Master Nottingham at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju South Korea 1998

Chief Master John D. Nottingham

Hall of Fame Master With A Mission

John Nottingham is the visionary founder, President and Technical Director of the highly successful chain of USA Martial Arts schools. He is one of the highest-ranking students of his first teacher and was honored with the distinguished title “Master” in 1997.  Master Nottingham, a 6th Degree Black Belt, was inducted into the International Hall of Fame on July 23, 2005. 

He holds multiple advanced degrees of Black Belt and numerous teaching credentials and certifications.

Master Nottingham has dedicated his life to researching, perfecting and teaching the USA Martial Arts method. His goal is to preserve and expand this unique system and enhance people’s lives with its powerful life skills and lessons. His passion for inspiring others to unleash their potential has led him to have instructed thousands of men, women and children of all ages. Master Nottingham offers a lifetime of experience; the following are a few of his many achievements.

1. Flying Double Split Front Kick on the beach of Florida

2. Flying Side Kick at Bulgueksa Temple Korea

3. Shaolin Temple Deng Feng China

4. High Round Kick Korean Folk Village Korea

5. Flying Double Front Kick Korean Folk Village Korea

6. Master Nottingham and Grandmaster/Action FilmStar Chuck Norris

• International Master Instructor and President of USA Martial Arts

• Inducted International Hall of Fame 2005 "Master of the Year"

• Awarded Honorary Ph.D. of Philosophy in Martial Arts Science

• Former National Competitor and Olympic Style Taekwondo Certified Coach and Referee

• American Council on Martial Arts (ACMA) Certified Instructor

• Founder of NTS – Personal Safety, Tactical and Security Training Company

• Graduate of Gavin de Becker & Associates Advanced Threat Assessment and Management

• Graduate Academy for Protectors

• Graduate of BTI Bodyguard Training International with celebrity bodyguard David Lamanno

• ASIS Security Executive Protection Certified by former Secret Service Agent Robert Oatman

• Military Hand-to-Hand Combatives Course Engineer

• Trained and Formerly Licensed CDT Tactical Master with celebrity bodyguard Tom Patire

• Jeet Kune Do & Filipino Martial Arts Full Instructor Certification with Paul Vunak (PFS)

• Submission Fighting Certified SSF Instructor with UFC Champion Frank Shamrock

• Certified Representative: Dr. Stewarts (KIA) Kyushu Jitsu Alliance on pressure points

• Certified Boxing Coach

• Certified Kickboxing Coach

• Certified Yoga Instructor

• Board of Advisors: Break The Chain Foundation: Prevention &Treatment of Child Abuse

Master Nottingham began his martial arts training at Song’s Martial Arts Institute in Illinois, legendary for being one of the most challenging and demanding schools of its kind. As a young man faced with training in an environment where classes and sparring were feared by many, he forged the perseverance, desire and will to succeed.

Master Nottingham had the opportunity to compete at National and International levels and train with Olympic competitors at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was one of the youngest to have ever been given the honor to become an Instructor at his first school.

While attending college, Master Nottingham answered the call of duty and joined the US Military, eventually having the privilege of serving as an Airborne soldier in a detachment of a Special Forces Unit. Due to his unique experience and skill, he was issued official unit duty orders to train the elite US Army Special Forces in Hand-to-Hand Combat. With the collaboration of some of the top soldiers in the world, he researched, studied, tested and engineered a state-of-the-art hand-to-hand combat system.  He was awarded a Special Forces Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts.

While completing his service in the US Army as a reservist, Master Nottingham moved to Arizona in 1992 to continue his education. He was then granted special permission to establish his own family branch of his teachers system and opened Taekwondo Academy in Mesa, Arizona. He was entrusted to further develop and expand the curriculum, writing two books on the subject. It was here that the vision for USA Martial Arts became a reality.

After years of rigorous training, research and testing, Master Nottingham became independently in charge of synthesizing a new curriculum, separate from his teacher’s style.  He devoted himself tirelessly to the development of one of the most effective and comprehensive curriculums known today.

