BareBones Instructor Pathway
For practitioners who want to understand, embody, apply, and eventually teach the BareBones principles responsibly.
The Instructor Pathway is for practitioners who want to carry the work properly.
It is not a belt system.
It is not a shortcut to authority.
It is not about collecting another logo for your social media profile.
It is a pathway for people who want to understand the principles deeply enough to live them, pressure test them, apply them, and teach them without losing the heart of the work.
This Is Not a Title-Collecting Exercise
Framework-First. Always.
The BareBones Instructor Pathway is framework-first.
It is not a combatives instructor course dressed up with clever language.
The Five Pillars, the Protect / Defend / Develop map, and the thinking underneath them are non-negotiable.
Every instructor must understand, embody, apply, and teach them.
Most candidates will also train in the BareBones Combatives Toolkit, because teaching a small, stripped-back system gives the framework somewhere concrete to live.
But the toolkit is the vehicle.
The framework is the way.
We are not creating people who only know how to fight.
We are developing people who can carry this work properly.
Already Teach Another System?
Existing instructors are welcome.
You will bring your system. BareBones will bring the framework.
The aim is not to paint your current work with a BareBones colour and keep doing exactly what you already do.
By the end, you should understand how to teach BareBones — and how to use your existing skills, background, and experience as the vehicle.
That distinction matters.
If it excites you, you may be the right kind of candidate.
If it annoys you, the pathway has already done you a favour.
BareBones Combatives Instructor Pathway Levels
Progression is based on understanding, embodiment, application, teaching ability, safety, and judgement — not time served, ego, or how hard someone can hit a pad.
Level 1 — Foundations Graduate
Complete the online BareBones Foundations Course.
At this level, you are learning the map and beginning to use the BareBones lens to deepen your own training, teaching, movement, and thinking.
This does not make you an instructor.
It gives you the starting point.
Level 2 — Apprentice Instructor
Complete the online course, attend the face-to-face instructor course, and be approved by Jim.
Apprentice Instructors may teach within their own circle while they continue developing and receiving support.
This is not public representation of the brand as a fully recognised instructor.
It is guided development.
Level 3 — Full Instructor
Full Instructors may publicly represent BareBones after demonstrating understanding, embodiment, application, teaching ability, safety, and judgement.
This level is not automatic.
It is earned through showing that you can carry the framework clearly, safely, and responsibly — especially when teaching others.
Level 4 — Mentor Instructor
Mentor Instructor is by invitation only.
This level is for trusted instructors who can help develop future instructors and grow the pathway without losing the heart of the work.
The job is not just to know the material.
The job is to protect the quality of the system as it spreads.
READY TO START THE MAP?
Tell us where you are, what you’re looking for, and whether you’re interested in training, hosting, or the Instructor Pathway.