Poughkeepsie Kickboxing – The Multi-Faceted Sport of Kickboxing: Proudly Represented at Precision MMA

Boxing, martial arts, MMA, muay thai No Responses »

May 062013

Of the different martial arts offered at Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie, New York, most have very specific boundaries in terms of the techniques they incorporate and the disciplines they encompass. For example, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is on the Precision syllabus, has very specific rules in tournaments and though it can incorporate other styles like wrestling or Judo, when you watch a BJJ match you usually have a good idea of the kinds of techniques you may expect to see. Likewise, boxing, also offered at Precision MMA, is very particular in it’s focus. No one has ever watched a boxing bout and wondered whether or not they were watching a Karate match, for example. However, the sport and martial art of Kickboxing has a much wider grey area in what spectators can expect to witness in terms of skill set, and what competitors can expect to learn when they sign up for classes. Though Muay Thai is, of course, a style of Kickboxing, and one which is offered at Precision MMA, it can have many differences from what one may witness at a local Kickboxing bout. Likewise, boxing is a part of Kickboxing, but has many differences from the latter as well. In this blog I will hope to clarify some of the arts encompassed under the umbrella of the term “Kickboxing”, some of the common rules of the sport, and how it is trained at Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie.

Kickboxing, as a sport and martial art, has many different styles. One of the more common styles, which is taught at Precision MMA by local Poughkeepsie AKBF Champion Karl Nemeth and others, is Muay Thai. The style of Muay Thai allow kicks to the leg, body and head without shin pads, as well as knees to all these targets, elbows to the head and body, and punches, as well as clinching and trips. No matter what the rules of a local kickboxing fight, practitioners of Muay Thai will be likely to find success. However, going into the event it is very important that they know the rules because many techniques that are legal in Muay Thai may or may not be legal in a local Kickboxing fight. For example, leg kicks are often illegal in kickboxing, or if allowed the competitors will often have to wear shin pads. Knees are often not allowed in Kickboxing competition, or if allowed, they may not be legal to the head. Trips may or may not be allowed in competition, and the amount of time fighters are allowed to spend in the clinch can vary. Finally, elbow strikes are very often illegal in Kickboxing events, while they are considered possibly the most lethal weapon in a Muay Thai bout.

Another common style of Kickboxing is the Dutch Style of Muay Thai, which is most notably represented in K-1 events. This style tends to combine the leg kicks, knees, clinching and elbows of Muay Thai, with the hand techniques, footwork and head movement of boxing, and the straight forward punching style and unique angular kicks of Kyokushin Karate. Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie, New York offers classes which cover techniques from both traditional Muay Thai as well as the Dutch Style and the common style of western boxing. Our instructors have been trained in all three styles and also freely exchange information with students who hold high ranks in arts such as Kenpo Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Jeet Kune Do, and Takedwondo, in order to make sure that the kickboxing we offer, as opposed to other schools, is multi-faceted and never rigid. It is particularly important that we do this because some of our instructors and students who have had “kickboxing” fights in nearby Poughkeepsie have had to adapt to unusual rule sets, sometimes even mid-fight. For example, our instructor Karl Nemeth had one fight a few years back where he was told that kicks to the head were legal, and so he began landing them at will. However, it was then deemed that he was starting to do a bit too much damage with them, and the referee suddenly decided to make them illegal mid-fight. Though this kind of thing shouldn’t happen, because Kickboxing as a whole can have so many different rules and amateur fights are often more chaotic than professional ones, things like this do occur with more frequency than some might like to admit. There are both styles which allow and those which prohibit head kicks, and both are known as “kickboxing”, so a school like Precision in Poughkeepsie which is more versatile is likely to find more success in kickboxing matches with varied rules than some other schools. Because of our multi-faceted approach to the sport, coach Karl was able to have success in this fight even despite his head kicks being suddenly prohibited mid-fight, but for some other fighters from more rigid schools this sudden rule change might have led to defeat. Likewise, another one of our students had a recent Poughkeepsie Kickboxing fight where full body throws were legal and he did not become aware of this fact until his opponent utilized them in the fight. This is highly unusual. Some, in fact, many kickboxing fights do not allow trips or takedowns of any kind. Traditional Muay Thai Kickboxing does allow certain foot sweeps as well as takedowns which involve lifting an opponent directly off their feet and delivering them to the mat. However, even Muay Thai does not allow full body throws and slams done from unusual angles or which involve lacing the opponent’s legs. Nevertheless, because Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie also offers classes in Wrestling, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which most of our kickboxers cross train in, the student in question was quickly able to get his bearings about him and use his knowledge of these arts to defend against the takedowns and win the fight. Once again, it was shown in this example that “kickboxing” as a sport can include any number of different rules, and that the more versatile one’s school is and the more multi-faceted their kickboxing program, the greater chance its students will find success in competition.

