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.

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.