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Trainers
Coach Mario Marin (He/Him) Muay Thai/Boxing
Coach Mario has been training in martial arts since 1987, starting at the original NY Martial Arts Academy under Neil Cauliffe, focusing on Muay Thai, Savate, Escrima, and Jun Fan Kickboxing. While in Chicago from 1989 to 1992, he trained at the famous Degeberg Academy, specializing in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Wing Chun. After returning to NYMA from 1992 to 1994, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1994. After his service, he trained at Nu Breed Martial Arts and was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also trained in Muay Thai at WAT in NYC and BJJ under Marcello Mello, a UFC 20 fighter. Mario trained at the Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC from 2002 to 2007, 2009, and 2011 to 2012, and boxed under Willie Buenavidas at Zaragoza Boxing. He then trained in upstate NY at the NYMAG Academy. In 2012, he traveled to Thailand to train at Tiger Muay Thai and eventually joined their fight team. He began coaching Muay Thai at Gleason’s Gym, the oldest boxing gym in America, while learning boxing from experienced coaches. In 2016, he returned to Thailand and fought his last match at age 42 after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. As the owner of Red Planet MMA, he aims to provide high-quality training in Brooklyn and NYC.
Tony Chong Muay Thai, MMA
Tony is a Brooklyn native who started his martial arts training at the age of 15 with "Buddha Hand Wing Chun" under Sifu Henry Leung. He distinctly remembers "holding a wall sit for long periods while curling a pickle jar filled with water." While he hated it at the time, he says "it was probably the greatest character building exercise of all time" and it kickstarted a long journey into martial arts.
Since then, Tony has trained under a number of different styles and systems, including Wushu, Kyusho Jitsu, Jeet Kun Do, Kali, Sambo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
His eye for detail has been developed by being a professional instructor/trainer at various martial arts academies, gyms, movie sets and studios for 15+ years
Sherwood Kwame Reece (Q) (Boxing)
Sherwood Kwame Reece, a.k.a. Q, stepped into the ring at Starrett City Boxing Club as a teen, having falling in love with exercise and learning from the late Jimmy O’Pharrow, and later former Olympian Reggie Ford to become a professional boxer. I taught at the Aerospace High Performance Center under legendary Michael Olajide Jr.
My specialities are holistic wellness, nutrition and injury prevention. I trained a Golden Gloves champion, movie celebrities, and appeared in TV shows such as White Collar Brawlers season two and ABCNews.com. “There’s no better workout than boxing. To be able to last in the ring, you have to be in top shape.
Develop your mental readiness and physical ability to combat potential attackers. Through the repetition of simple yet effective techniques in increasingly difficult situations, you will be empowered to face—and not fear—challenges. Workout will include basic strengthening and conditioning, skill development, and application of skill in real-life situations.
PJ Lawson (Boxing)
PJ Lawson has been coaching for over 20 yrs and boxing since he was 12 years old. He went to Madison Square garden twice and is a golden gloves champion. He’s coached numerous golden Gloves and NY Metro’s Champions and enjoys training fighters.
