Jan 302013
 

Jamey Bazes is a lifelong Hudson Valley martial artist and senior student at Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY.  Here he recounts how his early experiences in Karate classes and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught him valuable life lessons.

To give your child the gift of martial arts call Precision MMA today and start your FREE 30 Day Trial at 845-392-8495 or visit www.LaGrangeMartialArts.com

Hudson Valley Kids Karate Classes

Hudson Valley Kids Karate Classes

How Training in Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes as a Child Impacted My Life as an Adult

 
            I still remember being eight years old and my reaction to seeing The Karate Kid for the first time.  “I want to do that”, I said to myself.  And so it began.  Four days a week of training at my local Hudson Valley Karate classes.  I actually remember the very first technique I ever learned: a defense again a stranglehold consisting of two elbows and a hammer fist.  I remember getting back from that first class and practicing the move in my backyard under the hot July sun.  I remember feeling empowered that I actually knew how to perform a martial arts move.
Hudson Valley Karate Classes

Hudson Valley Karate Classes

Little did I know that that day in the Hudson Valley Karate class would begin my life long love affair with the martial arts and that this training would bring about many positive changes in my life as I got older.  However, even as a child I would soon find out that this path would not be an easy one.  It took me much longer to earn my first belt than most of my peers.  I clearly remember wondering why students who had begun training after me were being awarded their belts first.  Even as a young child I remember thinking to myself “is my Sensei testing me?  Is there some reason he wants to make me wait longer before giving me that next belt?”  To this day I am convinced that my Sensei was trying to teach me the lessons of patience and perseverance.  Karate classes would test me more than anything I had faced at that point in my life.  When I finally did get my first belt I would find that the next few did not come much more easily.
            Earning the right to take a “belt test”, as they were referred to, was not easy and I remember that once during karate class I asked my Sensei whether or not I was ready for the “test” yet that he responded “don’t ask me when you are ready for your next belt test, I will tell you.”  I never asked again, but it was very difficult to resist the temptation to do so.  However, whenever I would be told I was ready for my next test and the date would be set for me to prepare, I would become jubilant.  Knowing that the end was in sight and that I had a goal to work towards inspired me at this young age in a way that tests or papers in school could not.  When the tests would finally happen, they would be emotionally trying.  My instructor would stand there, stoic faced with a pen and clip board in hand watching my movements and marking things off.  I could never read his expression and would wonder the entire time “how am I doing? Am I going to pass?”  And then when the test would finally end and he would walk towards me, hand out stretched to shake mine and say “congratulations, you passed the test” the feeling of achievement would be incredible.
            The most important memory I have of my early training though was when I took my 1st degree brown belt test.  Looking back, what stands out was not the karate class where I received the belt or even the moments where I was doing well.  Rather, it is the experience of getting punched in the stomach and knocked down during a sparring session with one of my more advanced peers.  I remember that after falling I locked eyes with my instructor. As I did he looked down at me with a slight smile and a “knowing look”, as if he knew that this was an early test of my manhood and that my passing would be dependent upon my getting back to my feet again.  Of course, I did, and I passed the test. It might seem like a small moment, but afterwards I felt like the toughest man in the entire Hudson Valley.
              I only stayed in Karate class for one more belt mainly because I wanted to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Much like my early years in Karate classes, belts did not come easy.  Likewise, it had been my goal for years to take first place in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament, a task that would be years in the making. But when it did occur, and I won 2 tournaments in the span of 3 weeks, the victory felt that much sweeter because of how long it had taken me.  Three years later I would win another two tournaments in only one week’s time.  The lessons of patience and dedication I had learned as a youth in my Hudson Valley Karate classes served me well once again.
          The end result is that the martial arts training I had as a child taught me patience and perseverance.  When I would take exams in school I would usually be one of the last to finish, but I would simply smile to myself when other students would rush up to turn in their exams in only half the time, knowing that in the end I would probably do just as well as them, and I usually did.  When I worked on a farm for one summer in my adult hood and certain tasks took me longer than others, who would be quick to criticize me for being slow, I would never acknowledge their remarks, and in the end I would be praised by my boss for my attention to detail.
 I am convinced that in every martial arts instructor and every truly good teacher that I have had since my days in Karate that there has been present in each just a little bit of my first Sensei.  The lessons he taught me about persistence have stood the test of time and crossed over into these other areas of my life.  I have actually come to enjoy being made to work harder to achieve my goals, because I know that the end result will be that much more deserved.  So now when a certain endeavor takes me longer than it might take some, or I am made to wait for some reward that I am working towards, I do not lose faith or become impatient.  In fact, I would not have it any other way.
                                              To start your child in Karate classes in the Hudson Valley contact Precision MMA at 845-392-8495 or visit  www.lagrangemartialarts.com and ask about our FREE 30 Day Trial
Jan 092013
 

