My friend Sam Rivera stopped by my school and shot this amazing video. Here, Sam was exploring the culture of the school, the motivation of the instructors, as well as what makes Precision Mixed Martial Arts the unique martial arts academy that it is.
If you live in Poughkeepsie, LaGrange or anywhere else in the Hudson Valley and are looking for quality mixed martial arts, Boxing, Muay Thai or Brazilian jiu-jitsu check out http://www.precisionmixedmartialarts.com or call 845-392-8495
There are few forces in this world stronger than the power of belief. Unwavering steadfast conviction is perhaps the most crucial ingredient in the recipe of success. According to the law of attraction, hoping for triumph is not enough; one must adopt victory as a foregone conclusion and act as if their dreams have already come to fruition. Andy Main has embraced this philosophy. The object of his desire is one of the most historically relevant titles in all of mixed martial arts – The King of Pancrase. The background of Andy’s phone is a photo shopped a picture of the infamous title with his name and the year 2015 strewn across the center, a daily reminder that he is the rightful heir to the throne.Although his next fight was not for the title, a stellar performance would place him at the front of the line.
Andy’s journey towards this title of mixed martial arts nobility would not go unchallenged. Standing in his way was Tamura, a well traveled veteran who has worn the Shooto crown and even submitted the great Rumina Sato. Tamura’s fighting style mimicked my own with his affinity for the rubber guard and straight forward style. The familiarity of the style afforded us a clear road map towards victory. However, getting a win in and of itself would not be satisfying. Andy was on the hunt for a higher level performance, a fight that would showcase his true capabilities. In a way this is the dragon that every fighter is chasing, the opportunity to not only be a winner, but an artist. Andy’s recent fights had left a bad taste in his mouth and thrown his trajectory into a sort of purgatory. A majority draw followed by a controversial split decision defeat would not be erased by a pedestrian performance. This fight had to be spectacular if he was going to ascend to the heights of his lofty expectations.
There is no such thing as a perfect fight camp. However, the 6 weeks prior to Pancrase 262 were about as close to flawless as one can ever hope to achieve. I wasn’t the only one who noticed, every sparring partner was keenly aware that Andy had become a higher breed of fighter. Half way through camp Andy alerted me that we would have a familiar face joining us on our third journey to the land of the rising sun – Jonathan Brookins. Andy of course knew Brookins through their time together on season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter. Over the years Andy would often remark on how strong an impression Brookins had made on him and how he hoped that one day their paths would cross. Knowing Andy to be a good judge of character I was excited for the reunion.
At this point Tokyo had become familiar. Everything was accounted for from the Jet lag and miniature hotel rooms to the silent crowd and futuristic toilets – there would be no surprises this time. We stepped off the plane and met with Brookins and his cornerman Ivan Menjivar. Ivan was always one of my favorite fighters. A man who submitted Joe Lauzon and despite his diminutive stature stood toe to toe with George St. Pierre. Our first meeting was made all the more memorable by Ivan’s choice of wardrobe. He wore Jeans and sneakers with an oversized hotel provided pinstriped pajama vest. The airline had misplaced his luggage forcing him to don the fashionable ensemble.
The next day Brookins and Ivan toured the city while Andy and I went to train at Hearts MMA. The fighters in Japan have a distinct style of training. Their movements are fast, loose and constant. They thrive on transitions and all seem to have limitless cardio. Americans, on the aggregate, are different. There is more strategy and counter fighting, more pressure and pinning. The American style is more grueling, the Japanese style more tiring. Like the difference between an uphill climb and a downhill sprint. The change of pace was invigorating. After the session we exchanged techniques. On the mat our communication difficulties ceased, jiu-jitsu became our universal language.
Open workouts and media day were next on the agenda. Andy is typically very soft spoken in front of the camera. His prototypical interview carries a tone of reserved humility, but this time around he was more audacious. He made it clear that he was going to win this fight and demand a shot at the title after his victory. Brookins was more introspective. He spoke about this fight as part of finding his place in the world, he noted that his former wrestling coach was Japanese and that he always felt drawn to Japan.
