James started training in 2005, shortly after finishing high school. He trained under Rafael Lovato Jr. which he received his black belt from in 2011. He has also done extensive training with Ben Baxter and the Ribeiro Brothers. Until 2015 James juggled a career as a math teacher as well as owning his own gym. 

Him and his wife Michelle now run Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Keizer, Oregon.

Achievements:

Brown Belt

World No Gi Championship 3rd Place (2009 and 2010)

World Championship 3rd Place Weight and Absolute (2010)

US Nationals Champion x Gold (2010)

Pan American Champion (2011)

Pan American Championship Absolute 2nd Place (2011)

 

Black Belt

US Nationals Championship 3rd Place Absolute (2013)

Worlds No Gi Ultra Heavy Champion (2013)

Worlds No Gi Championship 3rd Place (2014)

Pan American Championship 2nd Place  (2015)

US No Gi Nationals Absolute and Weight Champion (2015)

US Nationals Championship 3rd Place (2015)

World No Gi Championship 3rd Place (2015)

World Championship 2nd Place (2016)