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THE COMPANY
Deriving its name from the Legend of the 47 Ronin and established in 1995, Ronin SA has earned the trust of employers worldwide as a premier Close Protection and Prehospital Emergency Care training provider.
Our small class sizes ensure personalised attention, and we go beyond standard training by emphasizing that all Close Protection Officers must have significant medical expertise—protecting the body from threats that occur not only from the outside but also from within!
With training locations in South Africa and Europe, we offer authentic, hands-on instruction in real-world, at-risk environments. Two-thirds of course time is dedicated to practical applications, including exposure to the realities of emergency care through our registered frontline ambulance service. Led by highly experienced staff with backgrounds in close protection, emergency care, and special operations, we focus on developing the human as technology continuously evolves and can be adapted to via CPD.
Our courses are comprehensive and all-inclusive, covering accommodation with no hidden costs. Post-course, we provide active graduate support, including referrals to preferred employers, CV development, and access to a vibrant network for work opportunities and advice.
At Ronin SA, training is practical, immersive, and designed to prepare you for the realities of the field—no death by PowerPoint here.
OUR STAFF
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Adv. Timm Irvine-Smith Timm, the founder of Ronin SA in 1995, continues to lead with an honest, direct style and a passion for elevating student performance beyond his own. His extensive background includes close protection, paramedicine (both civilian and special operations), and legal experience as an Advocate of the South African Supreme Court and an ex-prosecutor. Timm also served in governmental close protection at a crucial period in the country's history. While he’s committed to excellence, he’s equally known for calling out any “BS” he encounters. |
Melina Frey Melina joined Ronin SA in 2005 to establish and grow its medical division. Drawing on her degree in Sports Science, completion of the Ronin Close Protection course (2004), and over two decades of paramedic experience in both South Africa and the UK, she brings unique insight into the demands of close protection and pre-hospital emergency care. After years of frontline teaching, she now oversees Ronin SA’s curriculum development, learner experience, and Global Quality Assurance. |
Dave M Dave serves as our Cape Town Centre Manager and Chief Instructor, bringing an extraordinary depth of experience to Ronin SA. With years spent on the job circuit in some of the world’s most challenging and remote locations, David has honed his expertise in both close protection and paramedicine. His unwavering dedication to his students and their success is unmatched, making him an invaluable asset to our team. Known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense approach, David is always willing to share his knowledge—but be prepared for his brutally honest advice! Under his guidance, you’ll gain the real-world skills and confidence needed to excel in this demanding field. |
Teresa B Teresa made history as the first female to pass the South African Police Services special forces selection—so don’t even think about underestimating her! Dual-qualified with Ronin SA in both close protection and emergency care, she expertly oversees our initial student liaison and registration processes, ensuring every newcomer hits the ground running. Beyond that, Teresa serves as a steadfast Assessor for Pedestrian Escort, firearms training, and medical evaluations, bringing her invaluable expertise and proven track record to every challenge. |
Dillon P Dillon is our dedicated Assistant Instructor and a proud graduate of Ronin SA’s close protection and emergency care programs. His passion for teaching shines through in every lesson, and his organizational skills keep our courses running like clockwork. Students appreciate Dillon’s supportive, hands-on approach as they hone their skills day by day. Above all, he maintains a disciplined, focused training environment—so expect a structured yet encouraging atmosphere where you can truly excel. |
Meghan Elion Meghan is our dynamic Ambulance Service Manager, ensuring every in-house shift is seamlessly arranged to give you invaluable real-world experience. A graduate of our emergency care program herself, she’s now in the final year of a four-year Bachelors in Emergency Medical Care (BEMC). Meghan’s energy, expertise, and passion for emergency medicine make her an indispensable member of our team, and she’s committed to helping every learner excel in a hands-on, supportive environment. |
Abby Shoko Abby is responsible for our meticulous housekeeping and logistical assistance. Her unwavering attention to detail ensures that student accommodation, training spaces, and equipment consistently meet the highest standards of safety and comfort. Thanks to Abby’s commitment, learners can fully focus on their training, confident in the knowledge that every environment they step into is optimally prepared. |
Egbert Egbert has been a steadfast mentor to Ronin SA students for more than 15 years, working closely with David and Dillon to guide learners on their path to success. Known for his infamous “thousand-yard stare,” Egbert is an expert at prompting students to rethink unproductive choices and shape a brighter future. Beyond mentorship, he’s also the heart of course morale—sharing captivating (and often off-the-record) stories that keep spirits high and minds engaged. |
HERITAGE
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