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 TEAM
This is the space to introduce the mission of your business and tell visitors about your vision. Share what drives you forward and what you want to accomplish in the future.
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 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.
Adv Timm Irvine-Smith
Melina Frey
David 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, D
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.
Alex Hartog
Alex is our Program Support Coordinator. She ensures our training centres run efficiently and to the highest standards at all times.
A skilled Emergency Care Practitioner and Close Protection graduate, Alex expertly manages initial student liaison and the full registration process.
She also serves as an Assistant Instructor and Assessor, bringing both operational and medical expertise to her role.
Our Mission
This is the space to introduce the mission of your business and tell visitors about your vision. Share what drives you forward and what you want to accomplish in the future.
Benefit Title
This is the space to highlight the benefits you offer and what clients can gain from choosing your services.
Benefit Title
This is the space to highlight the benefits you offer and what clients can gain from choosing your services.
Benefit Title
This is the space to highlight the benefits you offer and what clients can gain from choosing your services.
Benefit Title
This is the space to highlight the benefits you offer and what clients can gain from choosing your services.
Benefits
Position Title 5
This is the space to describe an open position and tell people how to apply for the job.
Position Title 4
This is the space to describe an open position and tell people how to apply for the job.
Position Title 3
This is the space to describe an open position and tell people how to apply for the job.
Position Title 2
This is the space to describe an open position and tell people how to apply for the job.
Position Title 1
This is the space to describe an open position and tell people how to apply for the job.