Nick Curson

Curson started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) in 1995, for the first four years under Rickson Gracie, and gained his blue belt. He received his black belt in 2007 and his 1st degree in 2010, both under Rigan Machado.

In 2008 he founded Unity Jiu Jitsu (UJJ) Academy in Redondo Beach, California and was teaching BJJ. Some of his students have gone on to win medals in BJJ World,{{cite web|title=World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2011 – Results|url=http://ibjjf.org/results/world-jiu-jitsu-championship-2011-results-2/|website=IBJJF|accessdate=25 May 2016}} Pan-American{{cite web|title=Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2011 - Results|url=http://ibjjf.org/results/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship-2011-results/|website=IBJJF|accessdate=25 May 2016}} and US National championships{{cite web|title=2011 American National Championship Results (Archived) |url=http://usbjjf.org/results/2011american.htm |website=Wayback Machine |accessdate=30 May 2016 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228012008/http://usbjjf.org/results/2011american.htm |archivedate=February 28, 2015 }}{{cite web|title=2011 North American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament|url=http://www.strongvon.com/nabjj2011/m_tournament_main.jsp?page=SummaryWinners.html|website=www.strongvon.com|accessdate=30 May 2016}} as well as other tournaments.

Curson has been involved with various S&C training modalities as a BJJ practitioner and instructor. Examples include classic weight training, kettlebells, and crossfit.

While taking on the role of a training partner for MMA fighter B.J. Penn in preparation for Penn's December 12, 2009 UFC lightweight championship fight on UFC 107, Curson got exposed to the Marinovich-based Neuromuscular Intensification System (NIS) training program and became "hooked" and a "believer".{{cite web|title=Nic Curson Testimonial|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/testimonials/nick-curson|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=22 May 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604045947/http://www.sportsciencelab.com/testimonials/nick-curson|archivedate=4 June 2016}} Penn's S&C program under head trainer Marv Marinovich was at Gavin MacMillan's Sport Science Lab (SSL) in San Juan Capistrano, California.{{cite web|title=Neuromuscular Connection|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/neuromuscular-connection|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=22 May 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604045046/http://www.sportsciencelab.com/neuromuscular-connection|archivedate=4 June 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Chiappetta|first1=Mike|title=BJ Penn Enlists Infamous Trainer in Preparing for Florian|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2009/05/02/bj-penn-enlists-infamous-trainer-in-preparing-for-florian|accessdate=22 May 2016|work=SB Nation (MMAFighting.com)|date=2 May 2009}}{{cite web|title=with bj penn in the spotlight right now singing marv's praises, your business should be blowing up|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/forums/bj-penn-spotlight-right-now-singing-marvs-praises-your-business-should-be-blowing|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=22 May 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604051838/http://www.sportsciencelab.com/forums/bj-penn-spotlight-right-now-singing-marvs-praises-your-business-should-be-blowing|archivedate=4 June 2016}} In March 2010, Curson started the SSL Affiliate Program{{cite web|title=Congratulations to our March Affiliate Class|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/blog/john/congratulations-our-march-affiliate-class|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=25 May 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604171821/http://www.sportsciencelab.com/blog/john/congratulations-our-march-affiliate-class|archivedate=4 June 2016}}{{cite web|title=Affiliate Program|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/affiliation|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=26 May 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604205230/http://www.sportsciencelab.com/affiliation|archivedate=4 June 2016}} and proceeded to get certified in most of the Neuromuscular Intensification System various elements.{{cite web|title=nickc1973 {{!}} Sport Science Lab|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/node/23302|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=26 May 2016|url-status=bot: unknown|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604235125/http://www.sportsciencelab.com/node/23302|archivedate=4 June 2016}}{{cite web|title=Training Programs|url=http://www.sportsciencelab.com/training-programs|website=www.sportsciencelab.com|accessdate=26 May 2016}} becoming a certified NIS personal trainer.{{cite web|title=Unity Jiu-Jitsu: Review|url=http://www.onthemat.com/node/1009325|website=www.onthemat.com|accessdate=22 May 2016}}{{cite web|title=Speedofsport.com/about (Archived November 7, 2012) |url=http://speed-of-sport.com/about |website=Wayback Machine |accessdate=25 May 2016 |date=7 November 2012 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107195535/http://speed-of-sport.com/about |archivedate=November 7, 2012 }}

