Many people think of martial arts as simply learning how to defend yourself. While that is one gift that martial arts has to offer, there is a whole world of possibilities that go far beyond the punches and kicks. Martial arts offers confidence, athleticism, and new ways to of self expression. It gives strength to the weak and helps people become the best versions of themselves. Training at a good martial arts academy will provide a supportive community where people help one another grow as martial artists and as people.
Martial arts can also create new paths in life. After getting a job at my martial arts school, I was able to learn a ton about running a business and teaching classes. It opened my eyes to becoming a personal trainer and perhaps owning an academy of my own one day. Working for our head coach Brian McLaughlin has given me a wealth of knowledge. Brian is a great example of someone who used his platform as a fighter to create a lucrative future for himself after his fight career. As a contender on season 8 of the Ultimate Fighter, Brian was rapidly gaining notoriety in the mixed martial arts world. Always having a passion for sharing knowledge and uplifting those around him, Brian knew that he wanted to have his own school and teach top notch martial arts to his native area; the Hudson Valley. After having a successful career in mixed martial arts and professional grappling, Brian opened up Precision Boxing and MMA in Poughkeepsie. Having a successful academy is no easy task, but Brian has continued to grow his school over the 16 years that he’s been serving the Dutchess County community. Although dedicated to his students, Coach Brian also does everything that he can to help people in need throughout his community. Leading by example, he frequently brings his students to participate in local food drives and other community building programs.
Brian isn’t the only fighter to help those in need. Dustin “The Diamond” Porier uses his UFC platform to build awareness for The Good Fight Foundation, a non profit started by himself and his wife Jolie Porier. The Good Fight Foundation donates fight kits and creates fundraisers that donate to food drives and school supply drives across the country. They recently teamed up with Fight for the Forgotten; an organization run by fellow fighter Justin Wren. Together they have raised money to build new water wells for the Batwa Pygmy Tribe in Uganda, a group of people who have been facing a debilitating water crisis.
Yes, martial arts training is likely to improve your abilities in hand-to-hand combat. It improves people’s confidence and can instill a sense of hard work and discipline. Martial arts can provide a lucrative career path beyond that of being a professional fighter. It can provide a community for people to support one another and can contribute to people who truly need help in the world.
Looking for a quality martial arts academy? Come check out Precision Boxing and MMA; the Hudson Valleys premiere academy for boxing and mixed martial arts. Give us a call today at (845)392-8495 or click HERE!
About the Author
Oliver Swanson has been a student at Precision Boxing and MMA since 2016. Falling in love with the way they taught classes, he centered his life around martial arts and now assists with boxing classes throughout the week and writes combat sports articles. When not on the mats, Oliver enjoys playing music and spending time in nature.