 

Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

 

Looks can be deceiving, when one sees someone just shy of 6 feet weighing 140 pounds soaking wet they typically aren’t intimidated; especially when he has a pony tail and bears a striking resemblance to the lead singer of Alice in Chains.

Karl is an exception to the rule.  In the competitive martial arts world of chest thumping machismo he maintains a quiet demeanor and unassuming presence.  Opponents and spectators alike take one look at him and think; this kid is going to get killed.  What they don’t realize is that underestimation is the ace up his sleeve.

In the bustling metropolis that is Wilmington Delaware Karl’s skills would once again be on display.  He was grappling for the right to be best in the Diamond State – it may not impress women at the watering hole, but in the BJJ world it earns you some legit street cred.

After dismantling his first few foes Karl was facing a tall task against a very skilled John Malkovitch lookalike with a lethal open guard.  The two traded sweeps and takedowns with Karl’s opponent eventually progressing from side control to mount.  For a moment it looked as if we would have to settle for the silver medal, however Karl quickly recovered his guard and began rattling off submission attempts like machine gun set to full auto.  A dizzing scramble of omoplatas, sweeps and back takes ended with a locked in mata leao (the more popular nomenclature is “rear naked choke” but this is a family blog).

Under normal circumstances, when someone locks in a choke and shuts off the blood supply to the brain people admit defeat, tap out and hope their girlfriend didn’t just see that. However, when plastic trophies are on the line people do some crazy things. Karl’s opponent is up on points and he’s NOT going to tap.  From the sidelines my coaching has been reduced to yelling “SQUEEZE!” at ear piercing disciples about 30 or so times.  As instructed Karl gives an extra dose of elbow grease and chokes him opponent unconscious.  While obviously, not the smartest strategy, part of me admired his opponent’s stubbornness.  After his coach administered a mildly awkward back massage he awoke and looked up at the referee and asked, “Did I win?”

Reflecting on the events that just transpired our erudite camera man summed up the events beautifully.  In his best Steve Carell voice “Karl…puts people to sleep”

Has it always been your dream to choke people out on camera? Check out Precision MMA’s Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program FREE for 30 Days call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started!  You won’t find a better Poughkeepsie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program anywhere in the Hudson Valley – Guaranteed.

Dec 042012
 

At Precision MMA kids training is never stale or boring.  Our kids learn the most cutting edge techniques in the sport of mixed martial arts on a regular basis.  In this video, Precision MMA student 10 year old Richard works with Poughkeepsie’s AKBF Muay Thai champion Karl Nemeth.

Richard is working on muay thai front and round kicks as well as a fake kick into a flying, or “Superman” punch.  This is the same technique utilized by George St. Pierre in his UFC title fights.  Precision MMA is the only Poughkeepsie kids martial arts school that teaches these sophisticated techniques.

Poughkeepsie Kids martial arts classes at Precision MMA

Poughkeepsie Kids martial arts classes at Precision MMA

At Precision MMA we think its important to give kids realistic techniques that have been tested and proven at the highest levels.  You will know that your child can defend himself against in any situation and that he is developing the athleticism and training of a professional level athlete.  Above all though – we keep the training fun!

