Not all boxing programs are created equal. Some are only for the hardened veterans, those who have competed before and just need a little tweaking here and there by expert coaches in order to further their potential. These gyms tend to overlook the beginners and those who are looking to box casually. Precision MMA in Dutchess County has a boxing program which never overlooks the casuals or the novice students. We have teachers who are patient and will work to help anyone who is willing to put in the time.
Our head boxing coach Derrick Ohlhoff, who is a 3 times Golden Gloves’ boxing champion, has been teaching at Dutchess Counties’ Precision MMA for almost five years now. Because he has seen it at all and trained with pro boxers like Zuri Lawerence and Brian Barbosa, but also remembers well his days as a beginner and has seen what it takes to get new boxers to a high level, he is quite adept at teaching the new prospects who walk through our doors. Derrick is extremely patient and has a good sense of humor which attracts younger boxers who might at first be a bit intimidated and expecting that boxing will be a grueling affair with strict coaches. Derrick is all about the fundamentals, and these are what beginners need more than anything else. He lets the novice students know when they are experiencing progress every step of the way, since new boxers may often not realize that their technique is improving with rapid speed, and being told so increases their confidence and makes them want to attend more classes.
Dutchess County’s boxing program at Precision MMA also has a great coach in Jon Russo. Russo is also excellent at teaching beginners because not only does he also have ring experience but he has a great sense of humor and is truly one of the “young at heart”. Russo has also trained in Martial Arts such as Jeet Kune Do and Taekwondo and has a keen eye for practical self-defense, so this combined with his sense of playfulness has allowed him to create many fun and creative training exercises for the beginners. The younger students in particular rave about Jon’s training methodologies and are always wondering what new training technique he might introduce next. He has all the fundamentals of boxing down, yet is not one to think rigidly and can adjust his teaching methods to his students’ personalities.
Dutchess County Boxing
Finally, Jon Joy is perhaps our most beginner-friendly coach. This is probably because despite the fact that Joy has improved tremendously in record time and now has several amateur boxing wins under his belt, it was not long ago that he was also a beginner learning the sweet science in Dutchess County at Precision MMA. Remembering what was imparted to him early on, Joy focuses intently on those fundamentals so essential to early progress in the sport of boxing, such as footwork and head movement.
Because Precision MMA in Dutchess County has three patient, good-natured instructors with varying teaching styles we are an excellent gym for beginning boxers. Don’t be shy, come box with us for 30 free days and you’ll be hooked in no time.
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.poughkeepsieboxing.com
