Coach Brian wins!

Aug 212017

Precision Boxing & MMA head coach Brian McLaughlin made his return to professional competition at Submission Series Pro’s “Chokes by the Ocean” in Nova Scotia, Canada. The international event was a submission grappling competition featuring some of the top talent from around the US and Canada. Coach Brian was set to face Andrew Tenneson from the famed Jackson/Wink academy. Jackson/Wink is largely considered the best MMA team in the entire world, boasting current and former UFC champion fighters such as Jon Jones, Carlos Condit, Holly Holm and George St. Pierre. Andrew is an instructor at Jackson/Wink as well as an accomplished fighter with a 8-1 combined MMA record. The match was fast paced with numerous close submission attempts by each. In the end Brian’s combination of wrestling, top control and submission attempts secured him the judges decision. Coach Brian proved that even if you’re from the small town of Poughkeepsie, NY you can compete against fighters from the top MMA school on the globe. If you’d like to see the world class training Precision Boxing & MMA has to offer give us a call at 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com

Precision MMA

Precision MMA Fights for the Forgotten

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Feb 032017

Justin Wren was a mixed martial artist who decided to change the world. Seeking a greater purpose in life, he put his fighting career on hold and set out to make a difference in the lives of those who needed it most. He traveled deep into the jungles of the Congo where he met the Mbuti Pygmies, a persecuted group that lives in slavery and abject poverty.

Justin found the Mbuti Pygmies to be caring, warmhearted people, but watched them be denied the most basic of human rights. Over the next four years, Wren made several trips to the Congo, with one lasting a full year for Wren to stay with the Pygmy people. He lived in the same twig-and-leaf huts they did, slept on the jungle floor and immersed himself in their culture. The Pygmies gave him the name Eféosa, which means “The Man Who Loves Us.”

“I knew for the Pygmies to be free they needed to own their own land, have access to clean water, and develop sustainable agriculture – all for the first time,” says Wren. “I founded the Fight for the Forgotten initiative to work to provide those things to them. With these three simple things, we can begin to break the chain of poverty, suffering, and even modern day slavery.”

Since 2011, Justin and Fight for the Forgotten have provided nearly 3,000 acres of land and 25 water wells to the Pygmies. They have fulltime staff of 18 Congolese nationals who specialize in community development who are working to drill new wells and teach the Pygmies farming practices.

Precision MMA has joined Justin’s fight and this past year they worked to raise nearly $7,000.00 for Water4, the organization that is working to bring clean water to the Mbuti Pygmies and others across the globe who do not have access to clean drinking water.

Here, Justin personally thanks all the generous members of Precision MMA and talks about how the funds raised will be put to good use.

Precision at UFC 200

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Jul 142016

This weekend Precision Mixed Martial Arts head coach Brian McLaughlin made the journey to Las Vegas to corner his student Jim Miller in his UFC 200 bout against Takanori Gomi. The former Pride and Shooto champion, Gomi is widely regarded as one of the best lightweight fighters of all time. Jim was in a must win situation against a very dangerous opponent, but rose to the occasion in dramatic fashion.

Jim followed the game plan perfectly and showed off his world class Brazilian Jiu-jitsu taking the back and quickly scoring a crowd pleasing TKO stoppage victory. This victory made Jim the first fighter in UFC history to earn victories at both UFC 100 and UFC 200!

Do you dream of fighting in the UFC? Precision MMA near Poughkeepsie, NY can help make your dreams a reality. Call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started!

Precision MMA Coach Brian McLaughlin

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Jan 302016

Precision’s head coach Brian McLaughlin was featured in Samuel Rivera’s youtube channel. Sam profiles different BJJ Black Belts around the Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts world to bring to life their stories and philosophies. Precision was pleased to welcome him as he profiled our head coach. Coach Brian talks about his journey to black belt, his passion for teaching children as well as some of his proudest accomplishments. Check it out!

To train with Brian check out www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com

