In 1959, James W. DeMile began his martial arts career in Seattle, Washington, under the direction of the legendary Bruce Lee. As one of Bruce's first generation students, Mr. DeMile had the opportunity of assisting Bruce in developing his unique fighting skills. It was also DeMile's privilege to appear in Bruce's only book, "The Philosophical Art of Self Defense". DeMile was an undefeated heavyweight boxer in the Air Force as well as hand to hand combat instructor for the Special Forces Combatives program at Fort Lewis in 1985 and 1986.

Grandmaster James W. DeMile was born in 1935 in San Francisco. Much of his childhood was spent in an orphanage. His whole attitude of survival of the fittest, his ability to overcome any situation, either psychologically or physically developed during those years.
"It is not surprising that I was getting into a lot of trouble as a youth and really had no value system established," said DeMile. He joined the Air Force hoping to focus his energy in a more positive direction. He became the Heavy Weight Champion of the Air Force for two years. He found his aggressiveness as a street fighter worked well in the boxing ring. He was undefeated and won 128 fights. After the Air Force, James began attending Edison Technical School in Seattle where he met Bruce Lee in 1959.