John Nottingham Close Security Specialist

John Nottingham is an internationally recognized strategist on counterterrorism, dignitary protection, travel safety and close security. He earned his reputation through his unique experience and has demonstrated expertise in predicting and managing situations that might lead to violence. He is the Founder and President of Nottingham Sword & Shield Security and a Close Protection (Bodyguard) Training Academy and has developed and implemented a broad spectrum of security programs and protective operations. He oversees all aspects of company operations worldwide.

He taught close combat (combatives) tactics to the US Army Special Forces CQB Instructors and trains First responders in the use of force and successful outcome-based response to critical incidents. He holds a license for Private Investigation, is certified in Executive Protection, certified in non-deadly force, law enforcement force trainer, advanced threat assessment and an NRA firearms instructor. He teaches workshops on violence management and is involved in research on personal safety since 1995. He is the developer of VIPER Personal Protection Survival School, the most comprehensive 30 hour individual immersion security training program in the world.

Mr. Nottingham holds certificates from Bodyguard Training International, USA Bodyguards, Gavin de Beckers and Associates in Dignitary Security/ Protection and has coordinated and implemented protective details for clients and traveling executives worldwide since 2004. His team of agents have protected fortune 500 executives and dignitaries such as: the President of the United States, Hollywood celebrities, and individuals targeted for stalking. He is the developer, founder and CEO of Nottingham Training Systems, a leader in innovative Crisis Management solutions used by SWAT, Military Special Operators and Executive Protection Specialists.

Mr. Nottingham served as a Combatives Instructor in a USAR Special Forces Military Intelligence support unit. He was issued official unit duty orders to develop an experimental hand-to-hand, hand-to-weapon combat program for close quarters battle (CQC/CQC).  He was awarded a Special Forces Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts and innovations.  He participated in missions in defense of the US and trained troops for combat in the areas of escaping captivity, K-9 attacks, sentry neutralization, clandestine operations, close combat and emergency management concepts.

Mr. Nottingham has been studying martial arts since childhood and is a Master Instructor and holder of multiple Black Belts and instructor certifications and inducted in the the Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Master of the Year (1995).

Mr. Nottingham is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), owns a licensed armed security company in Arizona, and a Training Advisor for several protective organizations and agencies.

Mr. Nottingham has been featured on network television, radio and films and in national print publications in the US, China and Korea. Among his television and print credits, he has been featured in TKD Times magazine, The Arizona Republic, Channels 3, 5, 10, 12 and 15, Good Morning Arizona, and others.