Brookins is an anomaly within the mixed martial arts world, a free thinker who exudes an abnormal level of honesty and sincerity. Defying the MMA stereotype, he is without bravado. The reluctant celebrity, Brookins is a peace-loving yogi who doesn’t even own a cell phone. In conversation he spoke openly about his shortcomings and personal battles. It appeared that for him fighting was simultaneously the easiest and most challenging profession. Physically Brookins is gifted. His movements are intuitively precise, his dexterity and flexibility are unmatched; his learning curve and athleticism are of the highest order. Brookins’ struggles are mental and philosophical. He confessed that in the past he experienced cognitive dissonance between his peaceful lifestyle and his violent profession. He wondered if by fighting MMA he could be in some way desensitizing people to violence and thereby contributing to society’s malevolence. He admitted that while his will to fight was ever present his allegiance to training waxed and waned and had it not been for Ivan’s diligent supervision he may not have been able to return to form. Brookins had a tall task ahead of him. He was taking on the best Japan had to offer – the bantamweight King of Pancrase Shintaro Ishiwatari who had made his intention clear – he wanted to get to the UFC and use Brookins as his stepping stone. Despite these crucibles Brookins was in high spirits. Japan had energized him. He felt like he was destined to be there and relished the chance to perform in front of this new audience. Fighting had become a form of self expression and this bout was an opportunity to tell a new story. 
The session concluded by checking the fighters’ weight. After a hard training session Andy was on weight. Brookins had 10 pounds to cut. By general MMA standards losing 10 pounds the day before weigh-in is standard operating procedure, but in Japan things are different. The Pancrase representative chastised Brookins for being so heavy and assured him if he missed weight the consequences would be dire. Brookins laughed off the concerns and told the man that for all the grief he was put through he demanded to be taken to the finest Japanese restaurant after he made weight.
Weight was made without issue. Fight day was now upon us, with Brookins headlining and Andy fulfilling the co-main slot, which meant we would have some time on our hands. Sitting in the locker room I took the opportunity to pick Ivan’s brain on all things MMA. He spoke about how the sport of MMA had changed over time. He noted that when he came up the ranks he didn’t turn down fights or hand pick opponents. His intention was to test himself and compete. A true throwback, he would take on anyone at anytime and do so with a smile on his face. He spoke about how the sport needed to move away from weight cutting and the misery he endured starving himself down to 135 pounds. He was critical of fighters who refuse to discuss their compensation, noting that without the information being made public there is too much wild speculation and young fighters can’t accurately create a roadmap for their careers. Ivan’s perspective is unique since he has experienced the sport on every level since its inception – fan, student, elite competitor, coach and cornerman, he had seen it all. Through our conversation it became apparent that Ivan’s aspirations and concerns lay beyond his personal glory, he wants to better the sport for all athletes.
Finally fight time neared. I wrapped Andy’s hands, he warmed up and he began his pre-fight pacing. I used to take his faceless expression and silent marching as a signal of nerves and insecurity, but now I recognize it as a sign of readiness, the final ritual before entering center stage. The fight begins and Andy stalks forward. Tamura begins firing kicks with full power, asserting himself and letting all in attendance know he has bad intentions. After a series of strikes Tamura presses Andy up against the cage. As the minutes tick away a moment of worry creeps into my mind. Andy is seemingly allowing Tamura into the fight, standing in front of him and acquiescing to being pinned against the fence. Just as my fears begin to culminate Andy silences them with a well timed takedown. He quickly advances his position until he is in full back mount. Time is not on our side so I tell him to look for strikes rather than submissions. Andy responds and lands a series of hard blows at the bell. I look at Tamura’s body language as he walks to his corner. He shows all the trappings of a man on the brink of defeat – slow to rise, fatigue written across his face, an ever so slight stagger as he stands. Conversely, the air of confidence so present in training camp is once again alive in Andy.