One very popular style of kickboxing, which is often the basis for the rule sets of local events, is the American style. This sport came into popularity in the 1970s with fighters such as Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. The rules generally prohibit leg kicks, knees, elbows, or any sort of trips or takedowns and also disallow lengthy periods of clinching. Basically, the American style is more similar to boxing mixed with Kyokushin Karate than it is to traditional Muay Thai from Thailand. Though Precision in Poughkeepsie does offer traditional Muay Thai techniques which coach Karl Nemeth has learned from none other than world Muay Thai champion Kaensak Sor Ploenjit, we are fully capable of competing under the American rules. This is because we also incorporate so much boxing into our style, which our students learn from experienced boxing coaches, such as Derrick Ohlhoff, who is himself a three times Golden Gloves’ champion. When far fewer kicks are allowed, and knees and elbows are prohibited, then sharp boxing skills are that much more important in attaining victory. Most of our sport kickboxers cross train in boxing so that they can have success in bouts which have American rules, but this is unfortunately not possible for those martial artists at other more rigid schools which do not offer Boxing classes. Our school also has students who hold brown and black belts in styles of Karate like Kenpo and Shorin-Ryu, so if a student knows he is going to be competing under American rules he can cross train with them in order to gain a wider knowledge of upper body kicks in preparation.

Another area of Kickboxing which is very subject to change is the length and number of rounds. In some local kickboxing events the rounds have been known to be as short as one minute or one minute and fifteen seconds. Other times the rounds may be a minute and a half, two minutes, three minutes, or even five minutes. Though most local kickboxing fights these days tend to be three rounds, there are cases where they are only two rounds, and there are also cases where a fight can consist of a total of five or even ten or more rounds. This wide variation in length and number of rounds can make preparation for an upcoming Poughkeepsie Kickboxing fight stressful and chaotic. However, because our instructors and students have competed in fights with so many differing round lengths and numbers of rounds, our students can properly prepare for any scenario. If the rounds are only one minute in length then our instructors will know how to train them, both psychologically and physically, for the short bursts of energy they will need to expend. However, if the rounds are longer, or there are more of them, then our coaches will also know how to prepare our competitors so they will have the necessary cardio and mental endurance to make it through wars of attrition.

As can be seen, “kickboxing”, as both a sport and martial art, has many rule sets and many changing variables. To be prepared for these a martial artist needs a wide array of skills and first hand instruction from trainers who have fought under different scenarios themselves. Whether fighting under Muay Thai rules, Dutch or American Kickboxing rules, or some other variant, students of Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie, New York will be prepared to take home the gold. This is because we train under so many different conditions that if need be, we will simply beat you at your own game.

Poughkeepsie Kickboxing

Precision MMA is currently offering a 30-Day FREE trial for new members. If you’re interested in learning self-defense, getting into shape, and training with the best in the area, then stop in at 1097 Route 55, Lagrangeville, NY or call us at 845-392-8495. Don’t forget to ask about our free trial and intro lesson!

Jamey Bazes is a lifelong martial artist holding a brown belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kenpo Karate. He also holds a master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. He is a student of Precision Mixed Martial Arts in LaGrange, NY (near Poughkeepsie) and a decorated competitor including a Delaware Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu State Championship and a NAGA World Title. To train with Jamey in Poughkeepsie NY check out Precision MMA http://www.poughkeepsiemuaythai.com

Quality Boxing in Poughkeepsie, NY is now a reality!

Boxing, martial arts, Uncategorized No Responses »

Apr 222013

Poughkeepsie Boxing

The sport of boxing has been helping people from all different walks of life better themselves for centuries. However, quality Poughkeepsie boxing has been hard to come by. Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY (just outside Poughkeepsie) is changing that. There are many different motivations that drive people to put on a pair of gloves and step into a boxing gym. A quality boxing gym will work with all boxers, not simply fighters or potential superstars.

Precision MMA offers a safe, clean and supportive environment for boxers across Dutchess County to learn the sweet science. The first thing that sets Precision MMA apart from many traditional boxing gyms are the group classes. Many boxing gyms offer only one on one training working with only a single boxer and a single trainer. However, being able to learn in a group builds in a support system of boxers working together to achieve similar goals. Boxers build camaraderie and friendships making trips to the boxing gym about more than just punches.

Precision’s Poughkeepsie boxing program also offers many different types of classes all of which cater to different boxers. New boxers are brought into fundamental classes. At these training sessions boxers work on the essentials of footwork, punching technique, head movement, stance and combinations. Partner drills, pad work and coordination exercises make up the core of the program. New Poughkeepsie boxers are not made to spar and no one leaves these classes with black eyes or a bloody nose.

Circuit training classes challenge Poughkeepsie boxers with different sports specific exercises focusing mainly on cardio and strength building. Boxers become familiar with the heavy bags, jump ropes, double end and maze bags which are part of Precision MMA’s amazing 5,000 square foot facility. Shadow boxing and calisthenics are also staples of these classes. Boxers of all experience levels from novice to professional build their fight fitness in these incredible classes. Others use these classes to lose weight and relieve stress. Precision boxing is full of success stories from boxers across Poughkeepsie who have lost weight and kept it off.

