Nick Curson

Nicholas Curson (born 1973 as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, competitor and instructor. Curson describes himself as a sports performance specialist, since he is not credentialed with a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certificate.

Professional background Curson started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) in 1995, for the first four years under Rickson Gracie, Pan-American and US National championships as well as other tournaments. In March 2010, Curson started the SSL Affiliate Program and proceeded to get certified in most of the Neuromuscular Intensification System various elements. becoming a certified NIS personal trainer.

Curson started offering the NIS S&C program at Unity Jiu Jitsu Academy. From mid-2011 Curson gradually shifted from BJJ instructor + S&C trainer, to S&C inclusive trainer. By March 2012 Unity Jiu Jitsu Academy was permanently closed. Curson instead founded Speed Of Sport Gym at the same location, later moving the gym to Torrance, California. ), who, since late 2011, were training out of Integrated Martial Sciences Academy (IMS Academy) in Live Oak, Santa Cruz County, California and sometimes at Noble-Moreno Boxing Gym in Watsonville, California.

Training method Curson consults with physiologists and sports biomechanics experts in formulating a conditioning program for his athletes. He works on speed, flexibility and stamina. motor coordination and kinesthetic awareness exercises. Significant attention is given to foot strengthening exercises. Curson has stated: "Weight training with heavy loads has been scientifically proven to be detrimental to boxers' speed, force, and accuracy", and in reference to elite level athletes, "Lift heavy and YOU WILL lose efficiency, economy of movement…guaranteed". Kickboxer Joe Schilling stated that Curson's exercises were hard and difficult, but didn't break him down like other S&C systems, noting the emphasis in Curson's system of not overtraining. Examples of his clientele include:: Professional Boxers - Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Rey Bautista, Ruslan Provodnikov, Taras Shelestyuk Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters - Lyoto Machida, Fabricio Werdum, Rafael Dos Anjos, Jon Tuck and Jake Ellenberger. Muay Thai kickboxer Joe Schilling, professional baseball player Kurt Suzuki, freestyle wrestler Aaron Pico and professional surfer Nic Lamb.

Awards World MMA Awards 2017 Trainer of the Year award 2018 Trainer of the Year award