Nate James

I have trained with a few BJJ and MMA instructors and I can tell you Nate James is as good as it gets. He has great patients and will show you the move over and over again. If your particular body type doesn’t work with that move then he will show you a variation so you can still work it. He is one of the few who gets in and scraps in NHB MMA. He walks the walk.

Nate James, thank you so much for such an awesome class tonight! I have come to the conclusion, that your kickboxing class is clearly the best in the bay area. Your demonstrations and explanations of the technique make it so easy to understand and duplicate, that even a novice like myself can grow, achieve and learn the moves! Class is always exciting, and there is always a great time had by all. Also, just a word on your Core Conditioning class; I just have to say how much I appreciate the authenticity of your exercises! It’s interesting, I have been to a lot of classes at various gyms, cross fit centers and other martial arts schools, and I have NEVER experienced the kinds of exercises you teach in class! You put a completely new spin on core conditioning, and I can’t wait to go back! Thanks so much. Your classes are truly a blessing and I am so fortunate to be a part of such a great school.

I’ve trained with Nate James, when he was at AKA. He has a unique way of pushing your body to achieving its goal. Whether its improving your stand-​up game or your ground game, he has the experience to break down moves into small understable chunks.
The most important detail about Nate as a trainer, is that his heart and soul is poured into his teaching. He comes in with vigor, enthusiasm, and that rare ‚” You can do it” attitude. It’s rare in San Jose, to find someone with as much passion as Nate. I recently heard that he’ll be conducting a youth wrestling campe in the summer. And yes, I already have plans for my boys to join.

All I can say is wow! As far as boxing, kickboxing, and just MMA training Nate is the best. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced individual he has something for both. Very professional and very easy to learn from, my wife and I see him for both one on one and tandem training for boxing. He also does classes at the AKA Gym On Hillsdale in San Jose.

I’ve been training at AKA in San Jose since 2008. I have not seen much of the guy recently but he is always positive and willing to answer an questions if you had any. He pretty much helped me to perfect my first BJJ submission the Americana. Great guy, excellent teacher.

I’ve known Nate for a long time but I just started training with him recently, which means I have a few years of knowing him in non-​client mode. So I can say with confidence that Nate is the same genuine guy as a trainer as he is a friend.
There are a LOT of pro-​MMA fighters out there who train us non-pro’s, but there are very few who can teach like Nate. Technique and form are the keys to any kind of sport, but especially so with fighting and self-​defense. Nate has technique in spades. What makes him such a good trainer – and what separates him from the rest – is he quickly sees just what *you* need to work on and he’ll figure out a tailor-​made way to teach it to you. Then he pushes you just far enough to where you’re almost annoyed and you think you aren’t getting it, then… BOOM…you get it.
Nate also does a fantastic job of training my 8 year old daughter in wrestling and stand-​up. That he’s able to switch gears from coaching men and women to boys and girls is more than impressive. He has a special way with kids (who adore him) that you won’t find in your average MMA fighter /​trainer.
I would highly recommend Nate James as your trainer, whether you’re looking to fight professionally or be a better pro, learn self-​defense, build confidence in your child or yourself, or just get into amazing shape.
You will also learn all kinds of Okie-​isms and memorable technique analogies from this native Oklahoman, like…
–Keep your elbows in like Roger Robot
–Squash the bug when you punch
–Keep your head in the game (meaning, keep your chin down so you don’t get punch in the face)
–Change the tire (no, it’s not just calling AAA!)
Bottom line: Nate’s the whole package and I highly recommend him as a trainer.

Nate is awesome. At the less-​than-​tender age of 30, I decided to get back into MMA training… Nate had been super cool, teaching me wrestling, boxing, jiu Jitsu, etc… fun times! It’s great to be excited about something. He is not an egotistical pro MMA butthead. He’s very kind and works with where you’re at! if you want to spark sum feelings of bad assery in your life, I’d recommend Nate to train you ;)