For those interested in learning boxing for self defense sparring classes exist that simulate street fight scenarios. Here boxers learn how to stop attackers using combinations and defensive tactics. Everyday people come to these classes to learn the skills that will keep them safe walking home late at night.

Finally, for boxers who dream of stepping into the ring Precision has competition classes with the goal of creating champions. Boxers work one on one with coaches doing intense pad sessions and hard sparring with boxers from all levels – amateur to professional. The Precision boxing team has produced some of Dutchess County’s most accomplished boxers, home of multiple golden gloves champions. Precision emphasizes skill over power and makes sure that its boxers are smart and slick rather than glorified brawlers.

If you’re a Poughkeepsie resident who loves the sport of boxing or if you’re just looking to get in shape and have fun doing it check out Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY. Right now Precision is offering an incredible 30 Day Free trial where interested students can check out their facility to find out more call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsieboxing.com

Hudson Valley Martial Arts Competition Training

martial arts, MMA No Responses »

Apr 092013

How Precision MMA Can Prepare A Student for Martial Arts’ Competition

Various authorities on the subject have stated recently that they believe martial arts have evolved more in the past 20 years than in the past 200 years. This may seem a bold claim, but is quite possibly true with the introduction of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993 and the vast network of information provided by the Internet. Along with the increased awareness of styles found to be effective in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts has come a vast increase in practitioners of those styles, and with this has come an increase in the number of competitions held. This not only includes increased competition in both professional and amateur MMA, but also a greater number of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, kickboxing and Muay Thai fights, Judo competitions, and also more interest in school wrestling programs and local boxing programs. While almost every town has a martial arts’ dojo of some kind, most cannot provide the kind of quality instruction necessary to prepare students for these kinds of competitions. Precision Mixed Martial Arts, located in the Hudson Valley region of New York, boasts instructors who are experts in all these disciplines, and can get students of any style in competition shape.

When a student signs up for Precision Mixed Martial Arts they may not have competition in mind at first and the idea of testing themselves may come to them at a later point in their training. At some schools this could be a dilemma because the type and pace of the training offered may be very opposite from a tournament or fight atmosphere. For example, let’s look first at the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as it is practiced at many schools versus how it is taught at Precision in the Hudson Valley. First of all, anyone acquainted with the martial art of BJJ will know that there are two distinct styles: Gi Jiu-jitsu, where the competitors wear a full kimono with a top, pants and a belt, and no-gi Jiu-Jitsu, also known as submission grappling, where the competitors wear a pair of shorts and a rash guard. While the two styles have many similarities, they also have many differences when it comes to grips, pace of the match, takedowns, and overall strategy. Many martial arts’ schools only offer instruction in one or the other, and this becomes a problem if the student has interest in competing in the style not offered by their dojo. Many a BJJ student has entered a no-gi division at a local tournament after training a year or two with the gi on, believing the two styles to be nearly identical, only to meet with defeat because they were unprepared for the differences. The same has also occurred the other way around, with students training exclusively no-gi, then entering a gi competition and finding themselves confused by the different grips and chokes. Luckily, Hudson Valley’ martial artists training at Precision can train in both styles and be prepared to compete under both formats. In fact, the two styles can complement each other and work as training tools for competition in the other. For example, training with the gi on can help a no-gi competitor work on his grip strength. Or, if the student trains without grabbing his opponent’s gi and asks his opponent not to collar choke him (since neither will apply to no-gi competition), he can otherwise learn a great deal about posturing which can cross over to no-gi. This is because he will have to develop the muscles necessary to resist the increased pounds of pressure created by the downward pull of the kimono that would not be focused on as greatly in no-gi training. Another reason that gi training can help no-gi training is that the increased friction caused by the gi will reduce the sweat factor which allows submission grapplers to more easily slide out of submissions without using as much technique, so no-gi grapplers will have to learn more technical escapes based less on athleticism. Likewise, no-gi grappling can greatly aid gi grapplers in their style because they will have to develop different types of grips which can cross over equally well to their style, (such as underhooks and overhooks), but which they may not have focused on as much in gi training due to over reliance upon gi grips. Since Precision Mixed Martial Arts in the Hudson Valley offers both of these styles, a student wishing to compete under either will reap the benefits.

Moreover, martial artists at Precision in the Hudson Valley will learn to wrestle in their submission grappling classes and they will also learn Judo takedowns in their gi Jiu-Jitsu classes. This is something that most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools do not offer, and for this reason many competitors in both styles of grappling have been unsuccessful in competition because they did not know how to defend against, or initiate the takedown. In fact, there is such a heavy emphasis upon both wrestling and Judo in Precision’s Jiu-Jitsu classes that many students have been able to have success in local Hudson Valley wrestling tournaments. Since schools in the New York’s Hudson Valley region are rife with quality wrestling teams, these young wrestlers often come over to Precision to complement their wrestling with Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, as well as extra wrestling classes, and find increased success on the wrestling mat. Likewise, the local wrestlers help our Jiu-Jitsu students with their takedowns and our jiu-jitsukas find more success in grappling tournaments.