To give your child all the benefits of mixed martial arts training call Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie today 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.lagrangemartialarts.com

 

 

Nov 132012
 

LaGrange, NY’s Jason Cahill of Precision MMA scores Highlight Reel Knockout!

In the first muay thai bout of his career Jason Cahill looked like a seasoned veteran. Representing Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY Jason had trained 6 weeks for this night. Taking the center of the ring and throwing strong kicks, he was looking for the finish right out of the gate.  His big opportunity came after he back stepped to avoid a spinning back fist.  Jason fired his head kick full force and hit his mark, earning him knockout of the night honors.

This fight was the exclamation point on a perfect night for Precision MMA.  The LaGrange, NY fight team went 5-0 with two knock outs, showing that they are a real force in the Poughkeepsie area.  Coached by AKBF Muay Thai champion Karl Nemeth, Golden Gloves champion Derrick Ohlhoff and professional MMA fighter Brian McLaughlin Precision MMA is the Hudson Valley’s most experienced martial arts staff.

Precision MMA fighters will make the trip from LaGrange, NY over to Danbury, CT for more muay thai action December 8th.  Keep your eyes on upcoming fighters Ed David and Jenny Vitetta as they put their Precision MMA skills on the line.

Interested in training at Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY? Precision MMA is now offering a 30 Day FREE Trial just call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started.

Sep 132012
 

Hudson Valley residents now have dedicated Poughkeepsie Boxing training center at Precision MMA

Poughkeepsie Boxing

Poughkeepsie Boxing

Precision’s Poughkeepsie Boxing program is open to people of all ages and experience levels, from first day beginners to elite professional boxers and mixed martial artists.  For years, Hudson Valley residents had to choose from two extremes in the Poughkeepsie Boxing world.  The first were ‘boxercising gyms’.  These were health clubs that had nice facilities and amenities, but minimally trained instructors with very unrealistic training.  If you were serious about learning the sweet science and taking your training into the ring, you were out of luck.  The second option for those seeking Poughkeepsie Boxing were the hardcore ‘dungeon gyms”.  Although these gyms often had legitimate fighters on staff, the facilities were often in ruins and the gyms were located in dangerous neighborhoods.  Often times new boxers would be ignored or used as punching bags for the more seasoned boxers.

Precision’s Poughkeepsie Boxing program is different.  Our staff is made up of real boxers including 3 time NY state Golden Gloves Champion Derek Ohlhoff and AKBF Boxing Champion John Joy.  Our training program is reaslistic and battle tested.  However, we also have a specially crafted fundamentals program specifically designed for the brand new Poughkeepsie Boxing student.  You won’t get beat up and no one is ever forced to spar.

So whether you’re looking to get in great shape and experience the thrill of learning boxing or if you’d like to have your name up in lights and step into the ring Precision MMA’s Poughkeepsie Boxing program can get you to your goals.  Give us a call at 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsieboxing.com and get started on your FREE 30 Day trial.

 

Aug 302012
 

Precision MMA Coach Helps the UFC’s Dan Miller win Submission of the Night

Every fighter dreams of stepping into the UFC octagon and every UFC fighter hopes to take home a big time bonus for a spectacular finish.  Precision MMA coach Brian McLaughlin got to be part of just such an occurrence when he journeyed from Poughkeepsie, NY to Atlantic City to corner Dan Miller at the UFC on FX. Miller enlisted the help of the Hudson Valley coach as he prepared to face BJJ black Belt Ricardo Funch.  For previous fights Brian had helped Dan’s younger brother Jim Miller prepare for battle inside the octagon, but this would be his first time in Dan’s corner.

From day 1 the focus of the training camp was getting the submission.  After reviewing tape on Funch, Brian saw a few weaknesses Dan could exploit.  The biggest being an opening for a guillotine choke.  For weeks Dan drilled the entries knowing that it would be his key to victory.

After 2 hard fought rounds the opportunity presented itself and Dan latched onto the choke at 3:12 of the final round and forced the submission.  In his post fight speech he said, “My coach Brian said the guillotine was there and I took it”.

