Ian Strimbeck grew up in New England and spent a lot of time outdoors, hiking, camping and riding a mountain bike before joining the Marine Corps upon graduating from high school. After separating he earned a degree in journalism-focused communication, with a minor in psychology, and took a variety of jobs, doing executive protection, working doors, and eventually he began teaching firearm and blade skills. These days Ian owns and operates RUNENATION, and travels the country teaching a variety of thinking, shooting, and combatives courses. He combines his facility with language and a penchant for philosophy to impart the technical knowledge as well as his own experience to students of all abilities, with varying areas of interest. Ian holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.