Jim Shortt CEO of the International Bodyguard Association (IBA) Date of Birth: 16.09.1953 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Jim Short

James Gerard Richard Shortt, known as Jim Short, was born on September 16, 1953, in England. From an early age, Shortt studied martial arts and opened his first training center at the age of 14. In 1970, his family moved to Ireland, where they lived for some time.

After moving to Ireland, Shortt spent five years studying Catholic priesthood and even joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order. However, in 1976, he left the order and married Georgina Barrett, with whom he had three children.

In 1990, Shortt became the CEO of the International Bodyguard Association (IBA) after the death of its founder, Lucien Ott. Under Shortt's leadership, the IBA headquarters moved to a "baron's castle" in Castlebellingham, County Louth, Ireland. However, in March 2009, it was revealed by Irish media that the "castle" was actually a modest house.

Shortt has authored several books on special forces units, including the SAS, and has assisted in writing magazine articles and works by other authors. He has been described as a "British Royal Marine" in the book "The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons." However, the details of his military training have been kept classified.

In addition to claiming to have received 15 special honors and awards from the Irish and British papacy, Shortt also claimed to be the first foreigner to undergo training at the KGB in Crimea in 1991.

Despite his claims and accomplishments, Shortt has faced controversies. In 2009, a British newspaper exposed Shortt, stating that he had not actually been awarded medals as a special forces operative from the Special Air Service (SAS) or as a veteran of the Parachute Regiment. The article also questioned his military background and qualifications.

According to the Irish magazine "The Phoenix," Shortt informed members of the IBA that he had become a victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by jealous rivals and disillusioned former students. He also stated that his leading lawyer would soon initiate several lawsuits.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Jim Shortt remains the CEO of the International Bodyguard Association and continues to be involved in the field of security and training worldwide.