Precision MMA in Hudson Valley Poughkeepsie

Dan Miller with the victory

The incredible submission did not go unnoticed by the UFC brass.  Dan was awarded $50,000 for Submission of the Night, making the victory all the more sweet.

These same moves Brian is teaching to elite UFC fighters can be learned in the Hudson Valley at Precision MMA. No other MMA Gym in Poughkeepsie has produced UFC results like Precision MMA.  To start training with Brian McLaughlin and the other great coaches at Precision MMA call 845-392-8495 or visit www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com and get started on your 30 FREE days of training.

Mar 202012
 

Why choose precision mixed martial arts in the Hudson valley?

There are many gym choices for somebody interested in pursuing a martial arts career in the Hudson valley. Precision mixed martial arts in Poughkeepsie, ny is the only gym in the Hudson valley area to offer the highest caliber of instructors in their respected martial art. Here at precision mixed martial arts we have bjj black belts, UFC veterans, MMA veterans, 3rd degree black belts in judo, Golden glove champions, AKBF muay thai champions and NAGA world champions. Precision mixed martial arts in the Hudson valley not only is dedicated to the highest quality of martial arts training but member services as well. At all times we have a dedicated staff member working to satisfy our member needs. Here at precision mixed martial arts we have 5 guarantees.

1. You will constantly learn and advance in your chosen martial art daily

2. You will have a dedicated and high caliber instructor teaching every class

3. You will be around a safe and sterile environment

4. Your needs will be satisfied

5. Here at precision mixed martial arts in Poughkeepsie, NY we encourage you can expect daily to be greeted by friendly staff and members alike

If you live in the Poughkeepsie, LaGrange or Hudson Valley area and are interested in training with Precision Mixed Martial Arts then check out our FREE 30 Day Trial. Just call 845-392-8495 or visit www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started on your path to success.

Mar 202012
 
Poughkeepsie Grapplers Take Home Victories at NAGA
Precision MMA Grapplers made the trip from their hometown of LaGrange, NY up to Albany for the North American Grappling Associations (NAGA) tournament.
The big star of the day was little Mikey Rooney. With only 18 months experience, Mikey was able to win both his intermediate divisions. Since he put on such a strong performance, the decision was made to bump his up to the Expert level – despite going up against grapplers with more than twice his experience, Mikey took home second place, even scoring a few crowd pleasing submissions along the way!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in LaGrange, NY

Mikey Rooney takes home the sword for 1st place from Precision MMA

In the Adult Expert Division Jim Fitzpatrick made it to the finals after hitting jaw dropping armlocks and guillotine chokes. In a razor close match the judges awarded his opponent the victory, but “Fitz” had a strong performance looking for the submission from every angle in the toughest division of the day.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in LaGrange, NY

Jim Fitzpatrick on the medal stand for Precision MMA

Precision MMA’s Phil Gavigan took home 3rd place, showing strong wrestling and positional dominance. Precision students Erik Begnston and Hassan Kahn earned hardfought submission victories, but lost close matches to the division winners.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in LaGrange, NY

Phil Gavigan of Precision MMA

Everyone showed stellar technique, tenacity and sportsmanship that Precision MMA prides itself on. The secret to Precision’s success has always been its disciplined preparation. Training in a diverse mix of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo allows Precision MMA competitors to have more tools at their disposal and catch the competition off guard.
If you live in the Poughkeepsie, LaGrange or Hudson Valley area and are interested in training with Precision Mixed Martial Arts then check out our FREE 30 Day Trial. Just call 845-392-8495 or visit www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started on your path to success.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in LaGrange Poughkeepsie Hudson Valley NY

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in LaGrange Poughkeepsie Hudson Valley NY

Mar 162012
 

Finding an MMA gym can be a difficult decision. As mixed martial arts rises in popularity more and more traditional martial arts schools are now marketing themselves as legitimate sources for mixed martial arts. Also, schools that only specialize in one area of fighting are taking the approach of “fake it ’til you make it” and posturing as complete MMA gyms when in reality they only have training in one area of MMA.  So how do you separate fact from fiction and differentiate the legit schools from the frauds and fakers?

