Jim and Ben began their martial arts journeys with wrestling.  They both trained Hsing-I Kung Fu in 1997 and in 1999 joined the Richland Dojo, where they trained in Judo and Yamashigi Aiki-Jujutsu, each earning brown belts in Judo.  Ben earned a Brown Belt in Aiki Jujutsu and Jim was awarded his Black belt.  Ben excelled in Judo competition, competing across the Pacific Northwest and Canada, while Jim developed his skills as both a competitor and assistant instructor.

In 2010, Jim shifted his focus to Pekiti Tirsia Kali joined by Ben in 2012.  Jim earned his Master Instructor (Mataas Na Guro) ranking in 2021, and Ben was promoted to Lakan Guro (Apprentice Instructor) in 2024. That same year, they assumed leadership of Blackbird Training Group, with Jim as head instructor and Ben as  co-combatives instructor. Ben also earned the title of "Dog" at a Dog Brothers Open Gathering in 2024.

Beyond martial arts, both have attended advanced law enforcement combatives seminars and are developing a curriculum to bring these tactics to the concealed carry civilian community in the Tri-Cities area. Jim also holds a Level I Mentor certification in Regimental Broadsword and co-founded the Blackfeather Broadsword Academy.

Outside of training, both have spent nearly 25 years working in operating rooms. Jim is also a published science fiction author, blending his expertise and creativity into both his professional and martial arts pursuits.