Bloomsburg Martial Arts Academy Lineage and 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 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,the first UFC Middleweight Champion.
- Certified F.A.S.T. Defense Instructor, including Levels I, II, and Weapons
- Coach and trainer for professional and amateur athletes in kickboxing, boxing, submission wrestling, and mixed martial arts
- Over 20 years of experience teaching self-defense, with expertise in de-escalation and preemptive action strategies for high-risk environments
F.A.S.T. Defense was founded by Bill Kipp.
Additionally, Joel has 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
Every BMA instructor brings real-world combat sports competition experience along with coaching experience.
Aaron Kennedy
Aaron is one of our main instructors, a professional fighter and the reigning Art of War bantamweight champion.
Aaron oversees youth instruction and assists with adult classes and our competition team.
He does an outstanding job identifying each child’s needs and communicating with them effectively. As a result, kids make real progress toward their goals, and parents see clear improvements in both physical ability and maturity.
Aaron has been a lifelong competitor, wrestling from childhood through the collegiate level. During his wrestling career, he earned four state Greco-Roman titles.
After his wrestling career, Aaron turned to martial arts to continue his passion for competition in combat sports. He built a 7–3 amateur MMA record, won the PA CageFight featherweight title, earned the #1 amateur ranking, and completed his bachelor’s degree in philosophy before making his professional debut.
Nick Thompson
Nick is one of our kickboxing instructors and a college-level avionics instructor. He has trained in martial arts since 2011 and has competed in MMA, kickboxing, and submission wrestling.
Teaching since 2018, Nick leads kickboxing classes and helps with fighter preparation.
His approachable, laid-back nature makes students feel comfortable, but his classes are built to push you, improve your technique, and keep you fit.
Nick places a strong emphasis on conditioning for both life and fighting, helping students increase their physical capacity, sharpen their skills, and build lasting confidence.
Billy Magliane
Billy is our fitness and women’s kickboxing instructor and a lifelong martial artist who began training at 6 years old.
A talented all-around athlete, Billy competed in both wrestling and football in high school. As an adult, he built on that background by competing in amateur MMA, submission wrestling matches and tournaments, and semi-pro football for six years. He also continues to compete in wrestling tournaments.
With roughly 15 years of experience in fitness and the fitness industry, Billy brings both energy and knowledge to every class. His sessions are challenging, motivating, and suitable for all levels.
Billy is friendly, welcoming, and genuinely invested in helping people reach their goals. Whether you want better health, greater confidence, improved fitness, or competition readiness, Billy can help you get there.
Teachers and Lineage