Brian McLaughlin A Lifetime of Martial Arts

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Nov 052015

For the instructors at Precision MMA martial arts is more than a hobby, it is a way of life. Head coach Brian McLaughlin started his training back in 1999 as a sophomore in high school. He began with Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a way to learn self-defense. He quickly became obsessed with jiu-jitsu training twice daily. He started his jiu-jitsu journey under black belt Fernando “Cabeca” Sarmento and Marco Delima. Fernando and Marco later relocated and Brian went on to train with Rob Kahn and Steve Kardian of Thornwood Jiu-jitsu. As he began gaining jiu-jitsu knowledge his desire to become a complete grappler grew and he began training wrestling under Olympian Dan Sanchez and Hudson Valley standouts Eric Amato and Ian Lindars and Judo under Dutch national team member Jerry Fokas. This unique combination of wrestling, judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gives Brian a perspective on the art of grappling that few can rival. Around 2005 Brian met Kyokushin karate black belt, golden gloves veteran and muay thai fighter Shennen Maceo. Brian began training privately with sensei Maceo and sparring with the Tiger Schulmann professional fight team. As he progressed he decided to pursue professional mixed martial arts competition. Brian quickly climbed the ranks, winning his first 5 fights by submission all in the first round. Brian continued his martial arts growth boxing at Demorest boxing where he became a student of one of the top amateur fighters in the region and now famed trainer Derrek Ohlhoff. Derrek refined Brian’s technique and had him sparring at many of the region’s toughest boxing gyms. At this time Brian was invited to compete in the UFC’s tournament “The Ultimate Fighter”. Brian was pitted against tough veteran and fellow jiu-jitsu expert Brandon Gardner. Brian dominated the fight and moved on in the competition. However, a post-fight medical exam revealed that he had suffered a broken nose in the fight and was deemed medically ineligible to continue. With his mixed martial arts career on hold Brian focused on furthering his accomplishments in the sport of grappling and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Brian earned submission victories against some of the toughest competitors in the world including Ryan Hall and Wilson Reis – both current starts in the UFC. Brian furthered his mixed martial arts training by joining the AMA Fight Club. Here he trained Jiu-jitsu under famed Renzo Gracie Black Belt Jamey Cruz and muay thai under the legendary Kaensak Sor Ploenjit, widely considered one of the best fighters of all time from muay thai’s golden era. At AMA Brian would have access to some of the best training partners in the world including former UFC champion Frankie Edgar, former WEC champion Jamie Varner and current Bellator world champion Marcoc Galvao. In 2009 Brian would return to MMA competition to fight former BJJ world champion Rene Nazare. The fight was a back and forth battle in which Brian suffered his first professional defeat via split decision. The fight was later voted Northeast Fight of the Year. Unfortunately, following this fight Brian would have many fights fall through at the last moment and the grind of training camps resulted in numerous injuries. Brian would fight twice more before deciding to walk away from the sport and focus his efforts on coaching. In 2004 Brian began teaching while still active as a competitor. Although always a passionate instructor, Brian’s efforts were divided as he was still fighting. Once he retired and put 100% of his efforts into teaching his gym grew exponentially. Today Precision Mixed Martial Arts boasts several hundred students and is home to multiple black belt instructors, as well as golden gloves, muay thai and mixed martial arts champions. There are success stories of everyday men, women and children who have changed their lives through martial arts by learning to defend themselves, gaining discipline and focus, or regaining their health and fitness.

In the realm of professional competition Brian is currently one of the most sought after coaches in the northeast. He has coached and cornered fighters such as Jim and Dan Miller to UFC victories as well as international champions such as King of Pancrase Andy Main. His coaching has brought him across the country and around the world – from Atlantic City and Las Vegas to Tokyo, Japan and Uberlandia, Brazil.

In addition to teaching, Brian continues his martial arts study under jiu-jitsu expert and MMA legend Javier Vazquez as well as his long-time coach Derrick Ohlhoff. To gain the knowledge he currently has Brian had to train at half a dozen different gyms across three different states. The travel would become so hectic he would at times sleep in his car and live out of a suitcase. At one point he was spending over $400 per month for training. He promised himself that one day he would make sure that someone with the same passion as him would not have to go through the same hurdles to become a complete martial artist. He built Precision MMA with that vision in mind. Today Precision is the Hudson Valley’s largest martial arts facility boasting a tremendous 5,000 sq foot facility. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, muay thai, boxing and mixed martial arts can all be learned under one roof from expert coaches. Multiple classes are held 7 days a week and the gym is even open during every holiday. If you want to change your life through martial arts call Precision today at 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com

Hudson Valley Mixed Martial Arts

Brian McLaughlin Guillotine Hudson Valley MMA

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Aug 252013

Coach Brian hits a textbook “Marcelotine” choke (a variation of the guillotine shown here – MMA Tampa) in the expert division at the North American Grappling New York Championship.

Learn these and other Hudson Valley MMA techniques at Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY call 845-392-8495 or click here to get started

Hudson Valley Muay Thai Classes and Training

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Jun 172013

Hudson Valley Muay Thai at Precision MMA

Hudson Valley Muay Thai

The Hudson Valley now has a dedicated muay thai program in the heart of LaGrange, NY. Precision Mixed Martial Arts is the Hudson Valley’s best equipied and most reputable muay thai program. Muay Thai is known as the “art of eight weapons”. This title has been given due to the art’s dynamic striking which involves kicks, knees, punches and elbows. Not just for competitors, Muay Thai training also offers Hudson Valley residents a fantastic way to learn effective and realistic self defense while building strength and losing weight. Precision Mixed Martial Arts brings together Hudson valley martial artists from all walks of life with a variety of different programs available to suite each person’s unique goals.

If your goal is to get in the best shape possible while having fun and learning new techniques then our muay thai fundamentals and circuit training classes suit your perfectly. In these classes our Hudson Valley muay thai coaches put students through routines that will challenge students to reach new heights of fitness and martial arts. Our Hudson Valley martial arts coaches are not drill instructors. You’ll be learning muay thai in a safe, clean and encouraging environment where the energy is high and the atmosphere is positive and supportive. A common misconception is that you have to be “in shape” before joining muay thai. This is not true; in fact our instructors will work with you to help you reach your potential, even if you haven’t exercised in years. We’ve helped hundreds of people throughout the Hudson Valley transform themselves through our muay thai programs, we want you to be our next success story!