In terms of overall strategy, Precision in the Hudson Valley’s instructors have a wealth of experience in all grappling styles so they will know how to coach their students in competition. We have black and brown belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who have extensive competition experience in both gi and no-gi divisions who can help students learn the point systems found in local Hudson Valley tournaments and also teach them how to pace themselves in their matches. We also have multiple Division One wrestlers who have competed at schools in the Hudson Valley region who can teach our wrestlers and jiu-jitsukas how to apply their mat skills and a renowned Judo black belt who is experienced in training Judokas for competition.

In addition to the many grappling styles taught at Precision Mixed Martial Arts, we also offer the striking styles of Muay Thai Kickboxing and conventional western boxing and our coaches are perfectly equipped to prepare our students for the ring. Our head Muay Thai coach, Karl Nemeth, is himself an AKBF kickboxing champion in the Hudson Valley area with multiple victories and several knockouts to his credit who is quite adept at teaching both beginning and advanced students the skills necessary for sport competition. Likewise, our head boxing coach, Derrick Ohlhoff, is a three-time Golden Gloves’ boxing champion who has coached many of our students to wins in the boxing ring. The knowledge our coaches have to impart is multi dimensional. Not only will our striking instructors teach the aspiring competitor the necessary technique but they will also make sure that the student has a practical application for it by having the student engage in serious sparring sessions before any fight so that they will know what to expect. While it might seem strange to some, many martial arts’ academies do not even allow sparring, either deeming it unnecessary or fearing that students will be injured. Yet some of these schools will actually allow their students to enter competitions without ever experiencing real contact in sparring and it is this that will actually increase their risks for injury once they truly step foot in the ring. Also, many martial arts’ schools in the Hudson Valley and elsewhere do not have an actual boxing ring so they are unprepared for the environment under which they will be competing. This is not a problem at Precision with our new sixteen by sixteen foot ring. Strikers at Precision will also have rounds set with timers that will sound at the end of each to prepare them for the short bursts necessary during a competition bout. Nothing is left to chance and we make sure our fighters are ready for everything they will experience come fight night.

Finally, if Mixed Martial Arts is a goal of the Precision trainee, a better coach cannot be found than in our head instructor Brian McLaughlin. McLaughlin is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and two-time MMA champion who boasts an impressive 6-2 record and has even competed on the UFC’s reality show T.U.F, season eight. McLaughlin teaches his MMA students everything they will need to find success in the cage. Often neglected by other martial arts’ schools, McLaughlin teaches his students proper nutrition and weight cutting skills so that they can make the right competition weight and feel strong and healthy when stepping out there. The MMA classes themselves focus on all aspects of mixed martial arts, including ground and pound, fusing takedowns with strikes, getting back to one’s feet and defending from the bottom against an opponent on top, as well as many other elements. Brian also makes sure that all his aspiring competitors have the necessary cardio to deal with the pace of an MMA fight, and even has many tips to dealing with the mental stresses of fighting which he has learned through his actual ring experience.

In summary, no matter what style of martial art a student wishes to compete in, Precision MMA in the Hudson Valley will be able to adequately prepare them. Don’t waste your time training with coaches who claim to know what it takes to fight without ever having put the gloves on themselves. Try us out for 30 free days and see all we have to offer the aspiring competitor.

Get Started at Precision Mixed Martial Arts Today! Make sure to ask about our 30-day FREE trial!

Read even more about Hudson Valley MMA

Poughkeepsie Martial Arts – The Gentle Art of Jiu-Jitsu: From Ancient Japan to Modern Day Poughkeepsie, New York

BJJ, martial arts, MMA, self defense No Responses »

Feb 282013

BJJ at Poughkeepsie Martial Arts

From its earliest origins in 17^th century Japan to its 21^st century application at Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie, New York, the martial art of “Jiu-Jitsu” has been a way for smaller opponents to overcome their larger adversaries. Translated from Japanese, “Jiu” literally means “gentle” and “Jitsu”, “art”. Akiyama Shirobei Yoshitoki created the first style of Jiu-Jitsu, “The Willow School”, over 400 years ago based on the ability of the branches of willow trees to withstand large amounts of snow fall by yielding to the pressure. Though this martial art adapted over the years and became the basis for Judo and later Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the focus would remain the same: teaching students to prevail in fights by utilizing the least amount of force.

In 20^th century Brazil, Helio Gracie used these same principles to create the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Growing up, Helio was a frail child. In fact, during most of his youth he was so weak due to illness that he could not even train and learned simply by watching his older brother Carlos in his lessons with Esae Maeda, the first Japanese foreigner to bring Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil. Later Helio’s physical weakness became Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s gain as he adapted the style to work for smaller and less athletic students. When his son Royce competed in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, he too was smaller and weaker than most of his opponents, yet he overcame all of them by using superior technique and the principle of yielding. In fact, he defeated his first opponent in that tournament, the boxer Art Jimmerson, without landing one punch by simply taking him down and holding him in the mounted position until he became so frustrated he simply gave up and tapped out.

