Most people assume that it is.
Martial Arts is unregulated
The real truth is that the martial arts industry in the US is unregulated. In previous generations, certification to teach was closely monitored by the senior ranking and highly accomplished Masters. They passed down their knowledge to select individuals who demonstrated the character, maturity and wisdom to be trusted to teach properly.
Are Your School and Instructor Authentically Certified, Bonafide and Documented?
Sadly, anyone with a few bucks can buy a black belt out of a martial arts supply store or karate catalog online and open a store or start teaching in a community center... and they do more often than the public usually knows. Simply by calling themselves a 'martial arts' instructor is all that is required here.
Internationally Certified Taekwondo Master Black Belt
Master John Nottingham holds multiple Black Belt, Master, and Instructor certifications with internationally recognized licenses. He currently holds two Master Black Belt 7th Degree ranks in traditional Taekwondo. He has taught and promoted students in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, ITF Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation/Kukkiwon) Taekwondo. Note: The W.T.F. is often mistaken as the certification arm when it is the affiliate tournament competition branch of World Taekwondo.
Certification Recognized by the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters
The Official Governing Body for International Black Belt Rank Certification by the Korean Government
Additionally, he is a bonafide certified 5th DAN and MASTER ranking member of the Kukkiwon - the world governing body of Tae Kwon Do, headquartered in Seoul, under the auspices of the government of South Korea. The Kukkiwon holds its members to specific standards and records official documents for certifying them as instructors. While in Korea with students, he was also honored with a certificate award of special recognition from Kukkiwon for his efforts in promoting Taekwondo. Any belt awarded by Master Nottingham is recognized by his pedigree and valid documentation. He can also have them revoked.
Travel To Korea, World-Class Training, Cultural Exchange, History
Master Nottingham feels strongly about sharing Korean culture, history and opportunities with his students. He has taken groups to Korea numerous times to train, compete and learn about the history and culture with specially designed tours. He is has also hosted international teams and trainers including Nam's All Star Taekwondo Team and, for over a decade, the Korean Eagles Taekwondo Team. Due to these efforts and affiliations, his students experience unparalleled opportunities.
Leading By Example The Martial Way Action Philosophy
He holds ranks and instructor licenses in several arts and continues to study and practice as a student. His studies include stand up striking, joint locks, pressure points, grappling, weaponry and more. Master Nottingham also was tasked by his unit commander to develop a Special Forces Hand to Hand Combatives course while serving in an Airborne Special Forces reserve unit. Owner of a security bodyguard training company, his experience as a bodyguard, law enforcement and military trainer give him unique insight into the practical realm of self defense and personal security.
Hall of Fame Master of the Year
The experiences as a competitor, coach, referee, training in Korea and affiliations for nearly 30 years of teaching the way of Taekwondo (since 1992 in Arizona) bring unique levels of quality, safety, depth of knowlege and ability to his students. Having taught thousands of men, women and children of all ages in the US and abroad have won him numerous awards and accolades including Master of the Year as a member of the Hall of Fame in 2005. He has appeared in numerous publications including TaeKwonDo Times magazine and modest stunt roles in action movies.
Master With a Mission
Master Nottingham has devoted his professional life to practicing and sharing the martial arts that help him transform into the person he is today. Overcoming numerous obstacles he has risen through the ranks to become a beloved instructor to his students who strives to lead by example, live the martial way and inspire others to become their personal best.
But that is just the beginning of the John Nottingham difference.
http://USA-MartialArts.com