I instruct Andy to circle away from Tamura’s power as I expect him to enter a desperation mode. I urge him to be less calculating and more aggressive in his striking, to capitalize on Tamura’s inability to fight moving backwards. The judges indicate that the round belongs to us. Pancrase utilizes an open scoring system, taking the guess work out of assessing a fighter’s performance in the stanza. Andy nods his head in agreement and readies himself for the second round.
As expected, Tamura races forward throwing heavy shots, but Andy’s footwork provides him with no target. Andy is more aggressive now, landing heavy shots 
at will. Just as it seems we have victory in our crosshairs Tamura lands a perfectly timed superman punch, the cleanest strike of the bout. There was a palatable disappointment across Tamura’s face as he realized Andy was unfazed by the blow. Andy unloads a fierce combination and Tamura drops to the canvas. For a moment I thought Andy had scored a knockout, but Tamura would not go so quietly. Tamura desperately fights to tie Andy up from the guard as Andy works his passing. Finally, he achieves the full mount. There are only 30 seconds left, but Andy has the finish on his mind.
He postures tall and lands fierce punches, but in his haste Tamura begins to work his legs in. I scream for Andy to get closer and switch to elbows. He listens and the strikes begin accumulating in fierce succession, the only question now is if he can beat the clock. Tamura begins to turn aw
ay and abandons all defense, the ref mercifully steps in with just moments left on the clock – victory.
Andy is elated, he rejoices the moment and exudes the satisfaction known only to those who realize a hard fought goal. I begin yelling “King of Pancrase” to the crowd petitioning for Andy’s shot at the title as the referee raises his hand. Walking out of the cage Andy is greeted by a wave of adoring Japanese fans. The fans in Japan are more respectful. In America spectators will often aggressively shove merchandise in a fighter’s face with little tact or etiquette – American fans will often not
even know the competitor’s name, but feel it is their right to secure his signature for their benefit. In Japan the fans often bring gifts to the fighters, small tokens of their appreciation to show how much they enjoyed the combatant’s performance. This time there was an artist in the crowd who gave Andy a portrait he drew of him to commemorate his time in Japan, a remarkable memento that illuminated the cultural differences in the east vs the west.
After attending to his fans, Andy and I turned our attention to Brookins as he made his way to the cage. Ivan told me that although Brookins is seemingly more pacifist than pugilist, once the cage door closes he changes and the primal side of him takes center stage. As Brookins squared off with
his opponent I could see the transformation was in full effect. The fight was a complete barnburner. Brookins would dominate the round and then somehow find himself in a firefight where it seemed both fighters could be knocked out at any moment. There were several momentum switches and reversals of fortune and the fight became more of a test of wills than an athletic competition. Brookins’ wrestling proved to be the difference though and he took home the unanimous decision. Although he had defeated the champion the bout was a non-title affair, undoubtedly setting the stage for an epic rematch. Brookins was like a new man following his victory. He was energized and enthusiastic about his future prospects and looked like he was ready for fight another 3 rounds right then and there.
Andy was reflective after his bout. He told me he used to be nervous before competing, afraid of disappointing people – his friends, family and students. Until he realized that his support wasn’t predicated on having an unblemished record. Those who cheer for him do so out of admiration for his daring struggle for greatness. Competitive fighting is a metaphor for the struggles of life. We don’t win every battle, but we appreciate those who have the courage to continue in the face of adversity.
Andy and Brookins had traveled long roads to reach this point. Andy had been a hot prospect when he joined the Ultimate Fighter, but injuries and illness forced him into a two year hiatus. In that same span Brookins went from the exclusive fraternity of Ultimate Fighter winners to being unemployed and contemplating retirement. There is indeed life after TUF though. Both Andy and Brookins have climbed new mountains and reclaimed the spotlight half a world away from home. They are two fighters who believe in themselves and it won’t be long before they make believers out of everyone.
