Started by Ryan and Zanalee Davies in 2009 with a vision to use their extensive travel and training history to create a fitness and martial arts coaching service unlike any seen before in South Africa. It was through travel that Ryan discovered MuayThai, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu and A.C.T Armed Combat & Tactics fighting system.
Over the years they have studied, trained and worked continuously to perfect these and various other forms of fitness, martial arts and self defense training - always looking for new ways to focus on wellness of the body and mind... Because at PRIMAL we believe the most important factor in delivering world-class training is simply the quality of the coaches!
Now located in Randburg, Gauteng, PRIMAL Gym has transformed into PRIMAL Fitness / Combat Academy and grown into more than just a gym. We are a bespoke, personalised coaching and mentorship program commitment to Strength training, Krav Maga, MuayThai, Jiujitsu and advanced Armed Combat and Tactics training. Our training caters for people at all levels of fitness, in a small group or personal training, so no matter who walks through our doors we have the perfect fitness and Self Defense solution for you.
Founder Ryan Davies
In 2002 Ryan Davies decided that he would dedicated his entire life to the study of martial arts-
1) MuayThai & Chinese Sanda - An Ex Amateur fighter 2002 to 2006. Trained in Thailand 2006 at Jitis Gym Bangkok and under Kru Henry Madini Combat Athlete MuayThai Academy South Africa from 2003 to 2007.
2) MMA & MuayThai- Apprenticeship coach Under Norman Wessels and Richard Quan 2009 to 2010 Fight Fight Malitia.
3) Krav Maga - Full instructor qualification under Grand Master Haim Gideon 2010 Netanya Israel IKMA I Israeli Krav Maga.
4) Krav Maga - Full instructor qualification under Grand Master Haim Gideon 2011 Netanya Israel IKMA I Israeli Krav Maga.
5) Krav Maga - Full instructor qualification under Grand Master Haim Gideon 2012 Netanya Israel IKMA I Israeli Krav Maga.
6) Krav Maga - Full Instructor qualification under Dr Itay Gil Protect Krav Maga (Yamam Krav Maga) Jerusalem Israel 2014.
7) Armed Combat & Tactics- Full coach Knife, Machete & Tactical baton under both Alexander Zhelezniak and Noah Gross. Officially passing his full short weapons P.A.C.T.I.C course in 2017 and qualifying in Tel Aviv Israel. From 2015 to 2021 Ryan was the A.C.T director to South Africa.
9) Street Survival System - A1 Instructor under Micheal Ryzanov Tel Aviv Israel 2018.
8) Krav Maga - Official 1st degree black belt under under Dr Itay Gil 2023 after 15years teaching and practice.
9) Grappling - Ryan has be practicing grappling methods for more than 10 years and has his blue belt in Jiu Jitsu. Ryan trains both Judo and BJJ under Sensei Gavin Harris.
As one of the most highly trained and experienced striking & combative teachers in South Africa, Ryan will not only push you to reach new heights in training but also share his years of learning with you.