Master Nottingham has continued his intense lifetime study of martial arts and healing arts, with hard won experience in Aikido, Kung Fu, Wushu, Hwarang Do, Hapkido, Ninjutsu, Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, Jiujutsu and over 20 martial systems.  His exceptionally high standards and research have taken him as far as Asia to gain greater insight on martial arts, culture, and history.  He is one of the few Western-trained Masters to have had the honor of conducting a Belt Test in Korea.

<Master Nottingham at his annual 'CAMP KICK' demonstrating flying split front kick.  Holding targets is 3rd Degree Black Belt Anthony Miles who stands at 5'9.

Throughout his career he has had the privilege of studying under a virtual "who's-who" of Martial Arts legends, something he continues to do today.  Some of those leading Masters and Grandmasters include: Nak S. Sung (aka Nak Song), Richard Na, Ken Corona, Kenny Perez, Celebrity Bodyguard Tom Patire, the Gracies, the Machados, Paul Vunak, Frank Shamrock, Dr. Steve Stewart and many others. 

In addition, he is the author of several works on his system, a public speaker and has appeared in publications and broadcasts, including, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Gazette and Channels 3, 10 and 12 News.  Nationally and internationally he has appeared on ESPN2, on news broadcasts in Korea, China and made some modest appearances in commercials and movies. 

He has demonstrated and taught for McDonalds Corporation, Inland Realty and Fiesta Mall, and has conducted seminars for public schools, various groups, military and corporations.

"John, You will be the best Master in the Taekwondo world." -Grandmaster Y.K. Kim, Senior editor of Taekwondo Times 

Master Nottingham has taken groups of students to Korea to train and study with various demo teams and Universities, and hosted international teams. He turned down repeated requests to live in Asia and teach Martial Arts to pursue the USA Martial Arts vision.  He is certified in several ancient and modern forms of healing arts, and is a personal trainer.

He has attended and graduated several bodyguard schools and is a Certified Executive Protection Specialist.  He created a separate tactical company to train law enforcement, executives and various military and security forces called NTS.  Trained by three time Presidential appointee and best selling author Gavin De Becker, he is also a member of a select community of Advanced Threat Assessment specialists that predict and manage violence.  He also is certified by ASIS for Executive Protection and was trained by former Secret Service Agent Robert Oatman.

Drawing upon his exceptional drive, spirit and passion, Master Nottingham lead USA Martial Arts to be an industry leader within a few short years.  By 2006 he had personally tested and promoted over one hundred and sixty Black Belts. He is dedicated to a mission to promote over one thousand Black Belts committed to creating a more peaceful world through acts of kindness, courtesy and community service.

Today he is certified to teach several systems and continues to learn and grow to keep the USA Martial Art’s curriculum on the cutting edge. His other interests include adventure sports, entrepreneurship, movies, music, research, travel, stunts, speaking, theatre, reading and personal development.

Leading by example with vision and passion, his goal is to inspire each student to continue to grow and learn throughout life, break through limitations to discover their unique purpose, gifts and highest potential. His heartfelt belief is that it will create a more peaceful world, one community, one family, one student, one life at a time.

<Master Nottingham demonstrating traditional Korean sword in his signature Scottsdale Academy. 

Experience Inspired Training With A Visionary Master

Students come from surrounding areas, some drive long distances from other cities for training in the Academy of one of the most unique and inspirational Master teachers of our time.

"An ideal Master."  "A true renaissance man."

Long distance travelers from other States or Countries should contact the headquarters school prior to making travel arrangements. The staff takes pride in being gracious hosts and want to ensure a positive experience for you.

Full time training and personal sessions available with Master Nottingham based on availability. The earlier you schedule, the better chances you will have. An application and interview is required to be considered for private training with Master Nottingham.

• Master John Nottingham Seminars
  Public and Private Speaking Presentations

• FAQ:   Ask The Martial Arts Master. Which Martial Arts Style is Best?   How Do I Choose The Best Martial Arts School?

• Performing Arts Shows & Demonstrations: Advanced Weapons System Halo Aura Temporado

How to Contact Us

We invite you to come and visit our facility located at 15231 N. 87th St, Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 and consider enrolling in one of our outstanding martial arts and fitness programs.

Please feel free to ask your instructor any questions that will assist in your decision to make our studio your place to train. Come and join our family and remember, teaching and helping you is the reason we are here.

Please fill out our online information request form to request more information and to receive your Internet Special.