“To teach others to endure”

Where to even start? I guess it’ll be from the beginning. I grew up being the only child in a middle-class American family on the east coast. The outdoors, hiking, and camping became synonymous with my identity and character. I thrived on problem solving and finding the answers, even if it meant being viewed as a pariah. I learned early on in life that if you chose to go against the status quo, you’ll be met with immense friction that will break most people. For the record, I’m still waiting.

High school was as normal as it could be for the average kid growing up in the GWOT-era. This in turn drove my passion for what I originally thought would be life in service to the country that had given me so much. Standing on the yellow footprints at the infamous Parris Island a mere six days after receiving a slip of paper from high school put things immediately in perspective. I went on to serve in 3rd bn/2nd marines from ’06-‘10, and held every position in an infantry fire team. Trips varied from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, in the end it opened my eyes even wider to how evil mankind can be. It gave me contrast and stopped me from staying tone-deaf to the realities of life. 

“I learned early on in life that if you chose to go against the status quo, you’ll be met with immense friction that will break most people. For the record, I’m still waiting.”

Time in service came and went, I was done. Horrible leadership and being viewed as an outcast, a black sheep, for wanting the best for my men made me bitter-resentful because I felt forced back into a life I wasn’t ready for. I used the GI Bill and got my bachelor’s in communication with a concentration in journalism and minored in psychology in ‘14. During those four years I worked for an executive protection firm out of the greater Boston, Massachusetts area where clients ranged from VIP’s, celebrities, and international dignitaries. I also worked the doors in Boston at less than desirable bars in less than desirable hours therefore seeing the normalcy of day-to-day criminal interaction. Once again, the vision became wider.

This was also around the same time I started getting my “feet wet” teaching in the private sector. I worked under individuals and companies as their “cadre” from ‘11-‘17. Six years of my life was given to other people learning what worked and what didn’t work. I also spent this time refining my own skills by being a student in as many classes as I could financially afford. 2017 arrived and I was absolutely miserable only being able to teach part-time, i.e. whenever my full-time job “allowed” me. Then came the moment-I was either going to live with regret until my death bed, or I was going to take the leap into the dark void of the unknown. I jumped freely, openly, and without question.

“Then came the moment-I was either going to live with regret until my death bed, or i was going to take the leap into the dark void of the unknown. I jumped freely, openly, and without question.”

Runenation is more than just a training company, and it’s more than a saying. It’s a brand, a lifestyle, and a family for the outliers, the rebels, and more importantly those who want to know more. I pride myself on being able to grow others through philosophical teaching methods that transcend to much more than just a gun or a blade. If you want a cookie-cutter, puppy mill class, just close the screen now. If you want to peek at what the human potential has in store for you, it’ll be my honor to take you on that ride. To everyone who’s supported us in the past, present, and future, a simple “thank you” doesn’t do justice. Remember, your path to greatness can only start with you taking the first step. See you out there.

-Life is fleeting

Ian Strimbeck

Owner/Founder