Curson started offering the NIS S&C program at Unity Jiu Jitsu Academy.{{cite news|title=Donaire confident but wary of African|url=http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/05/07/1320261/donaire-confident-wary-african|accessdate=25 May 2016|work=The Philippine Star}}{{cite web|title=speedofsport.com Class Schedule (Archived January 27, 2012) |url=http://unityjj.com/class-schedule-4/ |website=Wayback Machine |accessdate=25 May 2016 |date=27 January 2012 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127062821/http://unityjj.com/class-schedule-4/ |archivedate=January 27, 2012 }} From mid-2011 Curson gradually shifted from BJJ instructor + S&C trainer, to S&C inclusive trainer.{{cite web|title=Speedofsport.com Home (Archive May 1, 2012) |url=http://unityjj.com/ |website=Wayback Machine |accessdate=25 May 2016 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501072717/http://unityjj.com/ |archivedate=May 1, 2012 }} By March 2012 Unity Jiu Jitsu Academy was permanently closed.{{cite web|title=Unity Jiu Jitsu - CLOSED - Redondo Beach - Redondo Beach, CA|url=http://www.yelp.com/biz/unity-jiu-jitsu-redondo-beach|website=Yelp|accessdate=25 May 2016}}{{cite web|title=speedofsport.com Home (Archived July 19, 2012) |url=http://unityjj.com/ |website=Wayback Machine |accessdate=25 May 2016 |date=19 July 2012 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719075251/http://unityjj.com/ |archivedate=July 19, 2012 }} Curson instead founded Speed Of Sport Gym at the same location,{{cite web|title=speedofsport.com/facility (Archived November 7, 2012) |url=http://speed-of-sport.com/facility- |website=Wayback Machine |accessdate=25 May 2016 |date=7 November 2012 |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107195558/http://speed-of-sport.com/facility- |archivedate=November 7, 2012 }} later moving the gym to Torrance, California.

Speed Of Sport is not affiliated with MacMillan and Sport Science Lab . Curson is a protégé of the brothers Marv and Gary Marinovich (Marinovich Training Systems{{cite web|title=Marinovich Training Systems|url=http://www.imsacademy.com/fitness-2/|website=www.imsacademy.com|accessdate=26 May 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516040234/http://www.imsacademy.com/fitness-2/|archivedate=16 May 2016}}),{{cite web|last1=June 23, 2015|first1=SpeedOfSport|title=Nick Curson / Marinovich S&C : Page 4|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/forums/UnderGround/Nick-Curson--Marinovich-SC:2452527-4|website=MixedMartialArts.com|accessdate=22 May 2016}} 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.{{cite news|title=Marinovich brothers to host seminar on Sunday|url=http://www.register-pajaronian.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=74&story_id=12330|accessdate=22 May 2016|work=Register-Pajaronian|date=14 April 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617024802/http://www.register-pajaronian.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=74&story_id=12330|archivedate=17 June 2016}}{{cite news|title=Marinovich training a change of pace, direction for athletes|url=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/ZZ/20120408/NEWS/120407996|accessdate=22 May 2016|work=Santa Cruz Sentinel}}

Curson consults with physiologists and sports biomechanics experts in formulating a conditioning program for his athletes.

His training techniques are based on plyometrics and ballistic modalities with a physioball modification.{{cite news|last1=Haynes|first1=Stephie|title=Joe Rogan: "This Is Madness"|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/7/9/8908277/ufc-interview-joe-rogan-drug-policy-jon-jones-ronda-rousey-anderson-silva-steroids-cheating|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=SB Nation (BloodyElbow.com)|date=9 July 2015}}{{cite web|title=Movement Therapy - Super Compensatory Acceleration Technique machine|url=http://fabiangarciadpt.com/movement-therapy|website=fabiangarciadpt.com|accessdate=21 May 2016}} He works on speed, flexibility and stamina. He employs fast-twitch muscle training in the swimming pool, downhill sprinting, hypoxic altitude simulation,{{cite web|title=Aaron Pico Usa Wrestling workout Hypoxic training|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=YwJUxr8rIpo|website=YouTube (SpeedOfSport official channel)|accessdate=21 May 2016|date=14 January 2015}} motor coordination and kinesthetic awareness exercises.{{cite news|title=6 Reasons Why Anthony Pettis Should Be Worried About Rafael Dos Anjos - Evolve Daily|url=https://evolve-mma.com/blog/6-reasons-anthony-pettis-worried-rafael-dos-anjos/|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=Evolve MMA Singapore|date=9 March 2015}} Significant attention is given to foot strengthening exercises.

