Raw Combatives

From my peers involved in the martial arts and self protection:

Jim Armstrong is bar none one of the most intelligent, mindful and compassionate instructor's I have ever met. Teaching his guys felt like a waste of time for me as I could readily tell just by chatting with them just how much information, knowledge and experience they possessed from being exposed to his work. What sets Jim apart from most and the reason I have humbly asked him to join the Senshido International Team was his immense heart, passion and caring, not only for his students but for anyone in need.
Richard Dimitri-Senshido



I was introduced to Jim in late 2007/ early 2008 through a mutual friend. Jim had invited me over to his place one Sunday morning after he had finished teaching to give a brief demo of Arnis for his guys and a chat. Within the first 10 minutes of talking to him I realised I had found a kindred spirit who shared the same viewpoints about the martial arts and the same irreverent sense of humour – though I’d have to say that Jims has developed to a much higher level than my own!

Even though he’s been training for over 25 years and I’ve only known him for a little over 3, I’ve watched in amazement at how much and how fast this man has grown and changed as a teacher and practitioner of the martial arts in that time. His thirst for knowledge is surpassed only by his desire to improve the lives of those around him and make the world a better place. It’s been a pleasure to watch. After 30 years in the martial arts it’s becoming harder and harder to be impressed by people but with my hand on my heart I have to say that Jim is amongst a very select group of individuals whom I find truly inspirational. Asides from his undoubted abilities as a teacher and his unique way of being able to connect with his students so that they might assimilate his approach and methods more easily, he is one of the most honest, passionate and civil minded people I have ever met – and I mean that in the truest sense of the word. His students are a great bunch who are not only capable but respectful and friendly too who admirably reflect their teacher. 

It’s been my great privilege to have crossed paths with this man and call him a good friend and brother in the arts.
Doug Tucker Nasubukang Arnis


After 25 years of training in martial arts, self defence, and other related activities, I have had the opportunity to meet, train with and experience dozens of instructors and teachers from many different countries. With so much exposure to who and what is available out there it is always immediately obvious when I encounter a person who is far and away above the rest. Recently I met one such person, Jim Armstrong of RAW Combatives in Melbourne. I found Jim to be highly skilled in multiple aspects of self defence and martial arts, analytical and inspiring in his approach, and with a huge heart and willingness to share his knowledge. The other members of RAW made me feel instantly welcome, and Jim’s leadership is obvious from the positive, friendly and ego-free environment that he and the team at RAW have created. It was a pleasure to train with his team and anyone who chooses to train with them will gain great benefits and have a good time doing it. My only regret from my time spent training with Jim is that it was too short, as I would have loved the opportunity to learn more from him and will be arranging for Jim to teach our team in the coming months. Jim has a passion, humour, and energy which is infectious, and one thing is certain; training with him is never dull! 
Phil Thompson – Senshido New Zealand (Protect Self Defence)


Every now and again we are fortunate enough to meet people in our lives that leave lasting impressions, and I have no hesitation in saying that Jim has and will continue to influence me in many aspects for a long time.I have trained with many well respected martial arts instructors, and it is easy to see that Jim is on another level. His knowledge, intelligence, and ability as a martial artist and self defence instructor is nothing short of awesome, but as a person Jim clearly stands out from others. Jim openly and honestly represents self development through self defence, and it is quite apparent that he considers his  students to be like family. 

As a self protection instructor I know it's important to continue to learn and bring my own students quality training and fresh ideas to improve, I can say without any hesitation that Jim and Raw Combatives will become a regular destination for me, and I can not recommend them enough. If you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner in your own field, a visit to Raw will prove to be invaluable and well worth your time.

I can't wait to return to Melbourne and train at Raw, I know each time I will return home a better person and the knowledge and skills learned will serve me for a lifetime. 