Need more than words to bring the story to life check out the videos below:
See the Japan experience through Andy’s eyes here
Brookins’ Japan footage
Pancrase 262 Highlight
Train with Andy at his gym Pure MMA in Denville, NJ
Hudson Valley martial artists check out Brian’s school Precision MMA in LaGrangeville, NY
There are many joys I get to experience as a martial arts instructor, from helping a student master a difficult technique, to teaching a young child the value of hard work, to being in the corner for a championship prize fight. However, there is nothing more satisfying than stories of self defense. Knowing that the techniques you taught someone came to the rescue at the most critical juncture provides a satisfaction like nothing else.
Precision MMA is fortunate to have both incredible instructors and dedicated students. Here is the story of Nick Formichelli, a corrections officier in Dutchess County who was able to use the techniques he learned at Precision to protect himself from a hostile inmate.
Want to learn realistic self defense in the Hudson Valley? Find out what you can learn in 30 days call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started
I used to be pretty good! If you like grunge music and double legs train with me at my Poughkeepsie MMA gym Precision MMA in LaGrange, NY visit www.poughkeepsimixedmartialarts.com
The recent on set brawl between Chael Sonnen and Wanderlie Silva during The Ultimate Fighter Brazil highlighted an essential lesson that every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner should keep in mind when things start to get out of hand – control the distance. As tensions began to rise between the pugilists Chael attempted to deescalate the situation politely asking Wanderlie to please stop. Once Chael realizes that diplomacy has failed he shoves Wanderlie away saying “I can’t let you get close”. This statement served two purposes; first it told Wanderlie that his shove was an act of personal protection and not aggression. He wasn’t trying to insight him only keep safe. Secondly, it put him at a comfortable distance too far to be struck. Jiu-jitsu fighters are often trained to clinch, but they forget that being at a distance is often times the safer option since it allows for potential flight. Additionally, it is easer to clinch on an opponent who is coming towards you rather than one retreating away. Once you create the distance a motivated attacker must advance if they want to pursue the attack further. Chael drew Wanderlie in with the full intention of closing the distance once Wanderlie initiated a committed motion. A striking attacker wants their opponent in the mid range, right at the end of their punches placing them close enough to hit, but far enough to generate power. Chael’s role as the grappler was played perfect. Keeping the hands up and chin protected he goes from being too far to immediately too close, executing a double leg while in flip flops is perhaps even more impressive.
The sad reality is that this concept of distance management is being lost by many modern day BJJ practitioners. The sportive game, while technically advanced, is often played completely at the mid range. The same rules that apply on the feet exist on the ground, especially from the guard. If someone is in the mid range either kick them away and stand up in base or you pull them in so tight they don’t have an inch of daylight. The “self defense problem” is not that people are training exotic techniques or positions, but rather that they are executing them from the inappropriate distance.
Looking for a Poughkeepsie MMA school that teaches realistic self defense? Visit Precision MMA and take a 30 Day free trial call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.bjjfighter.com
Precision MMA
There are many misconceptions about martial arts. When people find out what I do for a living they often ask me questions like how many boards can you break? Or what happened to your ears? One misconception is with regards to self defense. I was recently speaking with a man who asked me if I taught self defense. I told him I do and he responds that the only self defense he needs is his handgun. It’s a common sentiment, why would I want to learn all these involved pins, choke holds and joint locks when I could just pull a trigger? Obviously when faced with multiple attackers or against a deadly weapon a handgun has many advantages to BJJ. However, in my opinion there are many instances where jiu-jitsu is a better tool for personal protection than a firearm and many of the self defense shortcomings of firearms are often overlooked by gun enthusiasts.
#1 – I can take my jiu-jitsu anywhere
The top drawback of having a firearm as your only means of self defense is that you cannot bring it to many places where you may need to protect yourself. In my home state of NY bars, certain restaurants, schools, racetracks, amusements parks, hospitals, airplanes, most sporting events and government buildings all prohibit firearms. Additionally, you cannot have a loaded gun on your person while traveling in your car or in certain major metropolitan areas (such as NYC). Those are simply the areas in which firearms are expressly prohibited by law, there are numerous instances where carrying a gun may just be impractical.
