Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy’s Lineage and Expert Coaches
At Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy, we take pride in a lineage rooted in world-class martial arts, Jiu-Jitsu, and combat sports traditions. Our coaches have trained under some of the most respected names in the martial arts world, ensuring you receive authentic, battle-tested instruction. Explore our history and see how our legacy shapes every class and every champion.
Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy, once known as BloomMMA, was started by and is currently run by Joel Nott.
Joel is a lifelong martial artist whose background in martial arts spans over 30 years. Keeping with the traditional martial arts upbringing, we keep the traditional mindset alive in a non-traditional setting.
- 4th degree black belt in jiu-jitsu
- Certified instructor under Frank Shamrock, first UFC middleweight Champion
- Certified F.A.S.T. Defense Instructor for Levels I, II, and Weapons
- Trainer and coach for amateur & professional level submission wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts competitors.
- Trained multiple title holders across combat sports disciplines spanning over 25 years.
- Self Defense instructor for over 20 years experienced with de-escalation and preemptive action techniques for volatile environments.
Professions include, but not limited to:
- security guards
- local and state police
- nightclub staff
- college campus security
- bail bondsmen
Additionally, Joel has deep experience in multiple martial arts including judo, aikido, Wing Chun kung-fu, escrima/kali, shito-ryu karate, sambo, weapons, and Japanese & Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Joel has competition experience in submission wrestling and mixed martial arts but now focuses on teaching classes, private lessons, self defense seminars, and competition coaching for both amateur and professional combat sports. With over 20 years experience of coaching combat sports, he offers high level, technical training and instruction for competition and personal growth.
Competition preparation includes preparation for mixed martial arts, submission wrestling, boxing, and kickboxing. Training levels range from novice to established professionals.
While quiet and reserved in day to day life, his real passion comes out when interacting with students and teaching classes.
Additional Instructors
All BMA instructors have both combat sports competition and coaching experience
Aaron Kennedy
Aaron is one of our instructors, he is the head youth instructor and assists with adult classes and our competition team
Aaron is a lifelong competitor, wrestling throughout his entire childhood and up to and including at the college level.
During that time he has 4 state Greco Roman wrestling titles to his name.
Since finishing his wrestling career Aaron turned to martial arts to continue his love for competition in combative sports. Aaron achieved a 7-3 amateur MMA record while attaining the PA CageFight featherweight title and became the #1 ranked amateur before making his pro debut.
As a professional fighter, Aaron is on a 4 fight win streak and was named Maverick MMA promotions fighter of the year.
Aaron does a great job assessing kids needs and is able to communicate with them effectively. This allows the kids to achieve the results they want and their parents to see physical ability and maturity improve.
Aaron adds his grit, determination, and no-nonsense teaching style to Bloomsburg Martial Arts students.
Nick Thompson
Nick is one of our kickboxing instructors.
Nick has been training in martial arts since 2011 and has several MMA and kickboxing fights to his credit as well as experience and success in submission wrestling competitions
Nick has been teaching since 2018 and currently teaches kickboxing classes and helps work the corners during fights.
Extremely approachable with a laid back nature that facilitates comfort in his classes, Nick will make you feel at ease. But make no mistake, his classes will get and keep you fit.
Nick stresses the importance of physical conditioning in life as well as in fighting by increasing the capabilities and capacity of those who take his classes. Expect to work and expect your technique to improve.
Billy Magliane
Billy's athleticism has been demonstrated being a dual athlete in high school for both wrestling and football. As an adult, Billy was an amateur MMA fighter and has competed in submission wrestling matches and tournaments, played semi-pro football for 6 years and continues to wrestle in tournaments.
In addition to martial arts, Billy has been heavily involved in fitness and the industry for roughly 15 years. His classes are challenging for every level and is a fantastic motivator.
Friendly and welcoming, he will make you fit right in and feel that you belong and genuinely wants to see you achieve your goals. Whether for health, competition, or just better all around health, Billy can help.
Teachers and Lineage