On The Joe Rogan Experience podcast he explained how he's against traditional squats, bench press, deadlift, etc., against slow resistance training, and against the use of kettlebells for explosive sports like MMA and boxing.The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast (May 20, 2015), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJmYFlvKloE Joe Rogan Experience #650 - Nick Curson], (Hypoxic training min 23:05) YouTube (JRE official channel){{cite web|title=Strength & Conditioning for MMA – Nick Curson|url=http://blackbeltwhitehat.com/2015/05/25/strength-conditioning-for-mma-nick-curson/|website=Fitness & MMA Blog UK|accessdate=20 May 2016|date=25 May 2015}} Curson has stated: "Weight training with heavy loads has been scientifically proven to be detrimental to boxers' speed, force, and accuracy",{{cite news|title=American Nick Curson steps up Filipino boxers' strength and conditioning|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/360074/sports/boxing/american-nick-curson-steps-up-filipino-boxers-strength-and-conditioning|accessdate=21 May 2016|work=GMA News Online}} and in reference to elite level athletes, "Lift heavy and YOU WILL lose efficiency, economy of movement…guaranteed".{{cite news|title=Does powerlifting decrease performance in MMA?|url=https://www.athorganics.com/blogs/news/does-powerlifting-decrease-performance-in-mma|accessdate=3 August 2016|work=www.athorganics.com}} 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.

Curson opposes the use of performance–enhancing drugs (PEDs), stating his clients only take multivitamins and nutrients from natural food.

Curson has trained multiple Olympian, World, International, National and Collegiate Champions from different sports.{{cite news|last1=Lujan|first1=Patrick|title=Jon Tuck eager to put results of new regimen to the test|url=http://www.postguam.com/sports/local/jon-tuck-eager-to-put-results-of-new-regimen-to/article_f09085ac-112b-11e6-8951-334678d2d795.html|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=The Guam Daily Post}}{{cite news|title=7 Reasons Why Rafael Dos Anjos Will Destroy Conor McGregor - Evolve Daily|url=https://evolve-mma.com/blog/7-reasons-rafael-dos-anjos-will-destroy-conor-mcgregor/|accessdate=21 May 2016|work=Evolve MMA Singapore|date=2 January 2016}}{{cite news|title=Life of Lamb - SURFER Magazine|url=http://www.surfermag.com/features/nic-lamb-interview/|accessdate=21 May 2016|work=Surfer|date=19 February 2016}}

Examples of his clientele include::