Precision Mixed Martial Arts in Poughkeepsie, New York boasts a direct lineage all the way back to Helio Gracie who himself can trace his Jiu-Jitsu lineage back to the founder of the Willow School. The gentle art has spanned four centuries and thousands of miles from Japan to Brazil to Poughkeepsie, New York. However, the goal of Jiu-Jitsu instructors at Precision remains the same today as it did in antiquity: for the teacher to impart the lesson of yielding to his student so that he can use minimal effort for maximum effect. A Jiu-Jitsu practitioner wants to defeat his opponent by using as little strength as possible, and also by doing as little damage as possible to his attacker. In fact, one of the greatest current Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts and UFC fighters, Demian Maia, has been quoted as saying that he believes the best expression of his expertise in this martial art is to be able to win a fight without once striking his opponent.

Much like Maia, and similar to Royce Gracie in his first UFC fight, Precision Mixed Martial Arts in Poughkeepsie’s head instructor Brian McLaughlin won his first MMA fight without landing a single punch and without being hit once. In only twenty-two seconds, Brian tripped his opponent to the mat, established control, applied a choke and got him to submit. This is a perfect expression of the same martial art created centuries ago in Japan, and Brian imparts these same skills to his students during his martial arts classes in Poughkeepsie. One student at Precision who has learned the lesson of yielding as well as any is Brown Belt Karl Nemeth. Despite being only about 145lbs and smaller than most of his competition he is often able to use his technique to defeat much larger and stronger opponents in competition. The reason Karl is able to do this is because he grasps the concept of “yielding” that is so stressed in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When faced with a larger opponent, instead of trying to over power them or forcefully gain top position, he recognizes that his best course of action is to relax and use technique and flexibility to gain the upper hand. This is the essence of Jiu-Jitsu that the original “Willow School” was founded upon.

However, the lesson of yielding stressed in martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu is not always an easy one to learn. When struggling with an adversary who wants to choke, strike or torque one’s limbs, it is a natural reaction to become tense, and to try to fight back using more strength than is necessary, or even useful. The lessons taught at Precision Mixed Martial Arts in Poughkeepsie teach proper body mechanics so students never waste their energy while grappling. Every movement is based on economy of motion: achieving the greatest result with the least amount of effort. For example, the famous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Marcello Garcia only weights 170lbs, but knows so much about proper body mechanics that he is able to make himself feel twice his weight while on top of an opponent without exerting extra energy. And while this concept is important in sport competition, it is absolutely essential for street self-defense. While one may be able to out muscle the opponent in a local Poughkeepsie tournament and get away with it, in the end they may leave themselves physically exhausted and depleted. Such exhaustion is excusable during sport competition, but can lead to disaster in a self-defense scenario where one’s ability to survive the altercation is dependent upon how much energy they can conserve. Martial artists must expect that if attacked in the street they may have an adrenaline dump that will leave them physically drained. They must expect that they will be up against bigger, stronger attackers, possibly multiple and possibly armed. Furthermore, they will probably not even know the attack is coming. With all the odds stacked in the attacker’s favor the last thing a martial artist wants is to be tense and to use too much strength giving the attacker an even greater advantage. The lessons taught in Jiu-Jitsu will allow the student to prepare for being overpowered, and this will in turn allow him to remain calm and use his superior technique to survive. The economy of motion taught in Jiu-Jitsu is based upon muscle memory: the student becomes so used to performing the same movements in a relaxed motion that when it comes time to put his skills to use, “muscling” his opponent is hardly even an option. In fact, it would require undoing what has already been learned. Because of this martial art’s focus on muscle memory and economy of motion, all reactions are natural and do not require actual “thought”. In the same way that the techniques taught in our Poughkeepsie Mixed Martial Arts classes do not require physical strength, neither do they require mental exertion. To quote the great Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Saulo Ribiero, in Jiu-Jitsu “if you think, you’re late. If you’re late, you muscle. If you muscle, you get tired. If you’re tired, you die.”

Aside from physical “yielding”, Precision Mixed Martial Arts in Poughkeepsie, New York teaches the lesson of mental yielding as well. At Precision we do not train with egos. Beginning students often have a competitive mentality and do not want to submit while grappling, but they quickly learn that tapping is a part of regular training. In fact, if one trains regularly but is never submitted, it most likely means that they are not challenging themselves enough. In the long run, this lack of physical and mental challenge creates rigidity, and rigidity is the opposite of the “gentle way”. However, what is so great about the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu is that it can be trained at full speed without hurting one’s opponent. Two students can grapple at a high pace, and yet if one gets the other into a submission, it is easy to let go without causing harm. And while this principle is true of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a whole, there are still schools whose teachers do not stress this enough. The practice of catch and release is emphasized at Precision Mixed Martial Arts in Poughkeepsie so that we can continue to train hard every day. And finally, Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie is a school where it’s students are encouraged to think outside of the box. If one technique is not working, another may. We like to think that our students do not stick to one style or routine and that if need be, they can be as flexible as a willow branch.