Hudson Valley Muay Thai

Already experienced in muay thai and looking to take your training to the next level? Are you a competitor or wish to become one? Precision has the perfect Hudson Valley Muay Thai program for you as well. The head muay thai coach at Precision Mixed Martial Arts is Karl Nemeth. Karl is a three time AKBF (American Kickboxing Federation) Muay Thai Champion. The AKBF is the largest muay thai competition in the Hudson Valley and Karl is recognized as one of the organization’s finest fighters. The coaches at Precision MMA are the most dedicated muay thai coaches in the Hudson Valley and to hone their craft they train under some of the most knowledgeable coaches in the world, including muay thai legend Kaensak Sor Poenjit. Kaensak is a veteran of over 300 fights and the only fighter to twice be awarded Thailand’s prestigious title of “Fighter of the year”. Precision coaches make the journey to Whippany New Jersey every week to learn Kaensak’s incredible techniques and pass it on to their Hudson Valley students.

Check out some of the incredible muay thai techniques being taught in the Hudson Valley at Precision MMA!

If you live in the Hudson Valley and want to train Muay Thai there is a very special offer now available. Precision MMA is offering a 30 Day Free trial for it’s muay thai program! Call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemuaythai.com to get started on your Hudson Valley Muay Thai journey today!

Dutchess County MMA Precision Mixed Martial Arts in LaGrange, NY

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Feb 082013

Dutchess County MMA Fighter Brian McLaughlin, owner and head instructor at Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY gives advice on using martial arts as a tool for growth inside the ring and out.

Precision MMA is currently offering a FREE 30 Day trial to Dutchess County residents call 845-392-8495 or visit www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started

Dutchess County MMA

Comfortably Uncomfortable

In MMA the saying “Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger” is a very popular idiom. The idea is that the path to personal growth and development is often achieved through a series of unfavorable crucibles. In 2007 I traveled far from Dutchess County to Atlantic City where I entered the Ring of Combat Beasts of the Northeast MMA Tournament. After winning the initial bouts I found myself in the tournament finals. At one point I came across a fellow fighter, Charlie Brenneman, who was a finalist in the weight class above me. We were both waiting for the elevator and Charlie decided to engage me in friendly conversation. “Don’t you just love this?” he asked me. “No! I hate fighting, I can’t wait until this is over” I replied. Charlie gave me a confused sideways look and decided against engaging me in further conversation. While not making many friends, I was being brutally honest.

Part of me hates fighting. Whenever I have an MMA match on the horizon everyday is filled with a combination of doubt, fear, anxiety and nervousness. Prior to my first fight my coach had trouble wrapping my hands because they wouldn’t stop shaking. Many people are perplexed when they discover my feelings towards fighting. Everyone simply assumes that I enjoy fighting and I’m right at home under the bright lights of competition. When I’m standing in front of a sold out MMA crowd in Atlantic City I really wish I was at home in Dutchess County. Upon discovering the truth I’m always asked why I continue to fight if it makes me so uncomfortable. The reason is that once I went through a professional fight everything else in my life was easy by comparison.

I started MMA training at 15 years old. Before I began training MMA, nervousness and anxiety took over nearly every aspect of my life. When I met people for the first time I couldn’t look them in the eye. I used to walk with my head down. I was probably the least confident teenager in all of Dutchess County. If I had to speak in front of a group my voice would quiver and I would start sweating profusely. For my first couple of months sparring terrified me, but it allowed me to face my fears in a controlled and supportive environment. Eventually getting choked, thrown and pinned by someone twice my size wasn’t so frightening. By putting myself regularly in uncomfortable situations I began to relax and my anxiety began to disappear and be replaced with a quiet confidence. The self-assurance and composure I developed through regular training was incredible, but I knew it was the result of facing a real fear and conquering it.

In my case, I decided to fight MMA specifically because it terrified me. At the time no one else in Dutchess County had ever fought MMA, I was in many ways entering uncharted territory. Once I had overcome the fear of confronting a professional fighter who was being paid to hurt me I knew I could handle anything. College exams, public speaking, even opening a business were nothing compared to being locked in a cage with someone being paid to hurt you. Anytime I feel anxiety creeping in from a situation I ask myself “is this worse that any fight you’ve been in?”. Now very few things cause me to doubt myself or truly frighten me. By placing myself in stressful situations and confronting my fears and doubts I gained a confidence and self reliance I never thought I’d posses. I truly think a martial artist should at times embrace truly stressful situations or even intentionally create them. I even preach this in my kid classes. When one of my young students hurts themselves they don’t start crying and looking for sympathy, they work through it (Pit bulls not Poodles is our saying). MMA fighting is an extreme example and I’m not trying to get everyone in Dutchess County to climb into a cage. However, I believe everyone should think of ways to challenge them self in training and at times be genuinely uncomfortable. Whether it’s pushing a little harder when you’re completely exhausted or rolling with someone much bigger and stronger than you – when you survive the anxiety you’ll walk away a stronger, prouder person.