Jiu-jitsu is different. You cannot take my jiu-jitsu away from me or make me leave it at home; it is an inseparable part of my identity 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I don’t have to read up on legislation to decide whether I can bring my jiu-jitsu while traveling. Ironically, when the gentleman told me he only required his handgun I asked him if he was carrying it right then and there, sure enough he was not. Additionally, guns are not perfect machines. They jam, misfire or suffer a host of other malfunctions – while my jiu-jitsu isn’t perfect I always have it available on demand.
#2 – I’ve never armbarred myself
Many of my friends are gun enthusiasts and routinely practice marksmanship and train for specific self defense scenarios with their weapon. Aside from those that are active police or military who fired their weapon in the line of duty I don’t know anyone who used their gun to stop an attack. However, I know multiple people who have accidently shot themselves. New Yorkers are familiar with the case of Plaxico Burress the Giant’s wide receiver who suffered a self-inflicted gun shot wound inside a Manhattan night club resulting in a two year prison sentence.
Jiu-jitsu doesn’t backfire. When you apply a submission the only person who will suffer the impact of that attack is your intended target. You also don’t have to worry that your jiu-jitsu will fall into someone else’s hands and be used against you. While I may not know anyone personally who has used a gun to fend off an attacker I know many who have used their jiu-jitsu training to subdue an attacker and never once has their use of force resulted in any personal or collateral damage.
#3 – Jiu-jitsu offers a sliding scale of violence
After defeating an opponent in the UFC Demian Maia once said “I want to show Jiu-Jitsu to the world. I want to show people that you can win a fight without hurting your opponent”. Maia highlights arguably the most valuable aspect of jiu-jitsu as a self defense art, the selective use of harm. If someone is a threat to me and talking them down hasn’t worked I can gently take them down, establish a dominant position and calmly diffuse the situation. If more force is necessary I can throw light strikes to show them I mean business. Should more force be required I could apply a submission and gradually apply force until I achieve compliance. Finally, if all else fails I can render them unconscious, which while more aggressive is unlikely to result in long term damage. Not every fight is life or death. For example, one of my students had to subdue his brother in law after he had too much to drink and went after another family member. My student simply got behind him, applied a rear naked choke and the altercation was ended.
When your only method for diffusing an assault is pulling a firearm it quickly escalates the situation to life or death. As a result actions too often become erratic and chaos ensues. While guns do offer a deterrent effect, if that deterrent is ignored the next step is lethal force. Gun owners are trained to shoot to kill and while a Glock might be necessary for a hostage situation it isn’t necessarily the best tool for diffusing a bar fight. There are also serious psychological implications for self defense killings as well that are often underestimated by gun owners. If your only tool for protecting yourself is lethal force you may have to face the uncomfortable reality of taking the life of another human being. Jiu-jitsu offers a less than lethal option that can save an innocent person from the psychological stress of taking a life.
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/experts_the_psychological_afte.html
For example, in this scenario jiu-jitsu training would have offered the officer a method of restraint that would have kept both parties alive. Regardless of how justified the shooting may have been the officer now has to live with the fact that he shot and killed a man on his wedding night. A skilled jiu-jitsu practitioner would be armed with the tools to control the fight without loss of life.
Clearly there are instances in which carrying a gun could save your life. I know I wouldn’t want to test my jiu-jitsu against an armed attacker. However, there are a host of situations and a scenarios where using a firearm is either illegal, dangerous, or unnecessarily escalates the encounter. At the very least jiu-jitsu offers a viable first line of defense or alternative to lethal force that should be seriously considered by those who take their personal protection seriously.
Precision MMA
Learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at the top Poughkeepsie martial arts school Precision MMA call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com to get started
Aches, pains and injuries are an unfortunate part of training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, but they are also unavoidable. I started training when I was 15 years old. I gave little thought or concern to recovery, rehab, prehab, warming up, or general injury prevention. I thought I was invincible and in reality my body was still strong and very resilient. I spent all my time figuring out ways to train harder. I’d go on 10 miles runs, do hundreds of situps daily, and roll like it was life or death every minute of every round. Everything changed just before my 18th birthday when I was rolling with someone nearly 100 pounds heavier than me and suffered a traumatic injury. I tore my ACL, my lateral meniscus and fractured my tibia all in one shot. I had to have major reconstructive surgery and in many ways my body was never the same again.