The essence of the martial art of Jiu-Jitsu has never changed: to overcome superior force through superior technique and flexibility of mind and body. Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie has not forgotten its roots in either ancient Japanese or 20^th century Brazilian culture.

For more information on Poughkeepsie Martial Arts, visit our website: http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com

About the author

Jamey Bazes is a lifelong martial artist holding a brown belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kenpo Karate. He also holds a master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. He is a student of Precision Mixed Martial Arts in LaGrange, NY (near Poughkeepsie) and a decorated competitor including a Delaware Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu State Championship and a NAGA World Title. to train with Jamey in Poughkeepsie NY check out Precision MMA http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com

Poughkeepsie MMA – From Humble Beginnings

martial arts, MMA No Responses »

Feb 182013

Poughkeepsie MMA

I travel far and wide to train with the top martial artists I can find. When I come across a good thing I always try and share it with my students – I’ve lead many Precision MMA students from Poughkeepsie on field trips to some of the top MMA gyms in the Northeast. The comment that gets repeated to me the most during these trips is “That kid with the pony tail is REALLY good!” The long haired fellow in question is of course coach Karl. Striking or grappling Karl’s unique style and innovative techniques turn heads among even the best and brightest of the sport. The popular belief is that Karl was a martial arts protege who was hitting omoplatas and high kicks with surgical Precision from day 1. Few people realize that along the way to his current success Karl overcame deficiencies that would have scared away many.

When Karl first came in to try out class he looked like Kurt Cobain after a hunger strike. He was very out of shape and initially could only take a few classes a week because his body couldn’t handle regular exercise. The experienced students would tie him in knots and the new guys could muscle him around. However, Karl had a secret weapon that would allow him to quickly rise through the ranks and achieve his martial arts goals. He had a thirst for knowledge and enjoyed the journey. While other students would beat their heads against walls if they couldn’t effortlessly tap everyone in class Karl had a smile on his face every time he would get submitted. Rather than taking nights off to party Karl would stay late and ask questions about mixed martial arts. Instead of being discouraged by the lack of immediate promotion Karl prepared himself for a long martial arts journey in Poughkeepsie.

Helio Gracie once said “the primary objective of jiu-jitsu is to empower the weak”. The real magic of martial arts training is the transformation of a student from frail and unassuming to confident and powerful. The unfortunate part is that too often students fall short of fulfilling this incredible change due to frustration or lack of confidence. Karl’s progression didn’t happen overnight, but his passion for the martial arts and belief in his trainers carried him through the trying times. His progress is now a shining example of what is possible if you stay the course and enjoy the journey in Poughkeepsie Mixed Martial Arts.

Technique coupled with dedication can overcome any physical disadvantage. Jean Jacques Machado became a Jiu-Jitsu world champion despite being born without fingers on his left hand, Anthony Robles becomes an NCAA National wrestling champion while having only 1 leg, Helio Gracie became the most influential fighter and martial artist of his generation yet as a youth he had fainting and dizziness so severe he was not allowed to take PE class. Natural ability and physical tools are hardly prerequisites for Poughkeepsie MMA success, a positive attitude and unyielding dedication will more than suffice.

See you on the mat

“When I started I was the skinny kid – I had never done any martial arts training. I was slower, weaker and less explosive than everyone I worked with…at the time all I really had going for me was that I loved it” – Karl Nemeth

Want to learn more about how you can become a martial artists like Karl Nemeth? Give us a call at 845-392-8495 or drop in at 1097 Route 55, Lagrangeville NY.

Precision Mixed Martial Arts
1097 Route 55, Lagrangeville NY 12540
845-392-8495

Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) How Precision MMA Provides a Superior Program

BJJ, jiu-jitsu, martial arts No Responses »

Feb 092013

Precision MMA’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program – The Finest in Poughkeepsie, NY

by Jamey Bazes

BJJ Brown Belt and Senior Student at Precision MMA near Poughkeepsie, NY

Poughkeepsie Brazilian jiu-jitsu

A lot has changed in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since it was first used by Royce Gracie to win the first Ultimate Fighting Championship back in 1993. Back in the mid to late 90s, legitimate Poughkeepsie BJJ schools were very hard to come across, and if you were lucky enough to find one, chances are the instructor would not be a black belt or even close to expert level. Much of this was because the majority of black belts still resided in Brazil.

Fast forward to 2013 and not only is it not a novelty for a small town like Poughkeepsie, NY to have a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school with a black belt instructor, but it is not uncommon for even very rural and sparsely populated areas to have more than one school, not to mention the competition in larger urban areas. Competition between BJJ schools is fierce these days and so each must try to offer the highest quality product and provide something that the others don’t so as to stand out and stay in business.

Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie New York is well aware of this competition, and because we truly care about our students we are constantly striving to provide the best instruction possible. Precision stands out from the competitors in many ways. One way we stand out is that we offer both Gi and No-Gi classes and equal emphasis on both. While this is becoming more common, there are still many schools which are mainly one or the other, but Precision caters to both styles equally.

