotics Strike Force Officer

When people used to ask me where I trained, I used to smile with pride and confidence and reply, “some dude’s garage.” In three years of training with Jim, I learned more than I could with anyone else. His extensive knowledge of the martial arts, and his ability to incorporate new tactics and techniques gave me a chance to learn a systemless way to fight. There is no rigid kata or useless showy techniques. You learn to hit HARD, you learn to move without wasted motion, and you learn to fight and survive. After you learn to dodge and block an escrima from coming at your temple, a punch looks like it’s in slow-motion.

There is no situation that can happen in real life that Jim cannot prepare you for. Fighting multiple attackers, weapon defense, fighting in the dark, or even in crowded places. Jim pulls his teachings from his background in the Philippine martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, Savate, Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, karate, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu and the list goes on, but most importantly he teaches you from personal experience. The guy knows what works. He can give you the how for the when.

To put it simply, if it was not for Jim’s teachings I would have had my ass beaten several times. Due to the training and techniques I experienced through Jim, I was able to get myself out of some terribly lopsided situations effectively and violently. It wasn’t about fighting pretty. As Bruce Lee once said, “IT took over.” When asked what it was he replied, “IT is what I have been training for all my life.” Jim can give you IT.

James Devine
Former Student and Friend

Evolution in the martial arts is the key to becoming a successful instructor. Success is not measured by the number of students but the positive impact you have on them. One way to do this is to be open to learning new arts while maintaining the creativeness to improve on the old. It is this standard and diligence that has afforded Jim Winterbottom the opportunity to partake in the development of the recently acclaimed CopSafe program. Realizing the importance of tactical tools in Law Enforcement training, Jim turned to his weapons training in the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Because of his no-nonsense approach to combat application, he adopted and adapted aspects of the training to showcase the functionality of the FMA. We need to preserve the FMA because of its simplicity and effectiveness. And, Jim does just that. This approach should not only be commended by his peers and students but by all FMA enthusiasts.

Guro John G. Jacobo
www.swacom.com

In the martial arts there are sportsmen and there are fighters. Jim Winterbottom is not only a fighter --he's a teacher of fighters. He has that unique and very necessary blend of classical martial arts training and eyes wide-open fighting instinct that sets him apart from the rest of the pack.

Having worked with Jim in the creation of a number of street-real fighting programs, I feel like I've met one of that all-too small group of kindred spirits: men who understand the realities of fighting. Not the glitz, not the flashy stuff, but the hard-core knees and elbows, sweat and blood reality of fighting.

When the COP-Safe program was being developed, Jim was always right there on the floor, his no-nonsense attitude serving as the acid test for whether these skills would work or not. Whether we're putting together a non-violent restraint & control program for ordinary law enforcement, or a no-holds-barred set of skills for SWAT team members, Jim's clear vision, courage, and innovative thinking has allowed us to present the very best in self-defense for those persons who have an absolutely real need.

Bottom line: in a fight, I'd want him at my back every time.

Jonathan Maberry
8th dan Shinowara-ryu Jujutsu
5th dan Hapkido
5th dan Kenjutsu
Chief Instructor of Shinowara-Ryu Jujutsu
Chief Instructor for COP-Safe
Former Entertainment Industry Bodyguard
Author of Ultimate Jujutsu, Ultimate Sparring,
Essential Self-Defense and more than 800 articles on martial arts and self-defense.

When it comes to teaching in your face real self-defense, Jim Winterbottom is at the top of the list. His unique method of teaching is aggressive and extremely effective. He does not let himself or his students subscribe to what often can be described as mindless conformity in the dojo. He teaches in a way that the average person can understand and then readily apply. What I really like about his teaching methods is that he is always seeking new and more effective drills. Not only are they effective but they are very exciting, which keeps boredom from ever entering the classroom. I have used his drills at my school on numerous occasions and my students love them.

I have known Jim for years, the one thing that irritates him the most is teachers that force their students to learn things that they would never use because it is either unrealistic or completely outdated. Jim is always looking for ways to help his students to fight hard, fast and effectively. I have been working very closely with him ever since the development of C.O.P SAFE. This new endeavor has motivated him more than ever to seek out better ways to teach and train for self-preservation.

Sensei David Pantano
4th Degree in American Kenpo Karate
Senior Instructor and Cofounder of COP-Safe

The quality of instruction is beyond excellent - Jim is a clear, concise instructor who packs a ton of information into a very short period of time with great success. Because of Jim's mentorship, I've been able to accomplish many of the goals I've set for myself, and in less time than I thought possible. Jim's instruction has made me a better martial artist, and a better person, period.

Jeff Love
Apprentice Instructor