Ask about the MMA Gym‘s schedule and curriculum

Hudson Valley MMA Gym

Hudson Valley MMA Gym

A true MMA Gym will have an even distribution of all areas of striking and grappling. The first sign that an MMA Gym is not legit is if they have grappling everyday, but only 1 or 2 striking classes (or vice versa).  Another cause for concern is if the MMA Gym only offers one style of grappling and one style of striking.  A well rounded MMA Gym will have grappling classes in Judo, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or striking classes in Karate, Boxing and Muay Thai.  Don’t forget, the most important aspect of MMA is the concept of MIXING the martial arts.

Ask for verified fight records and video

Hudson Valley MMA Gym

Hudson Valley MMA Gym

Unfortunately, many MMA Gym owners will simply lie about their instructor’s or student’s accomplishments.  They will invent titles and fabricate stories to make themselves seem relevant.  Resources such as mixedmartialarts.com have comprehensive databases that document pro and amateur MMA fights.

Check Affiliations and Lineage

hudson valley mma gym

Hudson Valley mma gym

Has the instructor gotten all his belts from the same person or have they been “belt shopping”. Find out where the instructor received their belts (if there is no black belt instructor that is a major red flag too) and email those people. If the person who gave the belt does not endorse them then you can bet there is a problem.  Also, many legit MMA Gyms have “sold out” and are now selling teaching certificates to people who pay large sums of money, but have very little experience.  Find out if the MMA Gym has a legitimate training history with their affiliations or if they just attended a weekend course.  Testimonials from accomplished trainers, students and fighters help verify an MMA Gym legitimacy as well.

Free Trial

Hudson Valley MMA Gym

Hudson Valley MMA Gym

A real MMA gym will allow you to try before you buy. Legitimate MMA Gyms will often times offer private 1 on 1 into sessions to share with you the history and training philosophies of the gym.  If an MMA Gym isn’t willing to give you a free trial, beware!

Hudson Valley MMA Gym - Precision Mixed Martial Arts

Hudson Valley MMA Gym - Precision Mixed Martial Arts

If you live in the Poughkeepsie, LaGrange or Hudson Valley region and are looking for an authentic MMA Gym then please visit Precision Mixed Martial ArtsPrecision MMA is now offering a 30 Day Free trial visit www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com or call 845-392-8495 to get started.

Mar 122012
 

Attention Hudson Valley MMA fans – Precision MMA is now offering an incredible 30 Day FREE Trial!  To get started visit www.hudsonvalley-mma.com or call 845-392-8495

Hudson Valley MMA at Precision MMA

What Can You Expect from Training Hudson Valley MMA at Precision?

Learn to Fight Like a UFC Fighter!

If you are a fan of MMA and love watching the exciting techniques of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) then Precision MMA is the place for you!  We regularly bring in top level UFC Fighters for training and seminars such as Jim Miller and Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman. For Hudson Valley MMA no gym compares to Precision MMA.

Hudson Valley MMA

Hudson Valley MMA

UFC Fighters Jim and Dan Miller seminar at Precision MMA

Precision MMA is the only Hudson Valley MMA gym that allows you to learn from real UFC Fighters.  Head coach Brian McLaughlin is also the only Hudson Valley MMA Fighter to step inside the UFC Octagon.  Brian fought his way into the Ultimate Fighter House on season 8, although he had to withdraw due to injury, he knows what it takes to perform at the highest level of the sport and now he wants to teach YOU!

Hudson Valley MMA

Hudson Valley MMA

Precision MMA Coach Brian McLaughlin fighting on The Ultimate Fighter (Hudson Valley MMA)

So what are you waiting for?  Start training at the best Hudson Valley MMA Gym around! Visit www.hudsonvalley-mma.com or call 845-392-8495 and start your FREE 30 Day Trial.

Hudson Valley MMA