USA Martial Arts Curriculum and "Kaizen"

The USA Martial Arts curriculum we practice was primarily developed from my lifetime quest of modeling the "Ivy League" of Martial Arts Academies from around the world.  I have always been fascinated in the distinctions in the schools that get extraordinary results in student quality.  I quickly learned that it was not style, rather the instructors and systematic training of basics, attitude and curriculum structure that yields student quality.

John Nottingham at the Shaolin Temple in Deng Feng China

When I began the journey I saw many differences.  After competing internationally, training at the Shaolin Temple, Korea's top martial art Universities, the Gracie Academy, and numerous other experiences such as serving in the Military, my point of view is quite different.  Today, I see more similarities than differences.

Success indeed leaves clues and the habits of great schools transcend style or personalities.  Where I initially saw technique, now I see principles, physics, concepts and philosophy.  Where I initially saw separation of styles, now I see connection of concepts and shared origins.  Excellence is a habit and it is what all great schools have in common.

The Oshima Shotokan Karate Dojo

Much of the influence of our curriculum, training structure and school culture is not from classical martial arts at all.  Instead, it is far more influenced from the educational model of higher institutions of learning such as Universities or immersion training such as the Army and other force multiplying military training.  These institutions are proven as among the most effective group teaching models in the history of the world.

In the end, the defining measuring stick of success in our school is a combination of factors:
1. Student value and utility
2. Graduation rate with ever increasing quality
3. Opportunities for growth and advancement
4. Impact on character, citizenship and student success in life & contribution to community
5. Are my students better than me when I was at their level?

These are just some of the criteria USA Martial Arts uses as a method to measure our success.  Each day I strive to lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to never ending improvement.  Perhaps it is best embodied by the Japanese expression of "Kaizen" or a 'change for the better' based on continuous improvement.


* Kaizen is derived from Chinese, and its characters appear without change in Chinese (gǎi shàn), Korean (ge sun) and Japanese (kaizen).


USA Martial Arts Phoenix
4731 E. Greenway Rd Suite 9
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Telephone (602) 896-8721

The Truth About USA Martial Arts

Attention Phoenix Paradise Valley, Scottsdale Arizona Parents

Can You Find Your Son 

or Daughter in this Video?

“If So, Read On…You Might Just Find
the Big  Breakthrough You’ve Been
Seeking for Your Child!”

We get reports like these, literally everyday, from parents whose kids train at "USA Martial Arts".

My name is John Nottingham. I've been helping kids (just like yours) develop confidence, character and leadership skills for over 25 years (over 10,000 students).  You may recognize me from our many community appearances in schools, companies, News Channels 3, 5, 10, 12 with the Korean Eagle Team, or teaching Self-Defense. Our schools have won lots of awards and also been featured internationally in magazines, movies, on ESPN2, and on TV in Korea and China.

But enough about me- here's some great news for you.

My team and I are opening up a new school in Paradise Valley Phoenix /Scottsdale Arizona.  If you want results like you saw in the video for your kids contact us now for a Free Introductory Program.

Just call 480.443.0088
http://USA-MartialArts.com

John Nottingham
Founder

P.S.  Remember, there is absolutely no obligation in trying the FREE Introductory Program.  If you do the Introductory Program and love it (as most people do), you are welcome to register your child as a regular student.  If, however, you feel that the “USA Martial Arts” program is not what you are looking for, there is absolutely no obligation to continue.  Plus we'll give you a valuable free gift thats yours to keep, whatever you decide.

John Nottingham's Fire Brick Break Attempt for the USA Martial Arts Breakathon Demo in Glendale Arizona

25 Fire Brick Breaking Attempt by John Nottingham of USA Martial Arts Phoenix Arizona

Fire Break Posted on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuqxI07EulI thanks to Anthony Miles at http://4thWallTVandFilm.com

Several years ago my USA Martial Arts Arizona team and I were looking for ways to attract positive media attention for our annual USA Martial Arts charity breakathon. We wanted something newsworthy that the local press in Arizona would be interested in covering. Each year we do a breakathon, breaking sponsored boards and bricks with proceeds going to charities like the Break The Chain of Child Abuse Foundation. http://Breakathon.com . It started off as a bright idea and turned out to be something else.

