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James Simrell, director of RPFS's BJJ and MMA programs, was born and raised in Scranton, PA, where he owns and operates the James Simrell Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
Mr. Simrell began his training, as a teenager, in the sport of boxing under Coach Jose Berrios. Upon graduating from college, James was introduced to the sport of Judo which became his sport of
choice due to his natural talent for the discipline and his appreciation for the mental and physical demands of the game. In 1998, James placed 2nd in the Black Belt Division at the East Coast Judo Competion despite entering the competion as a white belt and was later named the 1998 PA Outstanding Judo Player of the Year.
James is also a Master in the sport of Russian Combat Sambo under Grand Master Alex Barakov, former champion of the USSR. James currently serves on the Advisory Board of the American Sambo
Association.
He began his BBJ Training under Marcos Santos of New York City and, ultimately, earned his Black Belt under the late Roni Cardoso of Team Braza in New York City to whom James continues to pay homage both
on his website and at his Academy.
James continued to train and operate his academy throughout 2005 despite under going extensive surgical and chemotherapy cancer treatments and, having made a full recovery, he is currently training
extensively in the art of Muay Thai with an eye towards returning to the competition arena in 2007.
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