Meet James Bedwell of 29 Degrees of Gung Fu in Wheat Ridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Bedwell.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a native son of Denver, Colorado. I started my martial arts study in 1981 at the age of five. It started with karate, then moved into taekwondo my mother put me in wrestling in middle school due to me not grasping the discipline and using the kicks and punches I have been taught to go and fight on the streets.

Boxing and competitive combat sports became a major focus in my athletic endeavors as well as Muay Thai, Capoeira dance, weight training, nutrition, powerlifting, and bodybuilding concepts started to pique my interest.

I started doing Security/bouncing in the late ’90s to early 2000s, I met a close quarter hand to hand specialist who taught my brothers and I crowd control techniques and modalities, I became the “Cooler” Head of Security of three of the most prominent and intense nightclubs in Denver and Five Points neighborhood now known as the Rhino District.

As I Segway away from nightlife, I go back to my calling of fitness and health with a twist, I became a certified Personal Trainer at the age of 18 while working at Bally fitness in Aurora, Englewood, and cherry creek locations, In my early 20’s, I worked at various health clubs and construction around the Denver metro area.

A mentor reached out to me and hired me at a high-end private training studio in the Highlands, a very new concept for the time in Denver.

The Studio brought CEO’s, Professional athletes, news personalities and business professionals alike.

Other clientele were determined individuals with highly specified goals of weight loss or gain; post or pre-rehabilitation or athletic endeavors.

A client of mine posed the question of why do you not have your own school?
The seed is planted and with much help hard ass work and determination we came up with a name a concept, licensing and insurance then the building. We are Off!

EST. In 2007, 29 Degrees of Gung Fu was born, we just celebrated our 12 year anniversary of June 2019. I Believe in training the human spirit and condition and using Mental Martial Sciences as it’s a vehicle. We are a Martial Vineyard cultivating the finest results through commitment, discipline, dedication, hard work ethic, and etiquette. Oh yeah, with just a “Lil”dash of intensity, respect, and love.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
LOL. Hell no.
Excuse my passion and vocabulary, my first location on 29th and Speer was crazy my build out for the building lasted a year and a half, and was very expensive. This does not include personal, marital and family issues along the way.

I got myself in some very unnecessary trouble but that is another story and a huge catalyst to my growth and development to why I am where I am now.

We had to move locations very suddenly after seven years in business a silver lining, I bought my current location December of 2014 another expensive build out with some Major interior issues. We, of course, road the wave and completed all tasks as a unit and proceeded training as usual. Now, five years at this location and we are striving to give a great Martial experience whilst tapping into all the components of the truth of technique and purity of cultures.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in Martial Arts, health and fitness on a client by client basis, even in my classroom setting. I will train everyone in my classes collectively and individually hence why I top my room at 12 students, we have a consultation and interview process to make sure it’s a good fit for all parties involved.

Community is a very big part of our Dojo “A WAY PLACE” in Japanese culture refers to a place where “Anyone” who chooses to learn or teach an Art, Craft or Science is able to do so.

I have not dropped one ounce of advertising in my 12 years in business except through my clients spreading my name by word of mouth, my website 29degreesofgungfu.com working my tail off, consistency on social media and providing a great service to my clients, students and whoever I work with.

I don’t sell retail then Martial Arts.
Here you get straight techniques and a great workout with beautiful like-minded people. We are truly a hidden gem in Denver working with T.V. Personalities, Production company’s, families student high school athletes and more. Many lives have been changed, transformed and moved from this hidden gem called 29 Degrees of Gung Fu, especially Mine! I am humbled and thank you “ALL”!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
As I stated before, it’s a multitude of things, hard work ethic, consistency, persistence, perseverance giving a quality product and service. Honesty, compassion and having a relentless pursuit for knowledge, teaching, self-growth and having skills in my craft.

Pricing:

• $200.00 a month for classes – space is limited
• Free consultation for Private monthly packages

Contact Info:

• Address: 5515 W. 38th Ave
  Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80212
• Website: 29degreesofgungfu.com
• Phone: 720-936-9992
• Email: 29degreesofgungfu@gmail.com
• Instagram: 29degreesDojo
• Facebook: James R. Bedwell – or our Fan page 29 Degrees of Gung Fu

Image Credit:
Frank Matson – CEO, Citizen Pictures

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.