He was the son of Tametsura who was an officer for managing horses, Uma-no-jo (右馬允) Nobutsura's character was brave and fearless.
He once captured a robber getting into Tokiwa-den as a Takiguchi musha (滝口武者), the guard of Inner Palace.
He was promoted to the director of the left part of center palace guard, Sahyoe-no-kami (左兵衛尉) as he was highly evaluated for capturing the robber.
Prince Mochihito and Minamoto no Yorimasa were forced into the Battle of Uji before they were prepared.
Taira no Kiyomori admired his braveness and lessened Nobutsura's punishment to banishment to Hino District, Hōki Province.