"Set yourself on fire and others will gather to watch you burn."
I have been known for my enthusiasm but was this idea half baked?
We came up with a the idea that I would revisit my brick break. For sensationalism and an element of danger to set it apart from other breaks, it would be set the stack of bricks on fire. Great, risking myself as a S'more. I sure hope the press showed up and it helped us hit our donation goal. If I had only known.



The breakathon went well and everyone was generous. It came time for the grand finale. We set up the 25 bricks, 10 as two stacks of 5 in the back, then the stack of 15 in the front. This was the biggest break I had ever personally attempted, my record being 12 bricks years earlier at a then 155lbs.

You would think than a former Airborne Paratrooper would be sharp enough to check wind conditions. Oops. Two cans of accelerant and several "Don't try this at home" fire safety warnings to the audience later, we had ignition.

212, 220, 250F

"Wooovf", gotta love that sound. I heard the audience make a collective "oooh" sound, apparently surprised at the intensity of the heat and enormity of flames. It was already a blistering summer 118 degree Arizona day before the fire. Then it grew quiet.


The wind blew the intensely hot flames directly at me. Never had I used so much fuel. I then had to make a decision to press on or bail out. I decided to let the flames die down a bit. Unfortunately the extra time meant it burned hotter and heated up the bricks.


Bust out the marshmellows, I wasn't going to let anyone down.

The first 10, set in two stacks of five bricks went well. Adrenaline and training took care of that part. I took a moment to gain my footing and prepare for the 15. I wanted to jump in and get out as quickly as possible to reduce my exposure to the intense heat and hopefully, prevent my hair or clothing from catching fire. Turning myself into a crispy critter wasn't what I had in mind for positive media exposure for the breakathon.

As soon as I was in the air I knew I should have had a platform from which to jump. I just didnt have enough height or weight to drill through all of them. I could feel the energy return to my body from when the break stopped. I took mental note of my arm to feel if anything was on fire, broken or dislocated. All systems go.

Kicking off the top broken brick pieces I then hit the remaining 5 to finish it. I was a bit disappointed in myself for not getting all the way through them on the first try. I put that emotion into the last hit and got a clean break.

"Stop, drop and roll."
Students came up to me after the break amidst the applause. I assumed they were going to congratulate me or show concern for my safety. Ha! Instead one held out a camera and was taking a picture of my singed hair, missing eyebrow and eyelashes. I couldn't help but chuckle. Maybe I'll post those photos in the future if readers have such an interest.

Note to self... don't use hair gel to spike hair if planning to stick face near open flames.

In the end Mom was right when she said, "Don't play with fire". Despite promises, the press never showed but thanks to my friend Anthony Miles at 4thWallTVandFilm.com he captured it on video. However, it turned out positive in that it was one of our highest fund raising years for charity. Thanks Arizona.

Author's Bio

John Nottingham is a recognized expert in personal protection, author, consultant, speaker and a founder of Nottingham Sword and Shield; Security, Scottsdale Bodyguards and the USA Martial Arts national chain of schools. He resides in Scottsdale Arizona and provides professional consultation and training, products, and services related to self-defense, personal security, and physical conditioning. He has trained in martial arts for over 25 years including Taekwondo (6th Degree Black Belt Hall of Fame Master), Tang Soo Do, MooDukKwan, Hapkido/Hwarang Do, Jujitsu, Aikido, Filipino Martial Arts/Arnis, PFS Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Kickboxing, Kyusho-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Wushu Kung Fu, Shamrock Submission Fighting, and weaponry. He developed his own integrative MMA or mixed martial arts curriculum designed for the average person to use for self defense and a healthy lifestyle.

Master Nottingham also served honorably in a USAR Military Intelligence Det. of a Special Forces (Airborne) unit where he developed a unique hand to hand combat course. He is currently hosting lifestyle and wellness events to train companies and individuals how to increase performance, improve health and vitality for an improved lifestyle. An award-winning instructor, he is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer, boxing and Yoga teacher. He is a proud board member of the Break The Chain Foundation Children's Charity.