• Professional Boxers - Nonito Donaire,{{cite news|title=Curson impresses chief ALA trainer|url=http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/45882/curson-impresses-chief-ala-trainer|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=7 November 2014}} Donnie Nietes, Arthur Villanueva{{cite news|title=Curson Says King Arthur Villanueva Looks Good|url=http://philboxing.com/news/story-110370.html|accessdate=21 May 2016|work=philboxing.com}} Rey Bautista,{{cite news|title=Sell-out Pinoy crowd enjoys 'Duel in Dubai' boxing card|url=https://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fortherecord/sell-out-pinoy-crowd-enjoys--duel-in-dubai--boxing-card-082401447.html|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=Yahoo Sports Singapore}} Ruslan Provodnikov, Milan Melindo,{{cite news|title=MELINDO BEGINS WORK WITH STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH NICK CURSON|url=http://philboxing.com/news/story-106177.html|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=philboxing.com}} Taras Shelestyuk and female amateur boxer Mikaela Mayer.{{cite web|title=How to train like an Olympic boxer|url=http://www.grindtv.com/culture/train-like-olympic-boxer/#Ac14g1Gw1YcDeVwg.97|website=GrindTV.com|accessdate=20 May 2016|date=9 January 2015}}
• Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters - Lyoto Machida, Fabricio Werdum, Rafael Dos Anjos,{{cite news|title=S&C coach accuses USADA of unfairly targeting Rafael dos Anjos and Fabricio Werdum with drug tests|url=http://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/coach-accuses-usada-of-unfairly-targeting-rafael-dos-anjos-and-fabricio-werdum-with-drug-tests/74528|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=SportsJOE.ie}}{{cite news|title=Lyoto Machida, Fabricio Werdum recreate 'The Crane Kick' (Video)|url=http://fansided.com/2015/11/23/lyoto-machida-fabricio-werdum-recreate-crane-kick-video/|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=FanSided.com|date=23 November 2015}}{{cite news|title=Fabricio Werdum on Luke Rockhold Challenge: 'I Never Liked Cockyhold'|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Fabricio-Werdum-on-Luke-Rockhold-Challenge-I-Never-Liked-Cockyhold-98521|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=Sherdog}} Jon Tuck{{cite news|title=Guam's Jon Tuck ready for UFC Fight Night 87|url=http://www.guampdn.com/story/sports/2016/03/26/guams-jon-tuck-ready-ufc-fight-night-87/82106070/|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=Pacific Daily News}} and Jake Ellenberger.{{cite web|title=UFC 201: Post-fight Press Conference (min 08:44)|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tNTR-qn6Xfw|website=YouTube|publisher=(UFC official channel)|accessdate=2 August 2016|date=30 July 2016}}
• Muay Thai kickboxer Joe Schilling,{{cite news|title=GLORY 24's Joe Schilling: Where Does the Time Go?|url=http://combatpress.com/2015/10/glory-24s-joe-schilling-where-does-the-time-go/|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=CombatPress.com}}The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast (June 29, 2016), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujXxrgSwnYc Joe Rogan Experience #816 - Joe Schilling], (hour 01:14:05) YouTube (JRE official channel) professional baseball player Kurt Suzuki, competition swimmer Conor Dwyer,{{cite news|title=TUCK'S NEW REGIMEN TO BE PUT TO THE TEST {{!}} GSPN – Guam Sports Network|url=http://www.guamsportsnetwork.com/2016/tucks-new-regimen-to-be-put-to-the-test/|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=www.guamsportsnetwork.com}} freestyle wrestler Aaron Pico{{cite web|title=The origins of Speed of Sport training.|url=http://www.speedofsport.com/about.html|website=SpeedOfSport.com|accessdate=21 May 2016}} and professional surfer Nic Lamb.{{cite news|last1=Stulberg|first1=Bradley|title=How Can I Overcome Fear to Get the Most Out of Myself?|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/2060076/how-can-i-overcome-fear-get-most-out-myself|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=Outside|date=7 March 2016}}{{cite news|title=It's Like Riding a Roller Coaster While Being Chased by a Saber-Toothed Tiger|url=http://www.insidehook.com/los-angeles/wsl-big-wave-awards-nic-lamb|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=InsideHook.com}}

• World MMA Awards
• 2017 Trainer of the Year award{{cite news |title=World MMA Awards 2018 Results |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/7/3/17532430/world-mma-awards-2018-results |accessdate=4 November 2018 |work=MMA Fighting}}
• 2018 Trainer of the Year award{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/7/3/20681393/world-mma-awards-2019-results|title=World MMA Awards 2019 Results|date=July 4, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• The Joe Rogan Experience podcast (May 20, 2015), [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJmYFlvKloE Joe Rogan Experience #650 - Nick Curson]
• Ultimate Fighting Championship video (April 17, 2014), [https://youtube.com/watch?v=tTyMQwCS6Dc UFC on FOX 11: Rafael Dos Anjos Fight Camp]

• [http://www.speedofsport.com Speedofsport.com]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Curson, Nick}}

Category:1973 births

Category:Living people

Category:American strength and conditioning coaches

Category:People from Torrance, California