Corey Hawes
Advanced Self Defence Newcastle
Senshido Newcastle

From the guys who train with us:

Being a young woman who takes an interest in combative and grappling arts, I have grown used to feeling like the odd one out. I generally find myself outnumbered in class and outweighed by somewhere between 20 and 50 kilos by any given opponent. I've never felt odd at RAW though. While the guys there make an effort to look after me, they also take me and my martial arts ambitions 100% seriously. Instuctor Jim Armstrong has developed a club with an incredibly open and honest culture where barriers which can be created by gender, age, ethnicity and even martial arts experience are broken down, and all that matters is a person's willingness to believe in themselves and give 100%. 

Thanks Jim, and all of the other Rawsters :)
Chelsea Attard


I began training with RAW to enhance my ability to defend myself in a
physical confrontation, and for the fitness benefits this type of
training brings. I've now been training with the RAW team for about 5
years and haven't thought about trying any other form of self defence.

The techniques and methods used in the training are easy to understand
and implement, but more importantly effective in a physical encounter.
Most of what we are taught is basic body mechanics and doesn't rely too
heavily on mastering specific techniques, more the techniques that will
work for you.

The over arching lesson applied in the training at RAW is the mental
component which I have learnt is the most important part of any
confrontation, physical or otherwise. As the saying goes "it's not the
size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog" so
if you're mentally tuff and prepared then you're a step ahead of most
would be attackers. This type of mental training also has a flow-on
effect into other aspects of your life. As well as giving me confidence
in my ability to defend myself it also provides you with the confidence
to under take other challenges in your personal life that you may have
considered insurmountable in the past.

Lastly training with the RAW guys is a hoot. Although what we are
training for can be very serious the sessions are relaxed (well not the
physical parts) and everyone in the group is friendly and approachable.
A by-product of training with the RAW team is you get a great bunch of
friends whether you like it or not.
Tom Madill.



I have been training with RAW for the past 4 years, through 2 pregnancies (training right up until days before each birth).

Often the only female, I have never felt anything other than welcome, included, and comfortable.

They are always willing and interested in tailoring the training to be inclusive of all skill levels, genders and comfort zones

The training is perfectly suited for a female, as it is as much about recognising and avoiding dangerous situations, and the mental aspect, as it is about the physical techniques.

Its a fun physical and mental workout, amongst close friends.

Most importantly it is "Reality Based" self defence, which is practical, effective and achieveable.

The training varies from week to week, so it's easy to keep interested and motivated, continuing to learn and master new skills.

The guys really know their stuff, you can tell they live it and love it, and are always ensuring the taught techniques and strategies are effective and practical for your life, and self defence situations that may be encountered. 

They offer their time and expertise so willingly, and for very little financial recompense.

It is now part of my life and I cant imagine not going each week.
NATALIE FAULKNER



I drive 154 km round trip from Drouin,to train at Raw Combatives, at a club with a great group of guys and girls, in a relaxed friendly training environment,because there is not another club around, like it.My background has been based, in more traditional fighting systems. I love the reality based, street orientated training we do. In the first few lessons Jim Armstrong increased my punching and kicking power four fold and taught me how to use my mind, as the first and foremost weapon in a confrontation. 
All in all, great teacher, great people, great club 
Regards Murray Smith



I am currently probably the newest member. My reason for joining was basically because I come from a weight training background and lacked cardio fitness. In meeting Jim, I was very impressed in the way he professionally conducts himself, but also the willingness to tell you exactly how it is. All of the others in the group also always offer to help. Within the group of guys and girls, I think everyone would agree that if you are doing something wrong someone will pick it up for you and will spend as much time as takes for you to understand it. To me yes I do enjoy the cardio workouts which is why I first wanted join, but in all honesty I want improve technique, read more about the history of Raw Combat ( I think this has come from the passion I see that Jim has). To me it is not just about cardio or self defense anymore it is more personal improvement. As probably most people have already commented on although being the newest to me it feels like I have known the group for years. Fantastic Club, Instructor and people.
Seriously how many clubs can you be a part of were everyone gets along??? I wouldn't of believed it until getting involved myself.
Big Tim



