Coach James “Swolters” Walters is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and an active competitor on the local, national and international BJJ scene. Our resident environmental warrior and keep-cup official, Jimbo is our office educator on what can and cannot be recycled. Aside from saving the world and looking swole doing it, James is also a multiple time Pan Pacific, National, and State Champion and ADCC Melbourne Absolute Pro Division Champion. If you’re looking for an example of an excellent human, read on to find out more about James!
What would you consider your greatest achievements in Martial Arts?
Meeting people from all over the world and making friends. Also, filming on top of a mountain with Stuart Cooper in Thailand was pretty awesome.
What made you start Martial Arts?
I wanted to learn how to put my body to good use.
How did you first get involved with Absolute MMA?
Sean Le G and I go way back, and when I started jiu jitsu, I asked where he trained in Melbourne, he said “Absolute MMA in the CBD with Thiago”, so that’s why I train here. Then I started teaching classes when Craig was away, then that became an ongoing job, plus I spent more time here than my previous full time job. Why not!
Mantra/Quote to live by?
You health is your wealth.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Reverse seared grass fed rib-eye steak.
What do you like to do to relax besides training?
Ride my bike, cook and get obsessed with random things.
If you were going to be an animal, what would you be and why?
I am already an animal, but if I could choose something else it would be a wedge tailed eagle.
What is your favorite travel destination? Why?
Anywhere with good food, people, environment, culture, and jiu jitsu.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
When I was 18, I booked a return ticket to Nairobi in Kenya, and went there for 3 months on my own with no other plans. The flight agent didn’t want to sell me the ticket because she said she had never heard of anyone who had done that before and was worried for my safety. I ended up travelling all through East Africa and made it back alive. It changed my life.
If you’re not originally from Melbourne, how’d you end up living in Melbourne, Australia?
I’m from Tatura, 2 hours north of Melbourne (where the butter is from).
What were some funny/interesting/weird hobbies you had when you were a teenager?
Reading song lyrics and song meanings.
Besides martial arts, what else are you passionate about and why?
The environment, food, and health.
Who are the kind of people that you look up to and why?
My friends. Anyone who is positive and passionate, and always looking to improve and overcome adversity.
When was the last time you did something new for the first time and what was it?
Spearfishing, it was 18 months ago now, and I only just warmed up again.
Have you done other sports besides martial arts?
I have played AFL my whole life.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Melbourne and your #1 dish recommendation?
Steak, burgers, and Ramen. Just google it.
What movie have you seen over 5 times?
Monsters Inc.
If you could go back in time to your first martial art class, what would be the advice you give to your past self?
Tone it down a notch, Scotty.
During a Absolute MMA staff retreat a zombie apocalypse breaks out. You get separated with 3 AMMA team members. Who would be part your dream team and why?
Richard Lattemagic – His shiny forehead might reflect the sun onto some rescue operations crews who are looking for us.
Oliver Smith – He is always the voice of reason and would keep us all calm
Amit Narayan – Would keep us all swole while we wait to be rescued.
“Jimmy Walters is a real true friend of mine, from the days when we were at uni. Now he beats me up but I still love him. He’s going to be a world champion.”- Sean Le Gourrierec
“James Walters is just an exceptional human being. Highly dedicated, motivated, persistent and relentless in pursuit of his goals, which he has many. All of those traits would be exceptional by themselves, but when you attach them to a guy that’s humorous, and always looking out for his friends and teammates, you realise just how one of a kind he is. I truly believe that he’s only scratched the surface in terms of what he’ll accomplish, not only in Jiu Jitsu, but in life. Which is saying a lot, considering what he’s already accomplished. I could happily go on and on about Jimbolinho Swolters, so I will, he’s one of the funniest and warmest individuals in the gym. His recent addition as a coach at Absolute has just made the coaching staff stronger and will ensure that Absolute MMA will remain at the top for many more years to come!” – Amit Narayan
“Jimbo Swolternidis is strong by name and strong by nature. Even though all his stories end in tragedy, he’s definitely got my vote for man (and chin) of the year. Love ya Jimbo.” – Oliver Smith
“My favourite photo used to be Craig choking James. Now it’s James armbarring Craig. #TrueStoryBro”- Richard Lattemagi
“James is a super energetic, intelligent, eager to help, hunk of a man. He is very driven to train and compete at the highest level, if you roll with him on the mats, be prepared to go to war!
James never makes excuses, is always friendly and generally has an infectious positive attitude. We are all lucky that we have a Swolters on deck! He’s an ok books, one of these days I’m gonna get him, by any means necessary.” – Tim Baker