Poughkeepsie Brazilian jiu-jitsu

One of the more important ways in which our Poughkeepsie BJJ program stands out from others is that we place emphasis on takedowns. There are still far too many schools that grapple exclusively from the knees and the students do not even realize how much this hurts their games. All Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, MMA fights and street fights start from the feet, so whatever your motivation for training, if you are not learning takedowns your needs are not being met. In fact, when someone takes BJJ classes at Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie New York, they are not learning one style of grappling, they are learning seven separate styles. Our advanced no-gi classes are taught by two instructors who share the stage: a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and Professional MMA fighter is there to teach the ground game, and then the takedown instruction is provided by one of any number of our division one wrestlers. As such, you will be learning not only BJJ, but Freestyle, Folk style and Greco-Roman Wrestling in our Jiu-Jitsu classes. We also have elements of Russian Sambo and Catch As Catch Can Wrestling that are mixed in for added effect.

Likewise, our advanced Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes are taught by both a BJJ black belt and a world class Judo Black Belt. Throws and trips from Kodokan Judo are emphasized on the feet and this is something that very few schools offer these days. What we produce are students who are well rounded, who know how to perform and defend against takedowns both with and without the Gi, and who know all facets of the ground game, including leg locks, which are another area which many schools neglect because they are afraid of the risk of training with them. However our school stresses safety in performing all techniques, another area that many Poughkeepsie area schools neglect.

Poughkeepsie Brazilian jiu-jitsu

All too often, BJJ schools are loosely run. We have all seen those schools where every training session is fought like a tournament match, and this behavior causes injuries. At Precision MMA, if an opponent refuses to tap to a submission, then catch and release is practiced, meaning that the hold will be relinquished. We do not have an ego at Precision. We also recognize that upper level belts can be tapped by lower level belts. In fact, we hope that this happens because it shows improvement in the lower ranks. We do not gossip at the end of the day about who tapped whom or make a big deal of it if a lower belt submits a higher one because we realize this is a natural result of regular training. We feel it is important to stress good sportsmanship and the results speak for themselves. Inevitably, if you train with an ego there will be a price to pay, whether it is an injury to yourself or a training partner, or simply a bullying mentality that is fostered. A good Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu studio should never encourage this.

In addition, we provide an atmosphere that is neither too loose nor too formal. While respect for one’s instructors is paramount, the rigidly traditional routines of some schools can be off putting to some students who are new to the Martial Arts. Precision MMA Jiu-Jitsu classes are run so that they are fun as well as character building and we like to think of our coaches as friends, not merely superiors.

Poughkeepsie Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Precision MMA also emphasizes hygiene and cleanliness in our BJJ facility, which is of the utmost importance these days. With serious staph infections like MRSA and lesser skin afflictions around, keeping the mats sanitized is nothing to take lightly. At Precision our mats are sprayed and mopped after every single class and our equipment sprayed down. Students are also told not to train if they think they may have some sort of skin infection and the instructors keep a keen eye out for them so that nothing spreads. We pride ourselves on being the cleanest gym in all of Poughkeepsie.

Another distinguishing factor about Precision’s Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program is our structure: when it comes time to spar we do not choose our own partners without the instructors consent or sit out whenever we feel the desire. Instead, our instructors are careful to place various students together for specific reasons. Perhaps the teacher feels that a newer student needs the help of a senior one, so he will match them up. Or maybe one student will be training for a competition and need to be matched with more skilled students to test them. One student may be injured and need to train with someone more accustomed to going light. Our instructors take all of these factors into account and none of our training is done randomly.

Finally, Precision MMA’s BJJ program caters to the specific needs of our students. We know that different people train for different reasons so we cover all of our bases. Some students train for self defense, and so which moves would be better or worse for a street fight scenario are discussed in class so that everyone is aware that not all moves should be used in all situations. Since some students train for competition, we cover this as well, and make students aware of how many tournaments utilize their point systems. Or if someone is simply at Precision to get in better shape, they can easily achieve this aim since our classes all have serious warm ups and conditioning exercises designed equally to aid with strength, flexibility, cardio and avoiding injuries. We even have instructors who are knowledgeable about diet and who are willing to provide tips on nutrition for those interested in losing weight.

Overall, whatever your motivation for training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Precision MMA’s program will meet your needs. We are confident you will not find all of these aspects covered at just any Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu school. The proof is in the product, try us out for 30 days of free training and see for yourself.

To start your 30 Day FREE Trial of Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiebrazilianjiu-jitsu.com

Poughkeepsie Martial Arts at Precision MMA

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Feb 082013

Interested in Poughkeepsie Martial Arts? Precision MMA now offers a 30 Day FREE Trial call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com

Poughkeepsie martial arts

When I began training Poughkeepsie martial arts back in 1999 the term “mixed martial arts” was so esoteric that when I brought it up in conversation it was like I was speaking a foreign language. The UFC was off pay per view and no one had aspirations of being a cage fighter. The few people that did train had the attitude of superiority with their chosen style. This was especially true of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

I remember telling my Poughkeepsie martial arts Jiu-Jitsu coach at the time that I was thinking of wrestling with my high school. He was very displeased and told me, through his thick Portuguese accent, “Wrestling is all strength, why you want to do? A wrestler take you down, you choke him”. That was the line of thinking back then. My style is better than yours, no need to learn, no need to evolve.