Full recovery took an entire year. Once I got back into training I was very cautious with my training. I was scared that I’d never be able to compete professionally or worse, I could suffer another injury and be kept off the mat altogether. I was still young though and eventually I set aside my cautious ways and jumped back into my previous kill or be killed training methodologies. Sure enough a new problem arose, intense hip pain. I had a constant dull ache at all times that would transform into acute shooting pain following hard rolling. I began stretching more and paid close attention to my diet…no change. Eventually, things got so bad that I would have to take a fist full of Aleve just to walk my dog around the block. I even saw a doctor and had an MIR done. The doctor told me aside from painkillers, nothing could be done.
Around this time a friend of mine was raving about a strength and conditioning coach he went to that not only got him into great shape, but fixed his aching hips. I was willing to try anything so I signed up for a private training session. The coach took some time to correct my posture and give me a few rehab exercises, but what really changed everything was when he pulled out a foam cylinder he called a “roller”. He explained that I had tightness in my IT (Iliotibial) bands and piriformis muscles were very tight and that the foam roller would provide relief through a process of “myofascial release”. Without getting overly technical, myofascial release causes muscles to relax by engaging the golgi tendon. The process is nothing short of agonizing. When I first positioned my legs on the roller I was told to find a tight spot and then remain in position for 90 seconds. I felt time stand still while my leg shook and I experienced a new fantastic level of agony. I thought for sure this was voodoo, but I was desperate. As time went on each foam rolling session became less painful and the trembling became less pronounced and then something incredible happened – my hip pain stopped. I felt limber and relaxed without the aid of painkillers.
Here is a short video that gives a general idea of the problem and treatment
Since that time foam rolling has become a daily activity. I’ve also discovered new ways of using golf and tennis balls to elicit the same benefits. I literally roll out every part of my body, from head to toe. Stiff neck, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and a host of other ailments I’ve suffered have all been cured by myofascial release.
So if you want pain free rolling, then you better get yourself a roller and give these exercises a shot
Check out Precision MMA a Poughkeepsie MMA gym
If you live further south on the east coast visit Tampa Gracie for Tampa Boxing and Kids martial arts Tampa
I stumbled across an old hard drive with some training footage from the beginning of my pro career in 2007. Back then we had Frankenstein Mats put together with duct tape and trained in the attic of an old physical therapy building. Here I’m sparring with one of my amateur students who later went on to be a pro, Mike Piekarski. Back then we didn’t have head coaches, I basically coached myself through my first 3 fights learning by the trial and error of sparring rounds.
At a certain point the sport matured and allowed professionals to come together under the watchful eye of seasoned coaches and training partners. This is a clip from a training session at the AMA Fight Club in 2011. Here I’m in a room with multiple seasoned regional pros as well as numerous Strikeforce and UFC veterans. Just four years earlier though, this type of training was non-existent in my corner of the tristate area.
Sometimes looking back makes you appreciate what you have today. Sometimes I complain about long drives to training or waking up early because I took quickly forget how things used to be.
Looking to train MMA in Poughkeepsie, NY? Check out http://www.poughkeepsiemixedmartialarts.com
Poughkeepsie MMA
Florida residents check out Martial Arts Tampa at Tampa Gracie
Nothing in life is certain – “expect the unexpected” is the motto of every sage martial artist. However, the closest thing to a guarantee in this crazy, unpredictable world of ours is that when Karl Nemeth fights, he is putting on a spectacular show and getting his hand raised.