For more info see: http://USA-MartialArts.com Antioch, Illinois, http://USAMartialArtsSchools.com
Scottsdale Academy. Serving: Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Troon, The Village, Silverleaf, North Scottsdale Neighborhood. Zip codes: 85260, 85262, 85259, 85255, 85254, 85250 Tel. 602.896.8721
Member: Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale Airpark Rotary, NAPMA, MAIA, MATA and more Photos courtesy of Anthony Miles and USA Martial Arts Arizona students. http://4thWallTVandFilm.com

New Martial Arts School to Open in Paradise Valley Phoenix

New Paradise Valley USA Martial Arts Location To Open

A New Kind of Martial Arts School Comes to Phoenix Paradise Valley at Tatum&Greenway;

Greetings readers! My name is John Nottingham and I'd like to introduce you to our unique version of martial arts instruction. My team and I are very proud to announce our plans for a brand new facility. Located at Tatum and Greenway in Paradise Valley Phoenix area, just minutes from the 101 freeway in the Albertsons shopping center by Hi-Health. You may recognize the John Nottingham / USA Martial Arts names from our numerous locations including Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale and Peoria or from our various news and media appearances for self defense, fitness or with the Korean Eagle Demo Team.

USA Martial Arts in Arizona is a unique family oriented facility dedicated to the mental and physical enhancement of each student. Our commitment is to help people be their best. Our specialized martial arts programs for ages 3.5 years to adult. From confidence and focus to fitness and effective self defense, we have programs for everyone.

Check out a video on the benefits of USA Martial Arts for Adults...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIuQueLKysI

Check out a video on the benefits of USA Martial Arts for Kids...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9t_A24o3w

Our professional Mixed Martial Arts Academies and expert Instructors have been serving students for over twenty years. We feature a unique and powerful Mixed Martial Arts curriculum. We like to call what we do " Integrated Martial Arts " because we teach traditional and modern ways - including classical weapons. So whether you're interested in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Krav Maga, Kickboxing or Jiujitsu, you've got to check out our school.

We would love to have the opportunity to introduce you to the confidence boosting, stress reducing, family fun we call USA Martial Arts. Contact us if you would like to get in on our pre-Grand Opening TWO FOR ONE INTRO SPECIAL. Here's a great opportunity to try it out and meet the instructors. I'm confident that you'll be glad you did.

Keep checking back for updates, announcements, pictures and features of this one-of-a-kind martial arts school.


Respectfully,


John D. Nottingham
6th Degree Black Belt
USA Martial Arts of Arizona

PS We're building an awesome new website http://USA-MartialArts.com which launches soon but for now you can check us out on:
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottsdale-AZ/USA-Martial-Arts/126563506403?ref=ts
Blogger.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottsdale-AZ/USA-Martial-Arts/126563506403?ref=ts
Wordpress.com http://usamartialarts.wordpress.com/

http://ParadiseValleyTaekwondo.com http://ParadiseValleyKarate.com http://ParadiseValleyKickboxing.com http://PVMartialArts.com http://ParadiseValleyMartialArts.com http://ParadiseValleyMMA.com
Tel. 480.443.0088
Videos created by: http://4thWallTVandFilm.com

Greetings students and friends:

We are very excited to announce good news. Our broker reached an agreement with the Albertsons anchored shopping center at Tatum and Greenway in Paradise Valley/Phoenix for our new space. This is just minutes from our previous location. We will move into a temporary 1800sf location in the center until such time as our permanent space becomes available and we build our suite.

Under new management, the new 2400 square foot facility will be larger and better equipped, making it one of the finest in the region. It will feature fitness equipment, free hanging MMA heavy bags, a kid zone, as well as a new array of services, including day camp and after school martial arts.

The school will also feature separate classes for Yoga, MMA Grappling and IMPACT Cardio/Strength Fitness Kickboxing. Personal training, massage and other services will also be available. We will be significantly expanding class time options for your convenience and scheduling flexibility. Students can also look forward to our own XMA Demo Team, as well as a Parkour FreeRunning tricking training.

Please join our Facebook page for USA Martial Arts to keep updated. Thanks to ImageOne, our new http://USA-MartialArts.com site will launch soon, so make sure we have your current email and contact information.

Respectfully,

John Nottingham & the USA Martial Arts Team