Early Life: Rudy James was born and raised in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, and moved to Long Beach California by the 6th grade. Later attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School where he started wrestling in the 10th grade finishing as a California High School state qualifier by his senior year.
James then attended Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA) to wrestling becoming a 2x Junior College All-American/State Runner Up before graduating from Montana State University-Northern where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology also earning 2x NAIA wrestling All-American. James moved on to get his master’s at The University of Phoenix where he received an MBA in Business Administration and Management.
Professional Career: Throughout his wrestling career, James has competed in over 35 USA Wrestling Masters earning: 6x Freestyle National Champion, 3x Greco Roman Nation Champion as well as a USA Wrestling Masters 10x Folkstyle National Champion (2005 – present).
James is a member of the UWW Veteran World team since 2015 and became 2023 Freestyle World Champion in Loutraki, Greece. Additionally he earned 4x Freestyle Silver World medals and 1x Greco-Roman Bronze World medal.
Outside of wrestling: Familly: He is married to Jennifer Taylor James and has a daughter Emma Taylor. James enjoys coaching, traveling, working out, volunteering, motorcycle rides, the outdoors, playing games such as cornhole, cribbage and dominoes.
James has considerable coaching experience starting in 1997 at Havre, MT; Apple Valley High School Associate Coach and Youth Club Head Coach; Minnesota State and National Team Coach over 25+ years.
Follow Rudy James on Instagram/Twitter @rudytrained