Following the success of The Ultimate Fighter and the subsequent explosion of the UFC, mixed martial arts became a world wide sensation. Every Poughkeepsie martial arts school, even those operating for over a decade as a single style, became “MMA Gyms” and although the signs outside the gym were painted over, very little changed within the curriculum of these gyms. The grappling schools added a few heavy bags and the striking schools learned a few headlocks, but few instructors expanded their horizons and rarely were outsiders brought in to even out the program.

I’m proud to say that my Poughkeepsie martial arts gym did not follow suite. Today we have individual experts in Judo, BJJ, Wrestling, Boxing, and Muay Thai. There is no sense of superiority of one style over another and a genuine desire amongst the head instructors to absorb everything that each style has to offer.

At Precision “Mixed Martial Arts” is not just a marketing ploy. December 11^th was a big day for our competition team. It started off when Derrick Feliciano (Little “D”) won his scholastic wrestling tournament. Later in the evening coach Karl Nemeth won the 155 pound AKBF Muay Thai title and John Joy won the 160 pound AKBF Boxing title. At the event I found out that Will Nagy took home 1^st place at the Fort Dix Combatives tournament (combatives is a military hand to hand fighting styling mixing grappling and striking). Not only did we have four competitors take home gold, they competed in four distinct styles of martial arts. From grappling to striking they were all able to successfully compete while training under one roof. In addition, the competitors they defeated were specialized in only their one discipline. I’m very happy to say Precision has risen above the dogmatic thinking of the past and evolved into one of the only true MMA gyms in the Poughkeepsie martial arts world. Although the results are pleasing our journey is far from its destination. Remember to keep your eyes open and absorb all that the martial arts world has to offer – regardless of what “style” may be attached to it.

Check out Poughkeepsie martial arts at Precision MMA FREE for 30 Days Click HERE or call 845-392-8495 and get started today

Poughkeepsie Martial Arts Journey With Precision MMA

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Feb 082013

Precision MMA is currently the largest martial arts school in the entire Poughkeepsie area. Owner and head instructor Brian McLaughlin talks about his martial arts journey as a Poughkeepsie kid in the Hudson Valley.

Poughkeepsie martial arts

I’ve lived in the Poughkeepsie area my entire life. I went to Arlington high school and studied at SUNY New Paltz in college. Growing up Poughkeepsie was known for a lot of things, but elite martial arts training was not one of them. Since the age of 15 I’ve been completely obsessed with martial arts – instead of going to prom I worked on my triangle chokes, for my 21st birthday I prepared for a tournament the next day, I picked my college classes around my martial arts training schedule.

Unfortunately, seeking out the best martial arts training meant traveling…a lot. Poughkeepsie wasn’t home to spectacular jiu-jitsu fighters or knockout artists. I would go to Danbury, CT to learn muay thai, Westchester to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kingston to learn boxing. I always dreamed of one day bringing my martial arts knowledge back home to Poughkeepsie, so that others in my home town could have access to the type of training I had to travel far and wide for.

I first began teaching martial arts in 2004 in the back of a Kung Fu school just outside Poughkeepsie with about 500 sq feet of mats. When I first began my only students were my roommate, brother and girlfriend. Eventually I expanded to include a handful of my college buddies.

We later moved to the back of a fitness gym called “Crush” before jumping over to the attic of a physical therapy center. Things were rough back then. The roof would leak, the therapy clients would complain about the noise and once or twice a bat even flew into my office. We pushed on though and slowly but surely our reputation grew and our membership increased.

Today Precision has packed classes with numerous expert coaches running classes around the clock. I fell very fortunate to be able to share my martial arts journey with so many incredible people! Although our instructors have always been world class and our students are making great strides, our facility for many years remained modest. However, after negotiating with numerous landlords in an attempt to expand a deal was finally reached and Precision moved into its brand new facility.

Finally Poughkeepsie would have a world class martial arts facility. Space is no longer an issue – our facility is 5,000 square feet, we have a full size boxing ring, heavy bags, thai pads, crash mats, shower facilities, leather couches and more training space than any Poughkeepsie martial arts school – my dream has become a reality.

Now Poughkeepsie martial artists have access to MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champions with classes 7 days a week in a beautiful facility. Precision MMA stands as proof that if you work hard and surround yourself with positive people good things will come.

Precision MMA is in such high demand that many of our students travel from Wappingers Falls, Pleasant Valley, LaGrangeville, Hopewell Junction, New Paltz, Pawling and Millbrook for our incredible martial arts classes and outstanding reputation. We are so confident that you will love Precision MMA that we even offer a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. No other Poughkeepsie martial arts school has the confidence to do that!

Now Precision wants to share all it has to offer with YOU. We are giving away a 30 Day FREE Trial to find out more call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com and get started with the best martial arts school in Poughkeepsie, NY!

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