I have been interested in self protection for over 20 years. Over that period I trained in several martial arts, including ninjutsu, boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian Jujitsu and Krav Maga. Although I got a lot out of that training, I was always looking for a more holistic approach to self protection. I finally found what I was looking for at Raw Combatives – a group of people who are passionate and knowledgeable about self protection, who train hard, but train sensibly. What's more, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they don't take themselves too seriously – they know how to have a laugh and enjoy themselves while training. The only thing I regret is that it took me so long to find out about Raw – I reckon it's one of the best kept secrets in Melbourne.
Joel Suss


Great instructors. Great syllabus. Great atmosphere. What more could you want? 
Jason Rose



From people who have attended one of our various seminars:


Having been to my fair share of seminars/workshops over the years, I'm now fussy with which ones I attend & which I don't. I'm always open & keen for learning more of the good stuff,
even if I walk away with only one good thing from a seminar then I'm a winner, imo.

Having known Jimmy for a long time now & consider him a very good friend, its always good to catch up with him & pick his brains in what he's learning & the direction he's heading in regarding self protection/martial arts.

The Seminar was 3hrs long, which went fast.

He calls a spade a spade which I find refreshing - some days you don't what to hear the truth, other days you do, but that's life.
Our Jim's a passionate & engaging instructor, and was doing this workshop for a brilliant cause so it was a win-win situation.

He covered about a dozen or so drills, 
Basic drills, stuff you can use straight away after the seminar.
I found them easily broken down & explained in great detail both the physical as well as the over looked psychological part which some people don't address & I never felt any information overload, then we drilled it with real energy.

The drills were broken down into the right amount of time for each drill & then pressure tested at the end, giving it proper energy from both parties.

Right at the end we then had to do a load of functional fitness/Tabata type drills, these were demanding yet achievable. Horrible drills yet brilliant - all about over coming the discomfort & killing that inner voice, the one that wants you to give up & quit.
Nick Munday



Very enjoyable seminar today. I really liked the balance between the history, the modern day application and the mindset (without running the risk of turning into too much of a psycho). I expect feeling it in the arms over the next couple of days, too.
Jason Rose



What I liked

• Adding layers to what we had looked at previously (eg: looking a bit more closely at the way we move and how not to move, how we react when someone’s in our space, etc)
• Liked that we looked at the reason for posture, footwork etc (rather than just being told)
• Liked the fact that the responses were simple and effective rather than ‘tricky’. Felt like what you teach is very effective.
• Liked the sequence of the training (looking at posture, hand grabs, then a throw, then groundwork, then striking.) It was interesting.
• Liked practicing what it feels like when someone’s in your space and speaking aggressively.
• Liked the atmosphere of the training. Felt like I learnt heaps but with lots of laughs.

What I didn’t like

• Nothing!

What I would like to do more of

• I think what we did was really necessary as a foundation. It would then be good to build on that with a little bit more confrontation to get a bit ‘desensitized’ and build up confidence.
• Louise wills
  

It was a great pleasure having you. The feedback has been tremendous -
everyone has gone away with several things from you to add to their own
version of aikido and they are keen to do it again.
Personally I have nicked quite a lot and I intend to make them a permanent
part of my teaching, e.g. getting up from the ground, the slaps, the
awareness material, a couple of locks and the come-along version, moving the
hand via the base of the thumb, variations on the flinch drills etc etc.

I really appreciate your approach and that of Vinh and Jeremy. The less said
about Colin the better...the guys were a great asset and the comments show
how sincerely their expert and kind assistance was valued.
The Canberra, Wagga, Sydney and Karate guys there have told me how much they
valued both the material and the way it was presented, and also how much
they enjoyed you as people and teachers.
Look forward to doing it again!
Murray Loader