Jim Flood was born in Vanderbijl Park, South Africa, on September 17th, 1964, where he lived until he was four years old. He then traveled with his family to Scotland, home of his mother and father, and lived there until he was twelve. At that point, he, his father, mother and two brothers immigrated to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Jim attended college and studied Metallurgical Engineering Technology. He also studied martial arts and competed with Team Canada throughout the world, winning many national and international awards. He opened his own franchise of martial arts schools, was the president of the Canadian World Kickboxing Association, and was responsible for helping produce hundreds of world champion athletes. Jim is father to three wonderful children (Leah, Jimmy and Melanie), who were the inspiration for his recovery. Jim considers himself an average guy who was tested by extraordinary circumstances. He believes it is through the difficult times that a true test of character takes place; we either fight or let the circumstances control our destiny. He chose to fight.