Today we’d like to introduce you to James Manley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a Houston area native. I grew up in Sugar Land and currently live in the Katy area with my wife and 2 children. After high school I worked my way through college eventually earning a degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and graduating Magna Cum Laude. I currently work as a Civil Engineering Designer and Project Manager and manage a family business, Manley Engineering and Associates, with my father and brother. Almost 9 years ago, I began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and am currently a purple belt. For the last 2 years, I’ve been teaching a children’s class with another training partner at United Martial Arts in Katy. I have also recently started a small business, Manley Made, that specializes in custom handmade goods and metalwork. I’ve recently also started acting and have played a role in an international action film, a part in a video for a YouTube creator with over 30 million subscribers across several channels, and been cast in a supporting role in the upcoming film Valhalla Awaits.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a tough journey peppered with some luck. I’ve always had to work hard and put in lots of time in everything I’ve leaned into. Though I may pick up some skills easily, I always have to work to become proficient with them. Sometimes some luck will lead me in a direction that I particularly enjoy or connect me with people that have guided my journey, but being self-taught in many ways usually means lots of trial and error, starting over, and perseverance. Though I’ve had a wide range of pursuits through the years, I’ve always put maximum effort into every endeavor, project or product I’ve turned out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional career, I specialize in groundwater treatment plant design and underground utilities. I pride myself in precision and getting a job done quickly and correctly with minimal revisions through the approval process.
Regarding martial arts, I’m not a particularly gifted or natural athlete, but I really enjoy the challenge of overcoming more physically gifted athletes with skill and patience. Teaching kids has given me a deeper understanding of the techniques I teach and forced me to develop a new level of patience as well as methods of keeping a child’s attention. I absolutely adore guiding and inspiring the next generation of grapplers and martial artists.
With Manley Made, I strive to deliver unique and creative handmade products that are made with a high level of craftsmanship and polish. I really enjoy making things from unexpected and often salvaged materials and then refined to a surprisingly high level. Despite this, since everything I make is handcrafted each product is unique and has its own charm and character.
My acting career is still very new and uncharted waters for me. Though I won’t claim to have any particular skill in the area, as with everything, I try to be the hardest worker and be the most prepared for the role. I really enjoy action scenes and have been participating in stunt training classes in preparation for my biggest role thus far.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For civil engineering services, I can be found at ManleyEngineer.com, by googling “Manley Engineering,” or by emailing manleyconsult@sbcglobal.net.
If you’re in the Katy area and interested in Jiu Jitsu or Tai Kwon Do you can find United Martial Arts Katy at unitedmakaty.com and on Facebook @unitedmakaty. We have classes for all ages.
In my personal endeavors, I’m currently focusing my social media efforts on my Instagram and Facebook accounts @itsmanleymade where I post photos and videos of my creations and can be contacted there. I would love the opportunity to collaborate with other artists so please feel free to contact me if you enjoy my work!
For acting and modeling, I can be booked through The Boysen Agency at boysentalent.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: itsmanleymade.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsmanleymade/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsmanleymade
- Twitter: twitter.com/itsmanleymade
Image Credits
James Manley
