About Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy

For nearly 25 years, Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy has proudly served the North Central area of Pennsylvania, offering proven training methods for both personal defense and competitive environments.

Our academy began as a not-for-profit initiative, providing nearly cost-free training with no intention of operating as a business. While we have grown and transformed over the years, we have remained committed to fostering a relaxed, personable, and open-minded training environment.

We welcome individuals of all experience levels, from beginners eager to learn new skills to professional combat-sport athletes. Whether your goal is to build confidence, learn self-defense, or compete at a high level, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

Your Success Is Our Success

Open-Minded Training

Our instructors bring extensive experience in combat sports, both as competitors and coaches. We embrace diverse training philosophies — everyone works together to help each other improve.

Competition & Beyond

We’ve built a successful competition team and look forward to continuing that success. But competition isn’t for everyone — there is no pressure to compete. You’ll get the same attention regardless of your goals.

No Ego. No Drama.

We welcome all who are committed to learning and growing, but we have no place for egotistical, arrogant, or unsafe attitudes. Leave any drama, baggage, or spotlight-chasing at the door.

Find Your Time

Take a look at our schedule and find a time that works for you. If you don’t see a class listed that interests you, we offer more than what’s on the schedule — reach out for semi-private or private sessions covering anything from self-defense to traditional martial arts styles.

Meet Our Instructors

Our coaching staff brings decades of combined experience across jiu-jitsu, MMA, kickboxing, wrestling, and self-defense. Every instructor is both a competitor and a coach.

Joel Nott

Founder & Head Instructor

30+ years in martial arts. 4th degree black belt in jiu-jitsu. Certified under Frank Shamrock.

Aaron Kennedy

Head Youth Instructor

Current Art of War bantamweight champion. Former PA CageFight featherweight title holder. 4x state Greco-Roman wrestling champion.

Nick Thompson

Kickboxing Instructor

Training since 2011. Multiple MMA and kickboxing fights. Teaching since 2018. Known for approachable, laid-back style that still pushes you hard.

Billy Magliane

Fitness & Women’s Kickboxing

Lifelong martial artist since age 6. Former MMA fighter, 15+ years in fitness. Friendly, welcoming, and a fantastic motivator.