Hudson Valley Muay Thai
Last night was a historic evening in Hudson Valley MMA history. For the first time ever, real mixed martial arts bouts were contested in Poughkeepsie, NY. The Mid-Hudson Civic Center played host to John Carlo’s “Fall Brawl”. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, the civic center was always where the action was at. Every time I walk through those doors I’m flooded with nostalgia. When I was in elementary school I remember losing my voice cheering on my favorite pro wrestlers as the leaped from turnbuckles and hit one another with folded steel chairs. As a middle schooler my first rock concert was at the civic center when Marilyn Manson got in trouble for starting a fire and indecently exposing himself on stage. Just a few months back I huddled in the Civic Center to watch my favorite comedian Louis CK put on a sidesplitting routine. Now the arena I’ve come to know and love would play host to the sport that is the focus of my life – it was a very exciting evening.
Unfortunately, New York MMA is “barely legal”. The Empire state has kept the sport in an odd limbo that neither sanctions nor outlaws amateur bouts. As a result, bouts are allowed to proceed with no real state oversight. This had upset the neighboring athletic commissions of Pennsylvania and New Jersey who have implemented mandatory suspensions for any combatant who dares to compete in their home town. This unfair persecution of New York fighters was why we decided to have Karl compete in a muay thai bout rather than MMA (that and for Karl’s last attempt at MMA his opponent dropped out the day of the fight).
Every coach dreams of having a student that will exceed their own abilities. Someone who will take their teachings and guidance and not just absorb them, but improve upon them. I have been fortunate to have that in Karl. A true martial artist who takes a cerebral approach to the science of fighting. Karl learns the conventions of an art and then figures out ways to defy them in spectacular fashion. A little over a year ago I brought Karl to work with my muay thai coach and living legend Kaensak Sor Ploenjit. Kaensak’s approach to muay thai embraces the old Bruce Lee addage of “Using no way as a way”. Feints, set ups, spins and jumps are common practice – creativity and unorthadox attacks are not just encouraged, they are the very foundation of attack in Kaensak’s system. He and Karl were a match made in Heaven.
The number 1 prerequisite for this style is fearlessness – a trait often lacking in aspiring pugilists. Karl has this trait in spades. Last night Karl entered the ring to the roaring applause of his Precision MMA students. Everyone at the gym who stepped in the ring to spar with Karl leading up to this bout knew they were in for something special. I always hated the crowd, the noise, the anticipation of combat – Karl seems to thrive off it. An ear to ear grin graces his face from the opening bell as he stalks his opponent. Once the bout begins the noise of the crowd is deafened by the sudden thunderous smack of Karl’s leg kicks. His opponent is game though and marches forward with courageous determination determined to trade power with “Mr. Fantastic” (an old nickname given to Karl following his first muay thai bout) as the first round comes to a conclusion. 
The second round picks up where the first left off. The opponent is employing the same strategy, but the kicks are too numerous and now coming from odd angles with unpredictable timing. Round kicks, teeps, axe and spin kicks quickly mark the legs, body and face of Karl’s battered opponent. He changes course and decides to clinch. Karl delivers thunderous knees and body punches before hurling his opponent to the ground with muay thai sweeps. Entering the final round Karl’s opponent now realizes he finds himself in a “pit or the pendulum” situation. He is overwhelmed and out gunned. Karl pulls out all the stops landing spinning back fists and even leaping off the cage to land an Anthony Pettis-esque superman punch that could have been part of a Parkour highlight video. Karl panders to the crowd egging on their cheers with his flamboyant techniques, they roar with approval as the final bell sounds.
Karl has his hand raised and further cemented his place as the top Poughkeepsie Muay Thai fighter in the Hudson Valley.
As a coach I couldn’t be more proud. Afterwards the New York state commissioners were dying to know if Karl would be willing to fight MMA. Although Karl is known as a stellar stand up fighter, most people don’t realize that he is equally skilled on the ground. It won’t be long until he adds Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt to his ever growing mantle of achievements.
Live in Poughkeepsie and want to train muay thai with Karl? Check out Precision MMA for 30 Days FREE call 845-392-8495 or visit http://www.poughkeepsiemuaythai.com
Not in Poughkeepsie? Florida residents to sure to check out Kids martial arts Tampa
